History: The EMR First Responder pilot commenced in the MFB's Southern Zone incorporating seven fire stations and nine appliances (Need to name the stations). Firefighters from the 13 surrounding stations also received First Responder training to ensure cover of the pilot fire stations when required. A total of 25 stations/22 appliances were involved in the initial pilot program. Commencing on the 14 July 1998 the 6-month pilot was assessed and independently evaluated by Monash University Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine utilising data collected for all cardiac arrest events attended. Initial data from the pilot study indicated that both response times and time for defibrillation were reduced in the pilot area. There was however, an insufficient number of cardiac arrest cases to draw significant medical conclusions. As a consequence, on the 8 February 2000, the EMR First Responder program rolled out across the whole MFD as an extended 12-month pilot. This roll-out incorporated all 46 fire stations, 58 primary fire appliances and over 1300 trained firefighters. Following the success of the extended pilot period, the then Minister for Health (Hon John Thwaites) on 11 October 2001 confirmed the EMR First Responder program as an ongoing role and part of the core function of the MFB. The MFB EMR Program - What Happened When 1993: CFO Godfredson appoints initial EMS Project Team. 1994: The Victorian government's Public Bodies Review Committee recommends that the MFB extend it's role to include Emergency Medical Response. 1994: Following UFU rejection of EB package, CFO Godfredson ceases training programs. 1996: The MFB recommence consultation process with MAS, UFU and the Ambulance Union