Becoming Emergency First Responders: Training and Requirements

The need for more trained emergency first responders in the UK is increasing because there’s a growing demand for quick medical help in emergencies and new safety rules are being introduced.

For example, from April 2025, security workers renewing their SIA licenses will need to take refresher training that includes updated first aid courses.

This shows how important first aid skills are in many jobs.

Also, more advanced courses like First Response Emergency Care (FREC3) are being offered to help responders gain the skills they need to handle emergency situations and provide care before patients reach the hospital.

The term “first responders” refers to people like paramedics, firefighters, police officers, and community volunteers. Because it covers such a wide range of roles, it’s hard to give a single, exact number for how many first responders there are in the UK.

In January 2025, the UK’s emergency services are experiencing unprecedented pressure, with ambulance services handling 935,950 calls in December 2024 – an increase of 5% from November[ British Heart Foundation, 2025].

The average ambulance response time for critical calls has risen to 47 minutes and 26 seconds, significantly exceeding the NHS’s original 18-minute target, primarily due to winter viruses, increased infection rates, and growing healthcare system strain.

Key Notes: Roadmap to Success

  1. Choose Your Focus:
    Decide whether you want to work in medical emergencies, event first aid, or crisis response.
  2. Get Qualified:
    Start with a Level 3 First Aid Award, then move on to FREC 3 for more advanced roles.
  3. Volunteer:
    Gain experience through local organisations like the NHS.
  4. Apply:
    Highlight your qualifications and hands-on experience when applying for jobs.
  5. Gain Quality experience on the role.

What is an Emergency First Responder?

An Emergency First Responder (EFR) is someone who is trained to be one of the first to provide medical assistance when there’s an emergency. This could be a paramedic, emergency medical technician (EMT), police officer, or firefighter.

They quickly assess the situation, ensure the environment is safe, and give emergency care until the ambulance arrives. EFRs are trained to deal with emergencies like heart attacks, breathing problems, unconscious people, and strokes.

Their job is to act fast, stay calm, and give the best care they can in the crucial first moments of an emergency.

Why Become an Emergency First Responder?

Becoming an EFR is a rewarding career that lets you:

  • Save lives and make a real difference.
  • Learn important medical skills and gain recognised qualifications.
  • Work in a dedicated team that supports the NHS and emergency services.
  • Have a dynamic and fulfilling job with room to grow.

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Key Responsibilities of EFR

An EFR has several important tasks:

  1. Quick Response:
    EFRs are among the first to arrive at emergencies and provide immediate help.
  2. Scene Assessment:
    They quickly check the situation to make sure it’s safe for everyone.
  3. Initial Care:
    EFRs provide emergency treatment like CPR, using defibrillators (AEDs), and managing airways.
  4. Stabilising Patients:
    They help keep patients stable until ambulance crews arrive.
  5. Communication:
    EFRs pass on important information to ambulance crews when they get there.
  6. Paperwork:
    They fill out forms like incident summaries and data for cardiac arrests.
  7. Handling Specific Emergencies:
    EFRs deal with situations like heart attacks, breathing problems, unconscious patients, and strokes.
  8. Community Support:
    They play a key role in saving lives, especially in rural areas where ambulances might take longer to arrive.
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How to Become an Emergency First Responder (EFR)

1. Understand the Emergency First Responder Role

As an EFR, you’ll be:

  • Assessing and treating patients at emergencies.
  • Managing injuries like bleeding or broken bones.
  • Providing CPR, using defibrillators, and giving first aid.
  • Helping arrange transport to hospital with the ambulance.
  • Filling out incident reports.

2. Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become an EFR, you’ll need:

  • To be at least 18 years old.
  • A full UK driving licence (for roles with emergency response).
  • An enhanced DBS check (background check).
  • Physical fitness to do tasks like CPR and lifting patients.

3. Earn Essential Qualifications

You’ll need the right qualifications to get started:

4. Gain Practical Experience

Practical experience is essential:

  • Volunteer: Look for Community First Responder roles in your area.
  • Work in Related Roles: Consider starting out as an Ambulance Technician or Event First Aider.
  • Keep your skills fresh by attending regular training.

5. Apply for EFR Roles

Once qualified:

  • Look for EFR job openings in NHS Trusts, ambulance services, or private healthcare companies.
  • The salary for EFR roles ranges from £24,000–£35,000 a year depending on your experience.

6. Ongoing Development

  • Keep your skills up to date with annual basic life support training and trauma training.
  • Consider further qualifications to move into roles like Paramedic or Emergency Care Assistant.

Understanding Emergency First Responder Training

Emergency first responder training is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to provide immediate and effective medical care in emergency situations.

This training covers a range of first aid topics, including:

It also includes instruction on how to manage various medical emergencies, such as:

Participant would take both the theory and practical aspect of it to complete the course and earn a Level 3 qualification. Depending on the course you take and your role, emergency first aid usually takes 3-5 days to complete.

At Caring for Care, we provide onsite first aid training courses for businesses nationwide. Our first aid courses are rated ‘Excellent’ with a 99% recommendation rate.

What a Comprehensive Emergency First Responder (EFR) training Should Cover

An Emergency First Responder (EFR) training should cover the following key course areas:

  • Scene Management and Incident Survey:
    Including primary and secondary assessments.
  • Basic Life Support Skills:
    • Adult, child, and infant CPR.
    • Use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED).
  • Airway Management:
    • Dealing with choking.
    • Advanced airway techniques, including oral, nasal, and laryngeal airways.
  • Trauma Care:
    • Fractures and dislocations.
    • Catastrophic bleeding control.
    • Neck and spinal injuries.
  • Medical Emergencies:
    • Chest pain and heart attacks.
    • Stroke.
    • Asthma and breathing difficulties.
    • Anaphylactic shock.
  • Wound Care and Bleeding Control.
  • Burns and Scalds Treatment.
  • Oxygen Therapy and Administration.
  • Patient Assessment and History Taking.
  • Communication Skills and Documentation.
  • Shock Management:
    • Various types of shock.
  • Peadiatric First Aid for Common Illnesses.

These courses are designed to equip EFRs with the necessary skills to provide immediate care in emergency situations until more advanced medical help arrives.

Are annual refreshers required for emergency first responder training, and when does the certificate expire?

Yes, most emergency first responder certificates last for three years. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) strongly recommends that you take a refresher course every year for emergency first responder training. Even though your certificate lasts for three years, the refresher will help you keep your skills up to date during that time.

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Emergency First Responder Salaries in the UK

Salaries vary depending on the role and experience:

  • First Responders: Around £25,000 a year.
  • Paramedics:
    • Trainee Paramedics: £28,407 to £34,581 (Band 5)
    • Qualified Paramedics: £35,392 to £42,618 (Band 6)
    • Senior Paramedics: £35,392 to £50,056 (Band 6/7)
  • Emergency Medical Dispatchers: £24,000 to £29,000, depending on experience.

Salaries in London are often higher due to the cost of living.

Career Progression for Emergency First Responders

There are many ways to progress as an EFR:

  • Starting Roles: Begin with a Level 3 First Aid qualification and start working as an Emergency Medical Responder or Community First Responder.
  • Advanced Roles: With more training, you could become a paramedic, handling more complex medical care.
  • Leadership Roles: After gaining experience, you could move into management roles.
  • Specialist Roles: Focus on areas like air ambulance services, or work in control rooms.
  • Volunteering: Volunteering with organisations like St John Ambulance can give you more experience and open up new opportunities.
  • Further Study: Many EFRs go on to study paramedic science or healthcare to progress in their careers.

There are lots of ways to develop and specialise in your career as an Emergency First Responder.

First Responders vs Emergency Responder

The terms “first responders” and “emergency responders” are often used in the same way, but they have some key differences:

  • First responders are the people who are usually the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency. This group includes police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). They have special training to provide immediate help in urgent situations.
  • Emergency responders, however, is a broader term that includes first responders but also covers other professionals who may be needed in emergencies, such as:
    • Public health workers
    • Emergency management staff
    • Public works employees
    • Specialized rescue teams (like those trained for hazardous materials or water rescues)
    • Mental health experts
    • Veterinarians
    • Emergency nurses and doctors

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The main differences are:

  • Timing: First responders are usually the first on the scene, while emergency responders might arrive later or assist from other places.
  • Scope: Emergency responders include a wider variety of specialists, depending on the type and scale of the emergency.
  • Training: Both groups get special training, but first responders mainly focus on quick life-saving actions, while emergency responders may have broader skills for specific types of emergencies or longer-term care.

In everyday use, people often mix the two terms, as both groups are essential in managing emergencies.

👉Related Course: Paediatric Emergency First Aid Course

Final Note

Becoming an Emergency First Responder is a rewarding role that takes dedication, training, and a commitment to helping others.

With the emergency first responder course and support, you’ll gain the skills needed to provide life-saving care in your community.

Remember these key points:

  • Complete all necessary training, including first aid, CPR, and emergency response.
  • Apply for jobs within your local area including volunteering to gain experience.
  • Keep your skills sharp with regular practice and refresher courses.
  • Stay fit and take care of your mental wellbeing.
  • Follow safety rules and guidelines.
  • Work within the limits of your training.

For enquiries please call: 01782 563333 or email us at: enquiries@caringforcare.co.uk

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