The American Red Cross recently released its new Emergency Medical Response (EMR) program tailored to first responders. A veteran EMS professional for nearly 40 years and Executive Director of Lake EMS, Inc., Jim Judge, EMT-P, CEM shares his thoughts about the new Red Cross program.
The American Red Cross recently released its new Emergency Medical Response (EMR) program. Who do you think will be interested in this type of training?
The Red Cross Emergency Medical Response program is great first responder-level training. EMS personnel, firefighters, police officers, athletic trainers, lifeguards and others will learn what to do until more advanced medical help arrives on the scene. It’s also a smart first step for those who want to advance their careers because course materials help students prepare for the National Registry Exam.
What I like about Red Cross professional-level training is that it gives people options. For those who want more advanced training, EMR is a perfect fit. But if you just need your CPR and AED certificate, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers is a great option that tailors skills to professional rescuers and fits into their busy schedules.
How is EMR different from other first responder training programs?
I believe the Red Cross EMR program is the best first responder-level training available today because it’s comprehensive and effective. For my training dollar, it’s a great value because it offers a 2-year certification in CPR and AED, affordable training materials and even free online refreshers.
Not only does the program exceed EMS Educational Standards, it has realistic roll-up-your-sleeves training that challenges students to make decisions in different types of situations. The training materials are top-notch and offer students additional learning and support, which I think makes this a superior program.
EMR offers a complete suite of student tools and resources — how can they help students learn?
One of the strongest elements of the Red Cross EMR program is the quality and choice of training materials. Students use a comprehensive textbook that guides them through complex concepts — and they have a choice of purchasing a traditional printed book or an e-textbook, which a lot of students are using these days. The program offers even more learning support including a workbook that’s great for preparing to take the National Registry Exam and EMR Interactive, a totally innovative online learning tool that challenges students with learning activities, video and quizzes.
The Red Cross developed a range of tools to support instructors teaching the new EMR program. How do they stack up compared to other programs?
On many levels, the quality of training is driven by the quality of the tools given to instructors — and the Red Cross EMR program really delivers. Instructors can choose a printed manual or a free e-book that includes complete lesson plans, assessment tools and exams. The VIDEO SUPPORT is amazing — it’s realistic and exciting, and instructors will love EMR Interactive because it lets them assign work and track student progress. The program also offers many free options, including a PowerPoint presentation and a comprehensive test bank. There really is no better time to be a Red Cross instructor!
Why should an academic institution, fire/police academy or other training facility adopt EMR?
I’ve been active in the EMS community for 39 years, so I know the challenges first responders face every day. That’s why I’m very pleased with the quality of the Red Cross EMR program. Considering that the Red Cross has always worked alongside first responders during disasters, I believe there’s no other organization that is more qualified to provide this type of training.
About Jim Judge:
Jim Judge, EMT-P, CEM, BPA is Executive Director at Lake EMS, Inc. in Mount Dora, Florida. Jim serves on the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and has nearly 40 years experience in EMS, Fire Services and Emergency Management. In 2004, he was inducted into the Florida EMS Hall of Fame for a lifetime of achievements in EMS. He also regularly presents Emergency Services topics at State and National Conferences.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
