EMR Program Overview

An EMR (emergency medical responder) is often the “first” first responder. While some EMRs work in healthcare, most EMRs are skilled professionals outside the medical field who learn the basics of medical emergencies, trauma care, and oxygen administration to respond to incidents in high-risk areas while waiting on the 911 system to arrive. It is common to find EMRs working in volunteer fire departments, oil fields, large warehouses, office high-rises, and other areas where an ambulance response might be delayed.

EMRs are often regulated at the State or even local level and may have various names across the United States. For example, the term Emergency Care Attendant (ECA) is used in Texas.

Currently, there is no accrediting body for EMR programs. 

All qualified School of EMS EMR programs are approved by the state in which they are held. All School of EMS graduates are eligible to attempt the National Registry exam.