Join the Squad

September 11, 2001 showed all of us we must be prepared for emergencies. What better way is there to prepare than joining your rescue squad? Not only will you be helping your loved ones and neighbors in times of need, you will be strengthening our homeland security. If you're a parent, your volunteer work can start a family tradition of giving back to the community. If you're a student, volunteering proves you can make a commitment and be a team player doing important work. This will impress your future employer in any job. If you're a retiree, why not devote some of your free time during the day to helping your rescue squad? Not only will you be helping your neighbors, you'll also be keeping your state and county taxes low.

No Experience Necessary

The basic training needed to answer calls with your rescue squad as an emergency medical technician is FREE, if you commit to running with the squad. Here's a brief summary of two basic levels and the time it take to get certified:

• First Responder (FR)
--The First Responder program is a 40-hour course of studies for folks who are likely to be the first medical person responding to the scene of an accident, medical emergency or a fire. The course is usually taught over several months in the evenings and on a weekend or two. The course emphasis prepares you to address immediate life threats until more highly trained personnel arrive. In other words, this is an introductory course that is a cut above that first aid course you may have taken awhile back. Once certified by the state, you can accompany a patient in the back of the ambulance and assist the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in charge on the way to the hospital. We think everyone should take this course.


• Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B)--The Emergency Medical Technician - Basic program is a 120-hour course of studies for folks who want to be in charge in the back of an ambulance. In addition to 120 hours of classroom studies, you must also obtain 10 hours of clinical/field studies in a hospital emergency room or in the back of an ambulance. Like the First Responder course, this course is also spread out over several months with weekly evening sessions and some weekend sessions. The course is similar to the First Responder course but goes into more depth. In addition, the EMT-B can administer certain medications under phone orders from a medical doctor. An EMT-B can also be in charge of a patient in the back of an ambulance.

Do rescue squads really save lives?

Students! Think you can roll with us?

More info on all Virginia certifications.

Give us a call.