First on the Scene (FOTS), developed by NAEMT and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), provides instructors with a toolkit to teach the general public basic emergency response to life-threatening emergencies until EMS arrives on the scene. Through lesson presentations and hands-on skill stations, participants will learn how to access help in the event of a life-threatening emergency and what to do until EMS arrives.
This course covers:
- Activating the 911 system
- Hands-only CPR and AED
- Administering naloxone
- Administering epinephrine
- Responding to life-threatening bleeding
- Penetrating chest trauma
- Moving patients to safety
- Positioning injured patients
All NAEMT training centers are approved to teach FOTS courses. FOTS courses being conducted by an approved NAEMT Training Center can be registered in the NAEMT Course Administration Portal.
Instructor qualifications: Certified EMS instructors at the EMT, AEMT or Paramedic levels, currently certified fire instructors, or NAEMT-approved instructors may conduct FOTS courses.
If you meet these qualifications and are interested in teaching the FOTS course, please complete the FOTS Lead Instructor Application.
FOTS courses can be administered using the FOTS Education Portal.
NAEMT and IAFC thank the following EMS educators who contributed their time and expertise as FOTS Authors:
- J.D. Graziano – Iowa
- Anthony Harbour – Virginia
- Scott Hatcher – Washington
- Joann Piccininni – New Jersey
- Jason Scheiderer – Indiana
Students interested in taking this course can view Locate a Course for upcoming courses in your area, or contact an authorized training center in your area.