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

 

the definition of who is considered a first responder depends on who you ask. I don't think a security officer falls under first responder but that's just me.

That being said technically anyone can be a first responder. Marge working as a receptionist answering phone calls can be a first responder because she has a BLS card. A couple of linemen scurrying to repair downed power lines after a terrible storm can be considered first responders. An aid worker that has been called in to move pallets of medical equipment can be a first responder.

For the purposes of any perks that first responders get, my flawed opinion, should be limited to active leo, fire, and ems

For the purpose of bragging rights and if you want to wear a cool shirt, anyone is welcome to do so.

 

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....

 

oh definitely, answering the phones to screaming panicking people and gathering as much information as possible while providing therapeutic communication AND coordinating responses from leo/fire/ems? Mad props because I think after the first few phone calls I would be done.

not to mention they don't get as much funds as they need and plenty are dealing with obsolete technology. John Oliver (whether you agree with him or not) did a good video about the lack of support that dispatchers struggle with.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-XlyB_QQYs

 

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.