Tennessee Tech University offers programs that teach the first level of medical attention before arrival at a hospital, the first responder. Anyone 18 or older may take the first responder classes offered at Tennessee Tech, lasting approximately three months, or the equivalent of 60 instructional hours. Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate will have the opportunity to take a comprehensive test from the National Registry of EMTs. After obtaining a passing score, the candidate is awarded a certificate from the state of Tennessee. This certificate entitles the person to be a part of an emergency rescue squad. Many states don't allow first responders to work on an ambulance until they have received further medical training. The first responder program is often taken to help individuals obtain more knowledge about healthcare even if they have no intention of making a career out of their training.
Training Vision offers a first responder training class. Here, students complete their classroom work from an online learning program. Upon completion of the online portion of the curriculum, students go to the Training Vision facility for a weekend of hands-on learning to complete their certification. At this time students must be able to demonstrate their ability to handle emergency situations by correctly using all basic life support equipment as well as the other life-saving skills covered during the course. This course contains all of the required medical hours necessary for the student to receive basic firefighter certification, also offered by Training Vision.
The Northland Community and Technical College, located in East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls, Minnesota, offers a first responder program. Students receive instruction on how to implement initial care to the sick and injured at an emergency scene. The first responders course is required of each student enrolled in the criminal justice associate's degree program. The program also satisfies the first aid requirements of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, required for further medical licensing. Completion of the course results in certification of both the American Heart Healthcare Provider and Minnesota EMS Regulatory First Responder programs.
The Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio, offers an expansive EMS curriculum. The first responder portion of this training teaches students the fundamental responsibilities and duties of any first responding emergency personnel. The program emphasizes correct and swift deployment of the detailed order of medical care to be administered to any person needing emergency medical attention. Skills needed for certain scenarios such as ice, fire and water rescue are covered within separate, individual classes in the first responder program. Upon completion of the first responder certification, students may choose to further their EMS education by being certified in other areas such as firefighting.