What is meant by the term "first responders" in emergency response?

The term "first responders" refers to the initial personnel who arrive at the scene of an emergency. This group typically includes individuals from various emergency services such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. Their primary role is to provide immediate assistance and manage the situation until further help arrives, ensuring the safety and well-being of victims and bystanders.

First responders are trained to assess the situation, provide critical care, and make quick decisions that can significantly impact the outcome of an emergency. Their prompt actions can save lives and initiate the stabilization of a scene, making their role essential in emergency response scenarios. Other roles mentioned, such as medical personnel assigned to hospitals, investigators assessing post-incident reports, or coordinators managing emergency drills, do not engage at the initial on-site response level, which is why they do not fit the definition of first responders.