History: 1996: The Australian Industrial Relations Commission handed down a decision including the introduction and trial of emergency medical response for firefighters. 1997: KPMG review recommends development of a Public Safety Model further supporting the proposal that the MFB undertake a medial first responder function. 1997: First Responder Steering Committee established by Victorian Government. Five subcommittees operating under steering committee included Training, Operations, Medical, PR/Media and Finance. 1998: First Responder training program commences with MUCAPS 1998: The first pilot program, Emergency Medical Response First Responder began in July. This six-month program was an initiative of the Victorian Government's Ministry of Human Services. 1999: Following the pilot program (which finished in January 1999), a Monash University review found that response times were reduced in the pilot area. 1999: Government announces decision to extend First Responder pilot for further 12 months to incorporate whole of MFD. 2000: An extended pilot program began on 8 February. This year-long program proved the benefits of firefighters working as first responders. 2000: 16 February - first defibrillation save by Firefighter EMR First Responders (P7A). 2001: The Victorian Government's Minister of Health confirms Emergency Medical Response role as part of the MFB's core function. 2005: The joint MFB/MAS Emergency Medical Response program achieves its 50th successful team resuscitation (July). 2007: Total successful team resuscitations to date: 91. Conclusion The EMR program has allowed the MFB to build stronger connections with other Victorian emergency service providers, the benefits of sharing resources, skills and experience has also become more and more obvious