A Kentucky-certified first responder is a person who has completed an approved course and received certification by KBEMS in providing pre-hospital care for both medical and trauma emergencies.

They have a higher level of skill than those trained in basic first aid. First responders can support emergency medical technicians and paramedics by providing basic medical care for soft tissue and bone injuries and assisting in childbirth.

They are also trained in packaging and transporting patients. The term certified first responder is often confused with first responder, which is a generic term referring to the first medically trained responder to arrive on the scene, such as police, fire, and EMS.

First responders include but are not limited to fire, police, and emergency medical personnel.