First responders are the trusted individuals we call upon when a health emergency strikes. Whether at home, on the road, or in the workplace, these are the people we depend on to address our medical needs when we are in acute distress. Northern KY Emergency Medical Services recognizes the importance of providing exceptional training to first responders. Held at their Fort Thomas training center, the first responder course they offer is a condensed version of an EMT course, designed for those working in industrial environments.

Here's what you should know about the course:

• First on the scene, first to assist. The first responder who arrives at the scene of a medical emergency needs to have the health training to identify and address problems quickly and accurately. They are the first person with which a patient will have contact, and time and exceptional care are of the essence. In the NKEMS course, you will learn the skills you need to properly assess and care for the patient, minimize pain, and prevent future complications before they start.

• Basic lifesaving skills are vital Knowing how to save a life is the bedrock of good first responder training. You will receive CPR and first aid training, airway management skills, and education in how to address bleeding.

• A comprehensive knowledge of emergency medical care will keep you prepared in any emergency. To be an effective first responder, you need to have an arsenal of medical skills that you can utilize at a moment's notice. During your first responder course, you will also be educated in areas like childbirth, muscle and bone injuries, treating infants and children, and how to properly move and transport patients.

The Northern KY Emergency Medical Services course is 40 hours of intensive training and education. Call (859) 572-4511 or visit their website today to see when the next first responder course is starting. They also offer first aid certification, OSHA training, bloodborne pathogens classes, and much more.