Another terminology war we've lost

[O2HeN2]

"First responders"

Dammit, they're "Second responders". After all, who supplies "FIRST aid"? Does your "First Aid Kit" sit next to your bleeding friend until the ambulance arrives? No!

Your first aid kit is used by the first responder -- the person at the scene, AKA you, until the second responders arrive.

You as first responder use your fire extinguisher until the second responders arrive.

And you as first responder use your gun until the second responders arrive.

Referring to the police, fire and medics as "First responders" only plays into the narrative of 'You don't need guns, that's what the "first responder's" job is!'.

OK, been meaning to get that off my chest for some time, and hearing it [mis]used on the news last night several times finally fired me up.

O2

[merl]

Not so much. There are professional first responders and everyone else who can also respond if they choose. The others not being pros doesn't diminish their efforts or necessity.

[O2HeN2]

I don't care how professional you are, you ain't there first. I (as in citizen-at-the-injury/fire/crime) am.

O2

[Sharpienads]

Eh, I understand what you're saying, however I don't believe that has anything to do with guns. I would still consider fire, police, ems, etc first responders regardless of what people at the scene of an incident did. I don't really think one has anything to do with the other. Agree to disagree, I guess.

But to the bigger point, I do think we (meaning people with at least half a brain) are outnumbered by them (people who either choose not to or are just incapable of thinking for themselves) are losing a terminology war.

[akumadiavolo]

But you are not "responding" to it because you are not being called to the scene from elsewhere. You may be the first to react because you are there, but you are not "responding" as the word is used in this case.

[sniper7]

What if two people are there first giving aid, do the pros become third responders?

[Monky]

But you are not "responding" to it because you are not being called to the scene from elsewhere. You may be the first to react because you are there, but you are not "responding" as the word is used in this case.

Well someone beat me to it..

On the rant scale.. pretty weak 02.. Kind of sound like a kid who didn't get a trophy..

[hurley842002]

Just go look at the NIMS definition of "first responder", and see for yourself. Since every agency at the local, state, and federal level all follow NIMS guidelines (as far as I know), I think it's a pretty safe definition.

[kidicarus13]

Just go look at the NIMS definition of "first responder", and see for yourself.

Since most people don't have access to a NIMS manual:

First Responders—First responders include public safety professionals and trained volunteers who respond to and provide services at emergencies where additional skills and resources may be needed to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. First responders, often the first trained personnel to arrive on scene, usually arrive with standard issue protective and tactical equipment, which may not be adequate for intervention. First responders often provide first detailed scene information to managing authorities and other responding agencies. As the incident evolves, first responders may assist with establishment of structured incident command. They may continue to participate in incident stabilization and mitigation under the direction and supervision of highly trained specialists.

[KevDen2005]

"First responders"

Dammit, they're "Second responders". After all, who supplies "FIRST aid"? Does your "First Aid Kit" sit next to your bleeding friend until the ambulance arrives? No!

Your first aid kit is used by the first responder -- the person at the scene, AKA you, until the second responders arrive.

You as first responder use your fire extinguisher until the second responders arrive.

And you as first responder use your gun until the second responders arrive.

Referring to the police, fire and medics as "First responders" only plays into the narrative of 'You don't need guns, that's what the "first responder's" job is!'.

OK, been meaning to get that off my chest for some time, and hearing it [mis]used on the news last night several times finally fired me up.

O2

Dude, go get a beer. If this is bothering you then you need to take a break.