The Medical First Responder (MFR) is the first level of licensure in the field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
MFRs are responsible for responding to emergency situations, and providing initial assessment and management for the sick or injured patient. Many Fire Department agencies and Law Enforcement agencies require their personnel to be licensed as MFRs, as they may arrive on scene before an ambulance staffed with EMTs/Paramedics arrive to care for the patient.
MFRs assist in the care and stabilization of the patient, and assist in preparing the patient for transport. MFRs are expected to interact with the public, demonstrating a professional, comforting, and caring attitude. MFRs are expected to help in the movement of patients from their location to an ambulance for transport to definitive care. MFRs typically do not take part in transporting patients, but they may be asked to assist an EMS crew en route to a hospital.
The tasks performed by the MFR can be physically challenging; many prehospital care providers are expected to be able to lift 125 pounds (equipment, patient) routinely. All EMS providers can anticipate the need to perform prolonged resuscitation efforts on individuals in cardiac arrest.
Settings where the MFR may be utilized: Fire Services (volunteer, part-paid, and full-time), Law Enforcement, Security, Industrial (Emergency Response) Teams