When faced with an emergency, our community’s first responders are the people we turn to for assistance. These dedicated individuals know exactly what to do in emergencies and will show up at any time of the day or night to help us. Whether we face a burglary, car accident, house fire, or any other incident that requires medical attention, we can count on first responders.
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 defines first responders as “Federal, state, and local governmental and nongovernmental emergency public safety, fire, law enforcement, emergency response, emergency medical (including hospital emergency facilities), and related personnel, agencies, and authorities.”
Here’s a look at what is required to join these dedicated public servants in protecting our communities.
Requirements and Training for First Responders
Requirements to become a first responder vary depending on the type of service. For example, volunteer firefighters are typically required to complete the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Entry Level Fire Training course. A state-certified class in firefighting, the course is comprised of four modules. The final module includes a practical exam that involves fighting a real, live fire in a controlled environment under the supervision of well-trained instructors.
In contrast, the city of Pittsburgh provides on-the-job training for firefighters. Applicants must live within 60 miles of downtown Pittsburgh, be 18 years of age, have a current Pennsylvania driver’s license, and be able to pass a pre-employment background check.
To become a police officer in Pennsylvania, applicants must have a high school diploma and complete screening processes and testing. Applicants are also required to attend a state-approved police training academy. The length of time that training lasts varies, though most training courses are 14 to 18 weeks. During this time, students receive classroom and practical training on a variety of legal topics and law enforcement practices.
When it comes to paramedics, there are several stages. “The first step is to be certified as an EMT,” explained Dan Christy, operations supervisor at Shaler Hampton EMS. “The training takes about a semester, and classes are held on average two days a week.” Shaler Hampton EMS offers an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course that prepares students with the knowledge and skills to provide basic-level emergency care in a pre-hospital setting. In this course, students learn the following:
Emergency care for cardiac arrest
Medical emergencies
Trauma emergencies
Pediatric emergencies
Geriatric emergencies
Oxygen administration
Pharmacology for emergency care
Patient assessment techniques
Medication Administration
EMS Operations
Medical Terminology
The course includes classroom sessions, skill labs, and required clinical rotations in hospitals or ambulance services.
“Upon completion of the course, students have to obtain their CPR certification, be certified in emergency vehicle operations, and complete the National Registry EMT written exam,” said Christy.
Pennsylvania also offers an EMT advanced certification program that takes about 10 to 12 weeks to complete and is a little more intensive. This advanced certification expands the scope of the EMT. “This has been a really good thing for rural Pennsylvania because it allows people that don’t have the time or the money required for more advanced courses to expand their scope and deliver a little higher level of care,” said Christy.
Paramedics are at the top of the emergency care ladder. “The paramedic program is extremely intensive and lasts a year in the classroom,” said Christy. “It includes clinical hours in hospitals, truck time hours in the ambulance, and actual lab time in the classroom in a simulation lab.”
Paramedics also have to complete additional side courses including pediatric advanced life support and advanced cardiac life support. Passing the national registry examination is also a requirement.
“The paramedic program involves much more intensive anatomy and pharmacology training,” Christy explained. “Students must learn how to identify and treat issues in an emergency.”
Mental Health Challenges for First Responders
Studies by the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicate that an estimated 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as compared with 20 percent in the general population.
This statistic is not surprising considering that first responders routinely see people on the worst days of their lives. “It takes a lot of mental toughness to do this job,” Christy said. “It’s important for first responders to get proper rest to be able to keep their mind clear throughout the day.”
Fortunately, Allegheny County has critical incident stress management teams to help first responders manage job-related stress. “Shaler Hampton EMS also offers good peer support to our first responders,” said Christy. “Our employees can also participate in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at UPMC. EAP is confidential and enables our employees to more or less get everything out on the table and work toward healing.”
Christy noted that the mental health of first responders wasn’t always a consideration. “Mental health issues were overlooked for a long time – it was very much a suck it up type of attitude,” he explained. “Through research, many came to the realization that trauma has long-lasting effects on people if they don’t get that stuff out and get help.”