What’s an EMR, or emergency medical responder, and is it the right career path for you? This article answers common questions about the role of the EMR.
What is an EMR?
Emergency medical responder (EMR) is the lowest-trained level of emergency medical services (EMS) provider. EMRs receive more training than those certified in first aid but less than emergency medical technicians (EMTs). They can provide basic lifesaving interventions and sustain patients on scene until the arrival of more definitive care. EMRs may also assist higher-level providers once they arrive.
Emergency medical responders are often employed by rural emergency organizations and first-responding fire departments whose personnel arrive at scenes before EMS. The EMR certification is also appropriate for professions where occasional basic medical care may be required but is not a primary job responsibility, such as law enforcement and athletic settings.
What can an EMR do?
As EMRs are often the first-arriving personnel on scenes, their primary responsibilities include stabilizing patients and preparing them for the arrival of higher-trained EMTs and paramedics. This may involve delivering CPR, controlling bleeding, stabilizing injuries and other immediate care measures.
EMRs’ additional duties include scene assessment; patient assessment, including obtaining vital signs and medical histories; communicating with patients, witnesses and other responders; documentation; transport assistance; equipment maintenance; and ongoing learning to keep up with changes in medicine.
How do I become an EMR?
Specific requirements for becoming an emergency medical responder may vary depending on your setting, but the EMR process typically involves these steps:
Meet basic age and education requirements – This usually requires being 18 or older and having a high school diploma or GED. Some states or employers may also require a driver’s license to work as an EMR.
Obtain CPR certification – This is often required before starting an EMR training program. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an essential and time-sensitive lifesaving skill that must be delivered quickly to be effective. The first responders on scene, including emergency medical responders, must be fast and comfortable in delivering it.
Complete an EMR training program – You can find emergency medical responder programs through community colleges, technical institutions and emergency response agencies. These courses typically cover basic anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, emergency care and more, as well as providing hands-on experience through clinical opportunities. Emergency medical responder training programs usually last a few weeks to a few months.
Pass the certification exam – Emergency medical responder certification exams are offered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) as well as state and other organizations. They involve both written and practical skills components.
Obtain a state license – After completing an emergency medical responder course and earning a certification, new EMRs must typically be licensed in the state where they plan to work. EMS licensure can vary a bit by state but may involve additional examinations, background checks and more. Working as an emergency medical responder generally requires both certification and licensure.
Maintain your certification – Once you attain EMR certification and licensure, you’re required to keep them up to date. This is typically done through the completion of continuing education. EMR credentials are usually renewed every two to three years.
Gain working experience – With your EMR certification in hand, you can start working or volunteering with entities like local fire departments, rescue squads and EMS agencies. This field experience is essential to advancing in an EMS career.
Local processes and requirements can vary, so make sure to know what’s needed in your area to become an emergency medical responder.
How do I get a job or volunteer as an EMR?
Emergency medical providers can be in high demand. However, many EMR opportunities may be volunteer.
Emergency medical responders can work in many settings beyond ambulance and rescue services, including fire and police departments, hospitals, schools, wilderness environments, event venues and industrial sites.
