First Responder Course

This course was founded by members of the Weill Cornell Emergency Department in 2002, one year after the tragedy of 9/11 brought to light the unpreparedness of pre-clinical students who were eager to help with relief efforts, but did not have the tools to do so effectively and safely.

The half-day course consists of a series of three concise lectures, followed by six small group simulations with standardized patient (SP) actors and/or simulation mannequins.

The lecture series introduces a basic algorithm to first aid and first response (Calling for Help, Scene Safety, ABCs, and Determining the Mechanism of Illness or Injury), then explores the algorithm in the context of common medical and traumatic emergencies in the field. The subsequent small group sessions allow students to immediately apply their newly learned skills to realistic simulations of cases such as choking, strokes, traumatic injuries, etc. These cases are simulated by trained standardized patient (SP) actors with assistance of mannequins, and moderated by our phenomenal teaching group, including faculty, residents, and PA/NPs. Students are provided a chance to directly participate in simulations, receive focused feedback in debrief, and learn in a small group setting through case discussion. Students are provided ample time and materials for hands-on practice with medical equipment and smart mannequins.

The First Responder Course consistently yields exceptional student feedback. We continue to develop and improve this course based on participant suggestion with an emphasis on case development and increased SP/simulation time.