Emergency Medical Services providers (Certified First Responders CFRs) are essential members of the emergency healthcare team.

CFRs possess the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide lifesaving interventions while awaiting additional EMS response and to assist higher level personnel at the scene and during transport. Certified first responders function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. To work as a CFR in New York State, an individual must successfully complete an operationally approved course/program of study (see notice above) and pass the New York State Certified First Responder (CFR) examination. New York State requires a student of a CFR program be at least 16 years of age by the last day of the month of the scheduled NYS-BEMS exam.