History: "The introduction of an Emergency Medical Response (EMR) role is arguably the biggest change the MFB has experienced in its long history" - Commander Denis Rich. It was a change that was not initially welcomed when first proposed by the (then) Chief Fire Officer, Jeff Godfredson. However, the benefits to the community since its introduction as a core function in 2001 cannot be denied and by the end of 2007, the number of saved lives is approaching 100". The aim of a first responder program should be to save lives additional to those that can be saved by optimal level of ambulance response - Dr. Ian Millar". First Responder is a term sometimes used to designate teams of personnel who have the equipment and skills to undertake an initial response to some particular emergency situation. The term implies that a second response will follow, incorporating teams with specialist personnel and equipment. The EMR program is part of an organised emergency medical system where the MFB responds simultaneously with the Metropolitan Ambulance Service (MAS) to all life threatening medical emergencies (i. e. Heart attacks, drowning, suicide, drug overdoses and severe breathing difficulties). The origins of a Fire based EMR role have developed over many years, and whist the medical First Responder concept is relatively new within Australia, a wide range of successful First Responder programs exists throughout the world. There is now considerable evidence that trained First Responders who are organised and integrated into the mainstream Emergency Medical Service (EMS) can respond quickly to medical emergencies and initiate life saving procedures