Who is considered a "first responder"?

A "first responder" is defined as the first emergency personnel arriving at the scene of an incident or emergency. This can include police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, all of whom are trained to handle crises effectively and provide necessary assistance until additional help arrives or the situation is under control. The role of the first responder is critical because they assess the situation, provide immediate care, secure the area, and ensure that the appropriate resources are deployed.

The other options describe roles that do not align with the primary responsibilities associated with first responders. The last emergency personnel on the scene is not involved in the initial response and support efforts, the lead investigator typically arrives after the immediate emergency response has taken place to gather evidence and conduct investigations, and an administrative officer in charge is focused on organizational aspects rather than direct response to emergencies. Thus, the definition of a first responder distinctly points to those who arrive at the scene first to address the immediate needs arising from an emergency.