15 firefighters pursue Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Certification @ Indian River

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company is pleased to announce that fifteen (15) of its firefighting personnel are pursuing the Emergency Medical Response Course via the Delaware State Fire School (DSFS) in Oak Orchard.
 

The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) is an introductory level education in patient assessment, vital signs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), medical illnesses, traumatic injuries and emergency childbirth. The EMR role is varied. The EMR may be an employee or volunteer with an emergency medical service (EMS) to assist EMT’s on pre-hospital type ambulance calls. A firefighter or law enforcement officer may also be an EMR to provide emergency medical care prior to arrival of an ambulance. This EMR curriculum is a 40 hour course with weekly tests and final exam certifications.

To date during Calendar Year 2013, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company has responded to 104 such pre-hospital emergency incidents within its fire district. Approximately 1/3 of every incident alert in Indian River’s fire district is for a medical emergency or assistance request due to a medical emergency.

Upon completion of EMR training, the firefighter will be familiar with:

• Use of the AED;

• Managing airway problems;

• Using oxygen delivery devices and applying oxygen;

• Monitoring blood pressure and vital signs;

• Performing initial patient assessment and ongoing assessment until advances care arrives;

• Pediatric emergencies;

• Obstetrics and gynecological emergencies, care of the newborn;

• Basic fundamental documentation of emergency medical care;

• Managing bleeding emergencies and splinting potential fractures and related injuries; and 

• Assessment and treatment of medical emergencies.

This EMR course is intended for those individuals who respond to pre-hospital situations and must manage the patient until basic life support or paramedic units arrive or the patient can be transferred to an individual with more advanced levels of training.

This EMR certification is valid for a period of two years before a 12 hours recertification process is required.