First Responder Course

The MS1 First Responder Course was started by founding 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.

Our goal is to empower first year medical students to become confident first responders in emergency situations out of hospital settings. The half-day course consists of a series of three concise lectures, followed by six small group simulations with standardized patient (SP) actors.

The concise lectures introduce a basic algorithm to first aid and first response (Calling for Help, Scene Safety, ABCs, and Determining the Mechanism of Illness or Injury), and then apply the algorithm in a general overview of Medical and Traumatic Emergencies in pre-hospital settings.

The small group sessions allow students to immediately apply their newly learned skills, when placed in simulations of common emergencies that might be encountered in the field, including choking, strokes, syncope, fall injuries, etc. These cases are simulated by trained standardized patient (SP) actors, and moderated by the teaching group leaders. Students are provided direct simulation, focused feedback in debrief and discussion, and hands-on practice with materials and mannequins.

The First Responder Course consistently yields exceptional student feedback, both in quantitative ratings and enthusiastic qualitative replies. We continue to develop and improve this course based on participant suggestion, with an emphasis on case development, and increased simulation time.