Who can volunteer?
Who can volunteer?
Who Can Volunteer?
The DFVAC accepts volunteers from all walks of life. However, all members who apply are reviewed and interviewed by a New Member Committee. Capable individuals of sound mind and body with no criminal history are eligible to become Active Riding Members. You should not have any major illnesses or handicaps that would prevent you from completing an EMS run or pose a danger to either patients or crew members. You should also be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
Potential members should also have a suitable amount of time to commit to volunteering. Whether you're available during the day or would prefer to take an overnight shift, there are always opportunities to help out. The actual amount of time a volunteer puts in varies from person to person and is largely based on personal preference.
Any person under the age of 18 who wishes to join the DFVAC may apply for the Junior Corp but must have parental consent among other requirements.
What does a volunteer do?
What Does a Volunteer Do?
There are many jobs that volunteers within the DFVAC perform. The vast majority of our members are Active Riding Members or were at one point in time. An Active Riding Member is one who is cleared to ride on one of our emergency vehicles. This requires some measure of time, training and quality assurance. In some rare cases, members do not actively ride as an emergency crew and will instead help out around headquarters with various tasks.
Active Riding Members
Active Riding Members fill 1 of 3 different jobs while on an emergency crew: EMT, Driver or Aide.
The EMT is the highest trained member and is directly responsible for any patients they are called to assist. They are state certified in a variety of life saving skills and first aid. It is not uncommon to find multiple EMT's on a single crew although one will always assume the role of crew chief during the call.
The Driver is trained in the operation of emergency vehicles and drives the ambulance to and from emergency calls. Because emergency vehicles are allowed to ignore certain traffic laws during an emergency run, the Driver must be knowledgeable and capable. The ability to transport a patient and crew safely is paramount to all else.
The Aide fills a variety of positions but is generally there to assist other crew members. All Active Riding Members are required at minimum to have passed a basic training routine by Corp staff and to have taken an OSHA Blood borne Pathogens course. An Aide is called upon to assist the EMT with equipment, help move patients, drive ALS flycars, clean-up after a call and assure the ambulance is ready for the next call. It is not uncommon for an Aide to also be an EMT-in-training.
Leadership and Committees
The function of volunteers is of course not only restricted to their roles on an ambulance. The leadership of the Corp is divided up into positions such as President, Vice President, Secretary and Directors. There are also officers such as the Captain, Lieutenant and Training Officer . All of these positions are appointed by the body of membership and have their own important role to play in regulating the organization.
Additionally, the Corp has established several Committees to oversee various functions such as Driver Training, New Member Recruitment, Cleaning of Headquarters and several others.
Junior Membership
Lastly, the Corp includes a program for Junior Members under the age of 18. This allows High School students to become interested in EMS and involved with helping their community. Juniors can function as Aides once they have parental consent and the proper training. Many of our Juniors grow up to join the Corp as Active Riding Members and some go on to build careers in EMS. This program offers a healthy and interesting alternative to many other after school activities.