First Responders were adopted into Oregon Administrative Rule in July 2008.  In order to become an Oregon certified First Responder, you must successfully complete a state-approved US DOT First Responder course instructed by a state-approved course director.  In addition, you will need current American Heart Association “Healthcare Provider” CPR certification or American Red Cross “Basic Life Support for the Professional Rescuer” CPR certification.

Please review the letter to all First Responder Training Programs & Course Directors from Robert Leopold, Oregon EMS Director, January 5, 2009.

If you have questions or are looking for a form please see the First Responder Handbook. Download the March 2009 First Responder Handbook (157K)

Applications will be sent to the course directors by DHS-EMS once a course has been approved.  The applications are not available online, as they are scantron forms. 

Criminal Background Checks

Each applicant will undergo a Law Enforcement Data Systems criminal history check.  If you have lived, worked, or attended school outside of the State of Oregon for 60 or more consecutive days within the past five years, then a completed fingerprint card must be submitted with your application with an additional $47.25.  Fingerprint cards may be obtained by calling DHS-EMS at 971-673-0520.

The personal history section of the application asks a series of nine personal history questions.  If you answer ‘yes’ to any question, you must submit a detailed written explanation.  Your application will be followed up by a Prehospital Standards Representative.

It is important that you answer these questions honestly.  Answering ‘yes’ to a question does not automatically disqualify you from being approved for certification.  If you have any questions regarding your personal or criminal history, you may call our Prehospital Standards Unit at 971-673-0520.

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Recertification

The First Responder “recertification” extension period has ended.  If wish to become an Oregon-certified First Responder, and you have successfully completed a US Department of Transportation First Responder course PRIOR to the July 2008 changes in Oregon Administrative Rule, you may be eligible by submitting the following documents:

•  a completed Oregon First Responder application
• proof of successful completion of US DOT First Responder course (an original card or certificate issued by the training agency)
• copy of current CPR card
• continuing education hours for the preceding certification period
• $30.00 application fee
• completed fingerprint card for those who have lived, worked, or attended school outside the State for 60 or more consecutive days within the past five years
•  $47.25 fingerprinting fee, if applicable

Applications

The First Responder applications are NOT available online.  You must call DHS-EMS for the most updated, scantron application for certification.

Certification and Training Agencies

Oregon First Responder education is provided through the use of the following curriculum:
 

Emergency Medical Services: First Responder Training
U.S. Department of Transportation
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
August 1995

This course consists of forty-six hours of didactic, including lab work.

If your school or agency would like to conduct a First Responder course, the state must first approve your agency and course director (instructor).  Please fill out the appropriate application found in the First Responder Handbook.

In order to be state-approved as a course director, you must have the following qualifications (OAR 333-265-0018):

• Oregon EMT-Basic, or higher
• 3 years or more prehospital care experience
• Obtain valid CPR instructor certification
• Possess a completion certificate from one of the following:

US DOT National Association of EMS Educator course,
NFPA Fire Instructor 1 from DPSST,
40 hours of Instructor Development from DPSST - or – 
At least 3 college credits in adult educational theory

Once approved, you may submit a course notification form to DHS-EMS, at least 14 days prior to each anticipated course.  DHS-EMS will issue a course approval letter to the training agency. If the course or the course director is not approved, applicants completing that course will not retain a certification.

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Continuing Education Units

The following units must be completed for those who are applying for initial certification with the State of Oregon, who have successfully completed a US DOT First Responder Course PRIOR to August 2008 in addition to a current CPR card:

Once certified through the state, you will need a minimum of the following Continuing Education Units in addition to a current CPR card in order to recertify by June 30, 2010 per OAR 333-265-0010:

Your Oregon First Responder certificate will expire on June 30th of each even-numbered year.

Contact:
 

If you have any questions regarding First Responder certification, course approval, course director approval, or recertification, you may contact Joanna Faunce, Prehospital Standards Representative, at 971-673-0532 or joanna.k.faunce@state.or.us.

 
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