First Responder Training

First responder training is regulated by 105 CMR 171 and OEMS Administrative Requirement 2-100. Both were recently updated with changes to instructor requirements, content, length, and some other language changes. Links to both can be found here:

105 CMR 171

A/R 2-100

105 CMR 170.305 contains the following language in regards to the staffing of BLS ambulances:

"(B) BLS Staffing.

(1) When a Class I, II or V ambulance transports a patient receiving care at the BLS level, the ambulance must be staffed with at least one EMT, who, is at a minimum, certified at the EMT-Basic level, as set forth in 105 CMR 170.810, who shall be responsible for providing patient care, and one person trained to the first responder level, who meets all the minimum training requirements of 105 CMR 171.000, provided that the conditions set forth in 105 CMR 170.305(B)(1)(a) through (f) are met."

This language stands current in regulation and does not have an expiration date. OEMS issued a clarification regarding this on 6/26/23 so as to avoid confusion with the enacted legislation that allows for the staffing of paramedic-level ALS ambulances with one paramedic and one first responder until 11/10/23. A link to the full OEMS advisory on the topic can be found here:

Clarification of the definition of “first responder” authorized to drive a paramedic ambulance under the temporary minimum staffing requirements of Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023