emergency medical responder (EMR)

Emergency Medical Responders  provide immediate lifesaving care to critical patients who access the  emergency medical services system. EMRs  have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate lifesaving  interventions while awaiting additional EMS resources to  arrive.  EMRs also provide assistance to higher-level personnel at the  scene of emergencies and during transport. Emergency Medical Responders are  a vital part of the comprehensive EMS response. Under medical  oversight, Emergency Medical Responders perform basic interventions with  minimal equipment.                                         
[From the: National EMS Scope of Practice Model]                                     

A Kentucky certified First Responder is a person who has completed an approved course and received certification by KBEMS in providing pre-hospital care for both medical and trauma emergencies. Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) have a higher level of skill than those trained in basic first aid. First Responders can support Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics by providing basic medical care for soft tissue and bone injuries and assisting in childbirth. They are also trained in packaging and transporting patients.

 Individuals applying for Emergency Medical Responder certification must meet the following requirements:

• Successful  completion of a state-approved Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)    course  that meets or exceeds the National Emergency Medical Services  Education    Standards for the Emergency Medical Responder                                                              
  • Candidates must have completed the course within the past two years and the     course Program Director must verify successful course completion on the     NREMT website.                                                        
• Have a current CPR-BLS for "Healthcare Provider" or equivalent credential.                                              
• Successful  completion of the NREMT-R cognitive (knowledge) examination and a state  approved psychomotor (skills) examination.                                                              
  • Passed portions of each exam (cognitive and psychomotor) remain valid for     twelve (12) months.
  • Some  states integrate the EMR psychomotor exam into the EMR course.    Candidates should contact their State EMS Office or course instructor for    guidance on their local psychomotor exam  requirements.                                                                 

• EMR candidates are not required to be 18 years of age or older
• If the  Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) completed an initial educational  program more than two years ago, and the candidate is currently state licensed at the EMR level, the candidate must document successful completion of a state-approved EMR refresher course or 12 hours of equivalent continuing education topic hours within the past two years.                                                         
• If the candidate is not currently state licensed as an EMR and it has been more than two years from the completion of an approved EMR course, the candidate must complete a new state-approved EMR course  prior to applying for National Certification.