Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can become a member of the Ettrick-Matoaca Volunteer Rescue Squad? 
Anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 is eligible to join the Ettrick-Matoaca Volunteer Rescue Squad.  If you are under the age of 18, parental permission is required.

What are the steps to becoming a member?
The first step is to either come down to our quarters and pick up an application or apply online using the steps listed above. After your application is received you will be contacted by our recruitment officer and brought in for an interview. During the interview, we will review your membership application and discuss expectations, duties and responsibilities.
 
Should you decide to join after the initial interview process, the recruitment officer will take your membership application to the board for their review and recommendation.  If approved, you will be required to submit a Department of Motor Vehicles copy of your driving record as well as a completed release authorizing Ettrick-Matoaca Volunteer Rescue Squad to perform a background check and drug test.  After the completion of your background check and drug test, you will be assigned to one of our crews for your first tour of duty.

How many hours do I need to commit to Ettrick-Matoaca Volunteer Rescue Squad?
We have determined that in order to maintain your skill levels, the time commitment is 48 hours a month. This breaks down to one 12-hour shift (6PM - 6AM) each week.

What are the Active Senior Membership Requirements?
According to our Bylaws, Active Membership is defined as members who:

  • Complete a minimum of 48 hours of duty per month.
  • Attend monthly in-house training (held the second Tuesday evening of every month).
  • Attend monthly membership meetings (held the first Tuesday evening of every month).
  • Become certified as an EMT or EVOC (driver) within the first year of membership.
  • Maintain Health Care level CPR certification, annually/biannually.

Is there a probationary period?
Yes, the probationary membership will be for 6 months and shall consist of those persons who have applied for membership with the squad and have successfully completed the screening process conducted by the recruitment officer.

What happens after the probationary period?
After 6 months, you will be voted into this membership class by a majority vote at a general membership meeting.

I have no training, how can I help?
Ettrick-Matoaca cares about your success as an EMT with our organization!  We will help you get enrolled in a CPR class as well as the EMT-B course. The Emergency Vehicle Operation Certification (EVOC) course is offered in-house by one of our trainers and this course is required before you can drive one of our ambulances.

Can I ride along to see if I am going to like it before becoming a member?
YES!  Please complete a Ride Along application and someone from the squad will contact you to schedule your ride along.

I am a high school student, when am I allowed to ride?
Junior members are permitted to ride during the week from 6:00p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and overnight on the weekends with parental permission.  Parental permission is required should the member want to run additional hours.

I am a college student and go away to school, but would still like to ride with Ettrick-Matoaca Volunteer Rescue Squad, can I?
That is not a problem. After becoming squad qualified you can take an educational leave of absence and then come back and ride with your crew when you are home from school.

Can I join if I don't live in the Ettrick-Matoaca area?
Yes!!  We accept individuals from anywhere within the area.

What if I only want to drive the ambulance and not be an EMT?
We recognize that being an ambulance driver is just as important as becoming an EMT and welcome those volunteers who only want to drive the ambulance.  CPR and Emergency Vehicle Operations Certification (EVOC) is required.   EVOC training is offered in-house by one of our certified trainers and we will assist you with finding an approved CPR class.