“We Volunteer Because We Care”
“We Volunteer Because We Care” is not just a catchy slogan — it is the creed of the members of LaVale Volunteer Rescue Squad (LVRS). Ask any member why they volunteer, and they will be more than happy to tell you the story of their life-changing event.
What does it mean to be a volunteer in Emergency Medical Services (EMS)?
It means choosing to put someone else first. It means getting out of bed in the wee hours of the morning to help a stranger or maybe leaving the dinner table because of an accident. To each volunteer, it means something different.
Is every call one where we save a life?
No. It’s not about being a life-saving hero every time the sirens wail and the lights flash. But, for every person we help, we do make a difference in their life.
Can a volunteer really save lives?
Yes. We go through the same Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) training that paid Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics attend. In fact, many paid EMS providers start out as volunteers, with many continuing to do volunteer work.
What can I do when I become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?
You will be trained on numerous skills. These range from bandaging, splinting, and obtaining blood pressures to performing CPR, administering certain medications, and using various equipment. All of the skills are taught in your EMT class as specified by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS).
What do I get for becoming a volunteer?
First, free training to become an EMT. After you become an EMT, we also provide free training to maintain your certification, called Continuing Education. When you have successfully completed three years of service, you will be eligible (by meeting certain requirements) for a Maryland Income Tax credit of $7,000. We also participate in Allegany County’s Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP), which, after meeting all the requirements, can provide a small retirement benefit for your years of service. Foremost, you get to help others in their time of need and make a difference in their lives.
How Do I Become a Member?
In order to join you must:
- be at least 16 years old;
- complete and return the application in its entirety;
- consent to and pass a background check;
- provide personal references that will respond to our request.
After you become a member, we require that you earn fifty (50) points per year. Points can be earned by participating in various activities such as meetings, drills, calls, and duty hours.
Are YOU Ready to Volunteer?
Ask yourself these four questions:
- When you see an ambulance with lights flashing, do you want to know what is going on?
- When you pass a vehicle crash, do you wish you could stop and help the injured?
- Do you have time to give to your family, friends, neighbors, and community?
- Would free medical training to help the sick or injured and possibly save a life interest you?
If you answered yes, then we need YOU! Volunteering provides lifetime rewards and makes you an Everyday Hero!
Would you like more information? Feel free to contact us. You can call, stop by, email us, or message us on Facebook.
Apply Now
Download and complete the fillable PDF Application for Membership. Email it to apply@lavalerescue.org or drop it off at our station. Additional information can be found on the Applicant Instruction Sheet.
What to Expect When Joining
Many people wonder what it’s like to join our rescue squad. While the Membership Committee will share more with you during the interview process, here is a brief overview of what to expect.
When will I come to the rescue squad?
Once you join, the Captain and Membership Committee Chairperson will assign you to a regular weekly duty crew. During the interview process, we will consult with you to find several different options that work with your schedule. On your duty crew, a specific EMT or Paramedic will serve as your Field Training Officer (FTO). It is your FTO’s job to make your transition to the squad as comfortable as possible, teach you the knowledge and skills needed to be successful with our squad, and support your learning while you attend EMT class. While we know that things sometimes come up, we expect new members to regularly attend their weekly scheduled duty shift with their FTO so that you can take advantage of the time to learn and grow.
Can I come outside of that duty time?
Absolutely! The only exception is from 11 PM – 7 AM, during which time only our trained EMTs and Paramedics run. We encourage you to come more than your scheduled duty time. This gives you more experience in the back of the ambulance and will allow you to become more comfortable.
What happens during my duty time?
You will be given uniform shirts to wear while on duty. During your scheduled duty time, your FTO will train you on a variety of things and will be available as a resource to help you with anything you are doing in class. During downtime on duty, you are free to use any of our computers (or bring your own laptop or tablet), watch TV in any of the lounges, make a meal or eat out with your crew, or participate in a variety of other activities with your crew. Many EMT students use our computers during their shift to work on homework for EMT class. Your duty crew is like your rescue squad “family.”
How much duty time do I volunteer each month?
We have a large job providing emergency medical services to the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We do not require any minimum time per month, but the more hours you put in, the more experience you gain!
Do I have to earn my EMT before getting on the ambulance?
No. Once you join, we will certify you in Healthcare Provider CPR. Once you have been certified in CPR, you may ride along on the ambulance with your FTO or another medically certified member.
What if I want to practice my skills for class while on duty?
We have an entire room dedicated to training at the squad, which includes up-to-date training equipment. Anything you use in class can be found in our training room. We encourage you to practice while on duty and use the resources of your FTO and our in-house instructors to help you.
When is my membership reviewed?
For your first year of membership, you will be classified as an Apprentice Member. Your status is reviewed at two points: at 6 months and 1 year. As long as you are attending class, performing your expected duties, and meeting your requirements, you will be accepted as a member. If you need a little more work, your apprentice period can be extended six months at a time.
What happens after the EMT class?
Until we are sure (and you are comfortable) that you are ready to handle patient care in the ambulance on your own, you will continue to run with another member. You will also complete an Orientation Progress Sheet (OPS Card) with your FTO, which checks you off on skills and knowledge of our organization and operations. Once you are ready to provide patient care on your own, the Captain will discuss with you the best time of the week for your duty. It may remain on the same day or move to another day, based on your schedule and the needs of the rescue squad.
EMT Class
We encourage our Operations Division members to attend and pass the Maryland Emergency Medical Technician course as soon as they can. This course teaches the skills and knowledge necessary to be certified as a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) in the State of Maryland.
Who teaches the class?
The class is taught by the University of Maryland – Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI). MFRI has local instructors, some of whom are members of our rescue squad. MFRI has a regional office and training center in Cresaptown, MD (behind the prison complex); however, not all EMT classes are taught at that location.
How often is the class offered?
The class is usually offered in Allegany County two times per year, most often beginning in January and August. MFRI offers classes based on interest and minimum student enrollment. You can find current class offerings on the MFRI website.
When does the class meet?
Class days and times change each semester, but classes usually meet one weeknight a week from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM and one weekend day from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
How many hours is the class?
The class is a minimum of 207 classroom hours, a mix of lecture and practical skills. Students must also complete 10 patient assessments on 10 different emergency calls under the supervision of an experienced clinician. Each week, students have online homework assignments that follow their textbook reading. Outside of class, expect to put in about 4 hours of homework each week.
How many months does the class last?
The class typically lasts about six months:
- Fall class: August – January
- Spring class: January – June
- Summer class: June – October
Are all class sessions mandatory?
Yes, all class sessions are mandatory. While taking the class is quite a commitment, the rewards at the end are worth it!
What is the EMT class like?
The EMT class is a college-level course. Between lectures and practical sessions, you have homework. The course follows a nationally accredited curriculum and has three formative exams consisting of written tests and practicals. The class is equivalent to 6 credit hours in Humanities Studies, which may be accepted by some colleges and universities toward a degree.
How do I actually earn my EMT certification?
Once you have completed the EMT course, you will sit for a State of Maryland Practical Examination conducted by evaluators from MIEMSS. This exam tests your practical skills in a scenario-based structure. Once you pass the practical exam, you will be cleared to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians written exam — a computer-adaptive multiple-choice exam taken at any Pearson VUE testing center.
The course sounds very challenging.
The course is challenging; however, if you’re willing to work hard and put in the time to study, you should have no problem passing. We have multiple MFRI instructors in our organization who are more than willing to help you as you progress. Your assigned Field Training Officer will also assist you as needed.
How much does the class cost?
The class is offered free by the State of Maryland for anyone affiliated with an emergency services organization within the state. The only cost is the textbook, if you decide to keep it after the class (around $130). Once you are certified as an EMT, you may request that we reimburse you for the book. If you are not affiliated with an emergency services organization in Maryland, the class costs over $3,000.
Do I have to join a rescue squad to take the EMT class?
Yes, you must join a rescue squad or fire department in order to be sponsored for a class.
What if I want to become a Paramedic instead of an EMT?
Many people who join the rescue squad are interested in eventually becoming a Paramedic. This is a long and challenging process that can be done but takes time. The first, required step is to take and pass the EMT class. Paramedic programs are two-year programs with well over 2,000 hours of combined coursework and clinical rotations.