How can I become a first responder?

Question

After what happened in MN, I would like to be certified as some sort of first responder/disaster relief provider in case of an emergency. I don't do this in my normal job; I would just be a citizen first responder - I think that's what they call it. Where can I find info on how to go about this?

Answer 1

...get "there" ahead of everyone else !!!!

Answer 2

They need people on the scene with skills that can help in the situation; if not, they just get in the way.  If you want to be one of those people you should become a volunteer EMT.  Along with fire fighters and police officers they are among the first called to the scene.  

Call you local hospital to get information about volunteer EMT programs in your area.

Answer 3

It all depends on what types of emergencies you would like to respond to.  General emergencies:

https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/

Or more links cand be found here:

http://www.fema.gov/individual/volunteer...

If you want to provide medical asistance, I am guessing you could train to be an EMT, or something like that.  

Biological/disease emergencies, I think you might want to start here:

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/

Hazardous substances emergencies, I would guess here:

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/er...