As a responder, you are a key part of the pre-hospital care system, also known as the emergency medical system. The pre-hospital care system is a network of professional responders with an integrated approach to providing care in an emergency situation. Your level of expertise may provide a link between the first actions of bystanders and more advanced medical care. A professional responder is a person who, in a paid or volunteer capacity, is often summoned to provide initial care during an emergency. As the first trained professional on the scene, you perform critical actions and may have a significant effect on the patient’s outcome.

As part of the foundation of the Canadian emergency systems, EMRs and AFAs are often linked with volunteer emergency services organizations in rural and remote areas and, in some communities, they may be the sole provider of emergency services.

Responders across the country have different roles to perform, including primary and secondary assessments, the provision of safe and prudent care, effective oral and written communication, and the transport of a patient to the most appropriate healthcare facility. Responders must also learn to recognize the signs of high levels of stress in themselves and their co-workers.

Throughout your course, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide appropriate care and assistance when you are called to help someone who has become injured or suddenly ill. You will learn how to assess a patient’s condition and how to recognize and care for life-threatening emergencies. You will also learn how to minimize a patient’s discomfort and prevent further complications until you can obtain more advanced medical care. Finally, you will learn the importance of understanding how stress can affect you as a professional responder and learn some techniques to manage stress.