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How many hours a week do members spend on SFAS activities?
It depends on the individual and when they are available to respond to calls. It ranges from a couple of hours a month to as many hours as you want to participate in a month. A typical emergency call takes about 60 minutes. The amount of time varies with the number of calls you go on. On average, the squad responds to about ten calls a week. In addition, we have two meetings a month on Tuesday evenings.
I don’t like the sight of blood. Can I volunteer for some role other than patient care, like driving the ambulance?
Most calls don’t involve encounters with blood but occasionally it happens. All our responding members must be EMTs or accredited in First Aid and we rely on our members to care for patients and, when needed, to drive the ambulance.
What’s the minimum age for membership?
The minimum age for membership is 16. Those members between 16 and 18 years old are classified as Junior members. Junior members are preparing for their EMT certification and/or EMRs and in general perform the same duties as adult members. However, Junior members are subject to a few operational restrictions for member safety, so that squad activities do not interfere with school responsibilities, and which ensure compliance with federal and state child labor laws and work under the observation and direction of an Adult EMT.
How many hours of training are required and where do I get trained?
Click Join the Squad to see the details on training.
What if I can only give time in the AM or PM?
We are flexible and we’ll adapt our schedule to meet yours. If you are available during the day but don’t want to sign up for one of the overnight duty tours, that’s O’K. Most calls occur during the daytime hours (see Statistics) so we’ll welcome whatever time you can give us during the day. Many of our members work out of town during the day and can only serve on evening shifts.
What are the ongoing training requirements?
Once you get your CPR certification it must be renewed every two years, EMT certification must be renewed every three years, EMR certification must be renewed every three years, CEVO/Defensive Driving every two years (which will be offered for free by the squad for free). Any detailed recertification questions can be discussed in more detail with membership committee member.
Will I have a mentor?
Yes, one of our existing active members will be assigned to you as a mentor to help with any training questions and to ensure that you are comfortable with our local emergency procedures and equipment.
Are there any out-of-pocket expenses?
Any fees for required training, will be reimbursed by the squad upon the member completing that certification. Many of the classes are free such as CPR and Basic 1 st Aid training whichare offered by the Squad.
I don’t have any previous medical training, Can I still join?
Many of our members went through the EMT or EMR class without a medical background. You’ll learn what you need to know in the EMT or EMR class.
