First responders are trained to assist /stabilize victims at the scene of an  emergency before advanced help arrives. Among other steps taken by a first responder at Emergency Scenes, the following four steps mentioned below are the major ones.

In this post, I will consider some of the role of first responders in an emergency. If this looks like what you are willing to know, then let’s hop in.

Role of first responders in an emergency

1. First and foremost, ensure that the scene is safe.

A first responder must take this important step anytime he or she is providing help. In event that the scene of the emergency is not safe, stay away until you can ascertain that it is okay to assist .while providing help, continue to assess the scene to be aware of anything that might change and make it unsafe.

A first responder cannot help anyone if he or she is injured. In assessing the scene , the following questions comes to mind; Is it safe for me as a first responder or the injured person? Only move an injured person if  he or she is in danger or if there is need to move in order to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Are there people around to help? If the answer is yes, let somebody phone your local emergency number. if no one is around, first responder at emergency scene should phone for help.

 

 

The first responder at emergency scene should tell how many  people are hurt and what happened?

Where is the scene of the emergency? The first responder at emergency scene will need to tell the paramedics how to get to the Emergency scene.

2.Take the Necessary Precautions

After ensuring that the scene is safe, there are necessary precautions the first responder at emergency scene should take. Make sure you wear your personal protective equipment(PPE) such as eye protection and medical gloves. These help shield you from blood and body fluids of the victims incase it contains germs that can cause diseases.

Also your kit should contain a mask for giving breaths in case you need to give CPR. In event that the victim’s blood touches your skin or splashes in your face, immediately wash your hands and rinse the affected area with soap and water and go ahead to contact a health care provider as soon as possible. Its also important that you remove the protective gloves properly for risk of infection

 

3. Find Out What The Problem Is

The first responder at Emergency Scene must assess the victim to find out what the problem is. Firstly, check if the victim is responsive or not. Tap him or her and ask, “Are you OK?” If the person is unresponsive, immediately check for breathing. Look for signs of injury such as bleeding, broken bones, burns, or bites if the person is breathing and stay with victim until advanced help arrives. But if the person is not breathing normally, begin CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator(AED). Examine the victim for any possible Medical Information Jewelry, as this provides further details on the person’s medical condition.

Is it appropriate to move an injured person?

The answer is no, especially if you suspect that the person might have a pelvic or spinal injury. However, there are times you might consider moving the person such as when the emergency scene is unsafe for the first responder and the injured person.

Where the person is unresponsive and breathing normally, you may roll the person unto his side to keep his airway open in case he vomits. To move an injured person, place your hands on the person’s shoulders, grab his clothes and pull him to safety.

4. Safeguard the Person’s Privacy

The role of a first responder at Emergency scene is to protect the person’s privacy. You are likely to learn private things about the people you help such as their medical conditions. Kindly give all information about an injured person to the paramedics. keep private things private.

You can also read more about the roles of First Responders at emergency scene by clicking on Who is a First Responder In Emergency? article on my site.

How to become a first responder

Emergencies happen anytime and any where, hence the need for first responders in our communities. To become a first responder, take the following steps;

• Get your O’level certification.

• Enroll for first responders training

• Obtain your first responders certification by taking the compulsory tests.

• Practice and broaden your knowledge on first response

You can also visit this site www.hei.org.ng to know more about first responders training in Nigeria.

Examples of first responders

A first responder can be a law enforcement officer, a paramedic, an Emergency Medical Technician(EMT), a fire fighter, a Public Health Professional or even a lay rescuer.

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