First Responder

We are using this manual to upgrade the skills of a group of volunteer fireman in a rural area. Very few of them have experienced any kind of advanced education or medical background. The book's format is set up in a very user-friendly style. For example, key definitions are listed along side the text in the margins. Each chapter has a set of summary questions with answers that can be checked in the back of the book. Also included in the back of the book is a large, detailed appendix, as well as a glossary. The beginning of the chapters each has a set of objectives coordinating to the formal standards expected of emergency response personnel set by the U.S. Dept. Of Transportation, which directly ties the book's information to practical application in certification examinations. Academic terminology, such as "cognitive objectives" are also rephrased as "information from knowledge," mores are listed as "changing attitudes, values and beliefs," and "psychomotor skills" as "demonstrated skills," thereby familiarizing the layman with formal terminology without undue intimidation or confusion. Medical terminology is also used side-by-side with common terms, again familiarizing students to formal medical language they will likely encounter in their association with advanced emergency caregivers. A CD is included, which I have been told contains additional quizzes and resources, and there is reference to a website as well, neither of which I have personally investigated. Additional study resources are also given in the text's introduction, such as workbooks and examination preparation materials. Overall, I found that a complex topic was presented in an orderly, user-friendly format suitable for those of most levels of previous upper-academic and/or medical experience, from little or none through college degreed and experienced professionals already practicing in a related field.

Great book for firefighter I. If you are an EMT, this is a refresher. If you are NOT an EMT, book is a great help..

As a 30 year old that has absolutely no First Aid knowledge other than dealing with my own children and common sense, this book was really great. I've been using it for the First Responder class I've been enrolled in. Of course, it covers a lot of information and here in CA it does not cover everything that will be on the final exam, but it does come pretty darn close. The book has glossy colored pages all the way through. The CD is mildly helpful. It poses scenarios at you and then a series of questions in which you type up paragraph style answers. Then, it gives a paragraph form answer back at you. Reading their answer helps understand the correct response and the "why" that goes with it. It's not a true/false or mulitple choice style, which I feel is more helpful. I found a book for assisting in testing out as a First Responder extremely helpful. It was white with a blue border on the cover.

This is a terrific book. It's written at a very basic, reader-friendly level. Likewise, the information is presented in a logical, organized manner. Also, the Student CD-Rom contains tons of extra resources, that really helped me master the material.

This book is very useful because of its very good pictures and photographs. You can see all important facts at first sight. That is very good for people who want to review things they have learned some time ago. So that's why I think this is a very good book, not only for all "real" first responders.