What's happening to First Responder in MA?

[EMSTeen]

Hey Guys,

I'm Ben. I'm 13 years old and interested in Emergency Medicine and EMS. I found this forum and I think it looks great to learn a little bit more about it! I have First Aid and Professional Rescuer CPR/AED. I will be volunteering at a local Medical Reserve Corps chapter. I'm not "nutter", but I can't do EMT-B. I don't have the time (school, sports, socially), but I am currently looking at EMR. I live in Massachusetts and I can't find any. I looked at a local university, they were offering it but canceled the last class and told me the next one was in 2 years. I called 4-5 EMS Training Academy's in the Boston Area and they all told me they weren't offering it and haven't for years. What the hell is going on? I talked to some cops and they said they got FR in the academy. I only want to increase my skill level a little bit more (Oxygen, Spinal Immobilization, Trauma Assessments, etc). Does anybody know why they can't be found anymore? Is EMT-B just becoming the new standard?

 

[NJEMT95]

I believe most EMR / First Responder courses now are mainly offered for specific groups that need the training (e.g. firefighters, police officers, and some college EMS squads). Unfortunately, there really isn't much you can do at your age with EMS. When you're 18, you can take the EMT course. Some volunteer squads might take you as a youth member, but probably not until you're about 16 - that's when I started.

 

[rwik123]

I believe most EMR / First Responder courses now are mainly offered for specific groups that need the training (e.g. firefighters, police officers, and some college EMS squads). Unfortunately, there really isn't much you can do at your age with EMS. When you're 18, you can take the EMT course. Some volunteer squads might take you as a youth member, but probably not until you're about 16 - that's when I started.

Basically this. The standard had risen to emt basic for both ffs and cops too.

 

[Meursault]

Hi Ben. Wait, holy s:censored:t, your post was legible. Are you sure you're 13? The first responder level is mostly designed to give cops and firefighters some confidence and legitimacy when responding to medical emergencies; I don't think it was ever envisioned as a stand-alone role. Anyway, this isn't New Jersey, we don't let minors run around playing "Emergency". Come back when you're a person.

In the meantime, work hard in school and aim higher. You could go into one of the healthcare professions instead and have earning potential, some status, a career, and an education.