First, review the Volunteer Application Process the VBEMS website. It covers important information about membership requirements and the application process. Once you have reviewed the relevant material, simply click the Join Now button. From there you can complete the application online.
No prior experience or special training is required to join, just a willingness to learn and a passion for helping others. We provide the rest.
The minimum training level for our crews is certification as Virginia-EMT. Our personnel also complete modules in hazardous materials awareness, incident management and emergency vehicle operations. All of these are provided to our members free of charge via classroom or online delivery. New EMTs also complete a field orientation internship prior to full qualifications.
No, you do not need to repeat your EMT course. You will need to complete orientation modules to familiarize yourself with local protocols, equipment and procedures. All members must complete a field orientation internship prior to full qualifications. If you are already an ALS provider, orientation will be tailored based your level of experience.
The basic EMT course is provided free of charge by the City of Virginia Beach.
EMT training involves approximately 16 weeks of classroom and practical instruction. Classes typically meet two nights weekly plus periodic Saturdays.
Contact us at (757) 385-1999 for EMT class schedules. We run multiple classes annually, so there is seldom a delay before another one starts.
Virginia State law requires prints be taken any time someone joins an EMS agency.
We review these situations on a case-by-case basis. In general, we are quite flexible with military personnel. We also hope you will one day transfer back and join us again.
Many of our members are active duty or former Navy. It’s not easy to volunteer while on sea duty, but it can be accomplished. Our rescue squads are flexible in terms of duty requirements for seagoing members. We simply ask that our members maintain good communications with supervisors for planning purposes
Anyone who attends our EMT course is obligated by contract to remain an active member staffing ambulances for 12 months following initial certification. Failure to complete this commitment will result in a default payment of up to $1500. This cost is comparable to the cost of attending an EMT course at a local community college.
Yes! Members pick their own station. If you don’t have a place in mind, then a good squad to start with is the one nearest your home.
EMT’s are required to stand 48 hours of duties monthly. This is typically done in 12-hour shifts (6:00 am to 6:00 pm, or, 6:00 pm to 6:00 am). Some variations may be possible with shift start/end times, but most folks follow the 6-6 pattern.
You rescue squad assigns duty crews. Each member submits the time slots they can run. We do not assign folks unless they are available to work.
Most duties will be at in your rescue squad area (some squads have more than one station). However, you may be assigned to an ambulance anywhere in the City of Virginia Beach. Once on duty, you can expect to be dispatched to calls all across the city.
The process typically takes 4-6 weeks. We will keep you updated on the progress of your application.
A couple speeding tickets over several years doesn’t necessarily cause a problem. However, we can’t make a call on driver credentials without seeing your official driving transcript. If you are in doubt, send us a copy. We’ll let you know from there. Please also look at the Volunteer Requirements and Disqualifiers of website for specific restrictions.
You must have a high school diploma to join. Seniors who will graduate soon may apply during the spring semester. However, they will not be approved until they graduate and attain 18 years of age.
There is no maximum age. As long as someone is physically able to perform the job of an EMT, they can staff an ambulance. There are a number of support functions for volunteers as well. If someone feels they are no longer comfortable on the ambulance, they can apply their talents elsewhere within the rescue squads.
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