The Justice Institute of British Columbia developed the program and to date, approximately 5,300 fire and police personnel have been certified as medical first responders through the Paramedic Academy. The First Responder Program is based upon dispatching the emergency fire vehicle and trained personnel closest to the patient. The attending First Responder personnel provide patient care, initiate the reporting procedure and assist with patient transfer to B.C. Ambulance personnel.

It is note worthy, that fire and police departments have no legal requirement to respond to emergency health duties. The municipalities and towns that are involved in the First Responder Program do so voluntarily and require the approval of their elected officials. It is also advisable to have a contractual agreement between the B.C.A.S. and participating local government for those fire departments providing the service. In addition, policies should be written between the parties defining the level of service. The Paramedic Academy trains and certifies fire and police personnel as First Responder instructors. The instructor training takes place at the Justice Institute of B.C. and the cost is underwritten by the Province, however, the trainee's salary must be paid by the participating fire department.

The program was not intended to replace the basic response of the B.C.A.S., but rather to provide quick first responder support. Fire Stations are normally positioned for fast response, therefore, fire departments are well suited to the program. The program is structured around a "Good Samaritan" concept. A number of fire departments do not participate in the program. A key factor in their decision to decline is the additional financial burden that falls on local government when a fire department participates in the program. In some instances, the local government is unable to provide the necessary funding. Further, many volunteer fire departments who depend on volunteers to leave their work place, find it a hardship to attend both fire and medical responses.

Nevertheless, there is a significant benefit to communities who choose to participate in the program and thus have fire personnel certified as Emergency Medical First Responders. The spin-off is that the more fire personnel trained to assist people with medical problems, the more likely it is that effective help will arrive quickly. An additional benefit is that first responder certification is recognized by the Workers' Compensation Board, therefore, participating fire departments may not be required to maintain first aid attendants. This can result in cost savings.

The First Responder Program continues to be enhanced. Currently, the program has three levels of certification and supplemental endorsements in spinal management and rapid defibrillation can also be obtained.

Errington Volunteer Fire Department is active in the program with 6 Level III and 1 level II 1st Responders. Approximately 40% of our call outs are for medical assistance. Members have made a committment to the community to provide this service over and above their normal fire related duties.

If you have further questions please feel free to contact the EVFD