Contents: What are the qualifications? What does a CFR do? What is the CFR course about? Where can I take a course?

Introduction

The following is the position description for the Certified First Responder (CFR), and may be used as a guide for anyone who is interested in understanding what qualifications, competencies and tasks are expected of the CFR.

Qualifications

*Apply and successfully complete the NYS approved CFR curriculum.
*Achieve a passing score on the practical and written certification examinations.
*Must be at least 16 years of age.
*A high school education or equivalent is recommended.
*Ability to communicate verbally; via telephone and radio equipment.
*Ability to lift, carry, and balance up to 125 pounds (250 with assistance).
*Ability to interpret written, oral and diagnostic form instructions.
*Ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations.
*Ability to be unaffected by loud noises and flashing lights.
*Ability to function efficiently throughout an entire work shift without *interruption.
*Ability to read English language manuals, and road maps and accurately discern street signs and address numbers.
*Ability to interview patients, family members, and bystanders.
*Ability to document, in writing, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such.
*Ability to converse in English with coworkers and hospital staff as to status of patient.
*Good manual dexterity, with ability to perform all tasks related to highest quality patient care.
* Community marketplace Ability to bend, stoop, and crawl on uneven terrain.
*Ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture.
*Ability to work in low light situations and confined spaces.

Competency Areas

The Certified First Responder (CFR) must demonstrate competency assessing a patient, handling emergencies, utilizing Basic Life Support equipment, have the ability to perform CPR, control hemorrhage, provide non-invasive shock treatment, manage environmental emergencies, provide initial care in medical emergencies, trauma and emergency childbirth.

Description of Tasks

*Receives call from dispatcher, responds verbally to emergency calls, reads maps, may drive an emergency response vehicle to emergency site, uses most expeditious route, and observes traffic ordinances and regulations.
*Uses appropriate infectious disease control procedures, assesses safety of the scene, gains access to patient, assesses extent of injury, uses prescribed techniques and appliances, radios dispatcher for additional assistance or services as necessary.
*Provides additional emergency care following established protocols, determines nature and extent of illness or injury, takes pulse, blood pressure, respirations, visually observes changes in skin color, makes determination regarding patient-status (critical, unstable, potentially unstable, stable) establishes priority for emergency care, renders appropriate emergency care, searches for medical identification emblem to aid in care.
*Reports verbally and in writing, observations about and care of patient at the scene to the EMT or AEMT in charge of the ambulance crew.
* Assists in lifting, carrying, and properly loading of patient into the ambulance, may provide transport to a medical facility.
*Reassures patients and bystanders, avoids mishandling patient and undue haste.
*Complies with regulations in handling deceased, notifies authorities, arranges for protection of property and evidence at scene.
*Replaces supplies, may send used supplies for sterilization, checks all equipment for future readiness, may maintain emergency response vehicle in operable condition, ensures emergency response vehicle cleanliness and orderliness of equipment and supplies, decontaminates equipment.
*May determine vehicle readiness by checking oil, gas, water in battery and radiator, and tire pressure, and maintains familiarity with all specialized equipment.

Below is a listing of course sponsors in the Southern Tier region (Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben Counties). Please find the sponsor nearest to where you live and contact the representative. For a listing of current EMS courses in the region, go to our course list