Paramedics, ambulance drivers, firefighters and EMTs, etc. all deserve a little bit of love and respect for their exemplary services which they provides to the nation and helps the people in dire situations amd that's why we have National First Responders Day!
National First Responders Day is annually celebrated on October 28th in the United States, this day offers a special opportunity for showing thanks and appreciation to these men and women who are ready to play a crucial part in saving lives whenever the need arises.
This day also raises awareness about the importance of first responders in our society as if anything happens to people or of anything goes wrong then these people are the one who shows up first and sometimes they even risk themselves to save ot help somebody and hence their contribution must be appreciated.
| Event | National First Responders Day |
|---|---|
| Date | October 28, 2022 |
| Day | Friday |
| Significance | The purpose of the day is to honor all First Responders and highlight their importance. |
| Observed by | United States |
National First Responders Day History:
The history of first responders or emergency services actually dates way back during the ancient times as we have found many evidences which shown that emergency services existed in the ancient civilizations and they were primarily used in the care of soldiers in wars and conflicts back then. However there are no proper records of evidences which shows that anything like that existed for common folks or not. However as the times passed the emergency services got introduced rapidly especially with the introduction of police forces, hospitals, etc.
The history of first responders in the US dates back to the Civil War, when field workers would provide needed, on-site care to wounded soldiers. As according to historical records, the first civilian ambulance in the United States was put into service in 1865, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since then, modern Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems have developed over time to include the range available today: fire services, ambulances, helicopters, etc. Later workers of all these emergency services along with some other services as well started to being called as first responders.
Once again, military conflicts and necessity provided much of the impetus to develop innovations in the transportation and treatment of injured. In the wake of World War I, the roaring 20s saw the first volunteer rescue squads forming in locations such as Virginia and New Jersey. Control began to shift towards municipal hospitals or fire departments as funeral home hearses were slowly joined by fire departments, rescue squads and private ambulances in the transportation of the ill and injured.
The US Congress designated October 28th as National First Responders Day in 2017. The resolution honors the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and all those who are first on the scene in stressful situations. Notably, the family of Sean Collier, a police officer who was ambushed and murdered during events related to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, supported the resolution as this day was also established in honor of him and all the other first responders who lost their lives during their service.
National First Responders Day Significance:
A first responder is a person with specialized training who is among the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency, such as an accident, natural disaster, or terrorism. First responders typically include law enforcement officers which is police, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and firefighters. In some areas, emergency department personnel, such as nurses and doctors, are also required to respond to disasters and critical situations, designating them as first responders as well.
First responders must be trained to deal with a wide array of potential medical emergencies. Due to the high level of stress and uncertainty associated with the position, first responders must maintain physical and mental health. Even with such preparation, first responders face unique risks of being the first people to aid those with unknown contagions. For example, in 2003 first responders were among the earliest cases of the previously unknown SARS virus, when they cared for patients affected with the virus. So first responders carries a lot of risk with their service.
First Responders in the US can either provide initial emergency care first on the scene (police/fire department/search and rescue) or support Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. First Responders can serve as secondary providers with some volunteer EMS services. An Emergency Medical Responder can be seen either as an advanced first aid provider, or as a limited provider of emergency medical care when more advanced providers have not yet arrived or are not available. Skillwise, a certified first responder in the US is often trained and allowed to do most of what an emergency medical technician is allowed to.
Despite all of their contribution and service towards the nation and helping people it is often seen that they are not as credited much as they deserves and that's why National First Responders Day is very important as it brings awareness to this fact and encourages people to show their respect and love towards all of the workers who are classified as first responders in the emergency services. Because appreciation is very important for anyone and especially for these people who often take risks for saving others.
National First Responders Day Activities:
Send a thank you note to a first responder who was helpful to you in a difficult situation. And if you haven't faced anything like that yet then also don't shy away from expressing your gratitude towards the first responders of your locality so if you know anyone or simply you can go to their offices to say them a thanks for their service by gifting them cards or many other things also.
Those who are well connected in their communities might want to consider holding an event in honor of National First Responders Day, held at a local school, library or community center. Coordinate with local fire departments, Emergency Medical Services providers, police departments and more to get organized. In this way you will ne able to appreciate a large number of first responders at once.
If you want to more than just appreciating then you can try to volunteer yourself as the first responder in this way you will also get to experience of being a first responder do from next time on you can also feel the hard work of first responders. Otherwise you can also think to donate some amount to such organizations who helps to fund first responders as often first responders are under-paid in some circumstances and that's why you can help them financially.
Most Searched FAQs on National First Responders Day:
1. When is National First Responders Day celebrated?
National First Responders Day is annually celebrated on October 28th in US.
2. How do you thank a first responder?
Showing emotional, sincere gratitude is probably the best way but baked goods generally work too especially at the firehouse.
3. Who are called first responders?
Fire fighters, law enforcement personnel, medical personnel, utility workers and public health professionals are examples of first responder professionals.