first responder

noun

: a person (such as a police officer or an EMT) who is among those responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance

Examples of first responder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On the ground, first responders described how Watch Duty’s real-time wildfire mapping and alert app has become indispensable when fast-moving fires leave little room for hesitation or error. —Erin Hill, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026

Areas surrounding fire hydrants should also be clear to prevent first responder emergency delays. —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026

In 2022, as carriers upgraded their telecommunications infrastructure from 3G, many cars made by Toyota, Chrysler, and Jeep—including both battery- and gasoline-powered models—permanently lost access to a feature that automatically notified first responders in the event of a crash. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026

People were being urged to avoid the area and follow instructions from first responders. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for first responder

• condor
• fonder
• launder
• mandir
• maunder
• ponder
• squander
• wander
• yonder
• transponder

Kids Definition

first responder

noun

first re·​spond·​er

-ri-ˈspän-dər

: a person (as a police officer or an EMT) who is among those responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance