History: The assessment of First Responders involved progressive appraisal of practical skills throughout the course, with theory and practical assessments conducted on day 8 of the course. This consisted of a written theory examination, testing of crucial basic life support and equipment skills, a viva voce interview and a real time practical scenario. Training sessions were led by an ambulance paramedic Principal Instructor, with theoretical and practical sessions facilitated by selected ambulance paramedics on a sessional basis and MFB EMS Department staff. The overall program was managed and directly supervised by the MFB EMS Department and a Training Course Coordinator, David Shugg, from MUCAPS. EMR First Responder certification is for a four-year period and subject to actively participating in Continuing Education (CE) and Skills Maintenance programs. The CE program ensures firefighters maintain their skills through monthly training sessions facilitated by visiting MAS ambulance paramedic Clinical Instructors, with on-going case audit and quality assurance involving ambulance personnel working in conjunction with the MFB's EMS Dept. and MFB's EMS Medical Advisor. All qualified EMR First Responders are also required to complete a two day recertification program every four years. The introduction of the requirement to undertake a Recertification Program for EMR skills was a groundbreaking initiative for the MFB EMS Department, as previously in the history of the MFB this had not been a condition for firefighters in other core skill areas. The sourcing of equipment for firefighters to undertake the EMR role was particularly challenging