When an emergency happens, the first person to arrive and give help is called a First Responder. This person may not be a doctor or nurse – it could be anyone: a passerby, family member, colleague, or student who knows first aid.

The role of a first responder is very important because the first few minutes after an accident or medical emergency can decide whether a person survives or not.

✅ Key Responsibilities of a First Responder

1. Ensure Safety First

   • Check the scene before helping.

   • Make sure you and others are not in danger (e.g., fire, traffic, electricity).

   • Use protective items like gloves or masks if available.

2. Assess the Situation

   • Quickly check what happened.

   • Identify how many people are injured.

   • Decide who needs urgent help first.

3. Call for Help

   • Dial emergency numbers (e.g., 108 / 112 in India).

   • Give clear details: location, number of patients, type of emergency.

4. Provide Basic First Aid

   • Perform CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing.

   • Control bleeding with pressure and bandages.

   • Help a choking person by using the Heimlich maneuver.

   • Keep the patient calm and reassured.

5. Stay With the Patient

   • Don’t leave the injured person alone.

   • Monitor their breathing and pulse.

   • Provide updates to medical professionals when they arrive.

📌 Real-Life Example

Imagine a road accident where a person is bleeding heavily.

• A trained first responder stops the bleeding by applying pressure with a cloth,

• Calls ambulance services,

• Keeps the patient calm until doctors arrive.
  👉 This quick action can save the patient’s life.

🎯 Learning Outcome of This Lesson

By the end of this lesson, learners will:

• Understand who a first responder is.

• Know the step-by-step duties of a first responder.

• Gain confidence to take charge in an emergency until professional help arrives.