Security Officers- First Responders?

Just curious, would you consider a Security Officer (Private or public) as a first Responder? I work security and have an Unarmed Security License, I work condiminiums in Florida. What if said security officer has basic first aide, CPR+AED certification, and is certified as a member of FEMA's CERT program (Community Emergency Response Team) but there is no Local CERT Unit? Give me your opinions, but keep from flaming and arguments please.

Sam

 

I would also add 911 operator to that list. They don't get the recognition they deserve IMO. I can't even imagine the stress that they go through. I'm in agreement though and do not see a security guard as a first responder, sorry OP.

 

I’m an ERT shift captain at the plant I work for , I don’t consider my self a first responder unless it falls behind our fence then yes

 

Don't be a George Zimmerman....

 

I hold Level II, III, and IV security licenses, and typically work PPO gigs (armed, suit instead of uniform). Generally, security officers are not considered first responders, because the response is privatized. As an example, if I'm working a security shift and see someone breaking into a car in a neighboring property, I'm not responding to that, as it's outside my duty assignment and generally prohibited (although I would get a description and call it in to police). That said, the stuff that we have to deal with on assignments, can be pretty intense. Especially when working natural disasters and international security.

 

If you get dispatched and respond when 911 is called, you’re a first responder. If you don’t, you’re not. There’s a bunch of EMT-B, EMT-I and EMT-P that aren't even first responders (private transport, non-emergency transport, “Gomer Toter”, etc.) A security guard is not a first responder. 911 operators are considered as first responders, which I find odd seeing as they don’t respond.

 

Of course they are imo. You put yourself on the line for the safety of others. Basic first aid is of course a plus, but private first responders are no less one then private emergency vehicles.

 

We use private ambulance services contracted with municipalities and hospitals. When I was a cop and responded to traffic accidents with personal injury, these guys and gals did a great job. If you’re a trained individual required to respond in emergencies and lend aid, you are a first responder. Private police and security included if they respond within the system...of course.

 

I hear you, but even private security within a hotel Or private situation is a first responder if they are trained and hired to deliver emergency aid. They can and have saved lives as often, they are nearest to the scene.

I was a municipal cop but in no way would I limit personal responders who only work in public service by your definition. The public is served within private settings too. Public employees when hired for private events, are still first responders. Imo, it’s not a difficult thing to decide.

 

Those are good points I had never considered. Thanks for posting that.

 

Well, that makes it simple in your example. . If they are not suppose to deliver emergency service, then I agree, they wouldn’t be a first responder. Observation to me in my experience, wouldn’t qualify. Agree. It would have to be qualified physical intervention.

 

Exactly. I’m sure each entity may have its own definition of what is a first responder is officially . Notice, in all my conversation, they need to be qualified and expected as part of their job description to deliver emergency aid. Now emergency aid for someone not certified in cpr is not to deliver that service. But, if the emergency aid includes helping an elderly person out of a burning building, I hope that would not first be required to check with a supervisor. Even the lowest level security person in a private setting, should have some qualification to deliver some level of emergency service. Otherwise, we’d do better to just post more cameras.
Seriously, just the presents of uniform personnel who can only perform the minimum of emergency service.....gets my vote.

good conversation though.

 

Btw, I could only handle being a cop for ten years. The work was great....but you were expected to be a first responder 24/7.....
I didn’t like having to carry a weapon off duty and still having to respond to emergencies and still being a dad with two young kids in the car. This is why I have a lot of respect for them. Once they have the training, the expectation is they’re always ready, 24/7.

 

Thanks for sharing. Peripheral stuff drives a lot of good people out of public service.

 

This is why I couldn’t be a cop.
Being a FF/Paramedic, we always have to be nice and polite but that was known from the start.

 

I hear you. One of the more frightening things to happen for me was during a speeding chase, I felt the cruiser hit something hard.. Because it was below the hood, the first thing I thought of was a child......I stopped and frantically searched the area, only to find a dead pet.....what ever was left to it. I was “relieved ” to hear the owner was threatening to sue the department.....
I had the shakes for weeks after thinking what could have been though. Compared to other things we did, it seems minor. But it wasn’t. Little stuff like that is haunting.

 

Interesting footnote to the discussion. Police officers generally have no obligation to protect an individual. At least not according to the Supreme Court:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_v._District_of_Columbia

 

Yup, it avoids a lot of police law suits. Otherwise, the damned if you do, damned if you don’t scenarios would simply break police forces altogether. They couldn’t function.

 

You’re right....
I know it sounds bad, and it is....but theoretically, how could a cop chase a speeder or even a perp of another crime if he was lawfully bound to protect every other innocent bystander on the road who might be endangered by the chase (or the shooting of ) ....His greatest obligation is to society at large and not individuals. So strong is this law, they had to over ride it with special laws requiring arrest of a suspect if even a hint of child or spousal abuse was present. It seems silly you have to force cops to protect individuals, but it’s very tough on cops now.

 

My company does not hold that credo.

This is what my company has as a credo:

It is every security officer's fundamental duty to protect lives.
Duty to protect property.
Maintain order within the proximity of the place of duty.
Protect the interests of the work site.
Have no prejudice while on duty.
Honest in words and in actions within the scope of your assigned duties.

I am also as the original post said, Certified in Basic First Aid, CPR, use of AEDs, and a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member (well certified for it anyway, nearest team is Fort Walton Beach (50+ miles away). So what makes a 'First Responder'? Say if a retired firefighter or paramedic or an Auxiliary Police Officer responds to an incident WITHOUT being 'dispatched,' are they a first responder?

Sam