This textbook and its ancillary features provide a clearly written, comprehensive package based on the Department of Transportation's 40-hour First Responder curriculum. The focus of the course is to teach individuals how to recognize the seriousness of a victim's condition and safely administer appropriate emergency medical care for life-threatening injuries relative to airway, breathing, and circulation. This text includes skills and information that meet and sometimes exceed the DOT curriculum objective. Written by an educator who trains various levels of EMS professionals, Barbara Aehlert knows her audience well and writes to their level. Information is presented in a well-organized format that is very accessible, and is richly supported by illustrations that are key to learning. This text is written for public safety personnel as well as athletic trainers, ski patrol teams, lifeguards, and the like.

Author Biography

Barbara Aehlert is the President of Southwest EMS Education, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona and Pursley, Texas. She has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years with clinical experience in medical/surgical and critical care nursing and, for the past 18 years, in prehospital education. Barbara is an active CPR, First Aid, ACLS, and PALS instructor and takes a special interest in teaching basic dysrhythmia recognition to nurses and paramedics. She is a consultant with the Southwest Ambulance paramedic program in Mesa, Arizona, and an active member of the Pursley, Texas, Volunteer Fire Department.