Can't wait to get into the action of Rescue and EMS? We can't either! Age is not a factor when we decide who can volunteer to serve their community. We believe that those who have healthy outlets to connect with their communities early on will later benefit from strong social supports and connectedness.
Volunteers can start as young as the age of 14, and we let them train with us in safe, controlled environments to build knowledge and special skills. By the age of 16, junior rescuers can begin technical rescue classes and work towards certification. Again by 17 and a half, junior rescuers can begin Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and work to become a credentialled clinician by the time they reach adulthood.
What are the age qualifications?
We accept applications for those age 14 and up, though most training won't be allowed until you are at least 16. There is no maximum age limit so long as you are dedicated and willing to help!
What is the application process?
Begin by filling out the membership application below. From there, an officer with the rescue squad will reach out to you as soon as possible (this can take 1-2 weeks). You'll be called, texted, or emailed to come tour the squad and get to ask questions. Once we know you're still interested after the tour, we'll schedule a formal interview and perform a background check (limited for junior rescuers). If all goes well, you'll be called in for 1.5 to 3 hours of onboarding. Following that, you're officially a rescuer!
What experience, training, and education do I need?
To start with, you won't need any kind of experience, training, or education. If you are 18 or older, having a valid NC driver's license will be the only thing you will need to attend trainings and run calls. From the moment you start, we will work with you on starting a class schedule to help you get a EMS credential (EMT, AEMT, Paramedic), your Technical Rescuer (TR), and any other related classes you find interest in (specialties, command, debriefing, etc).
I'd like more information before I apply. Who can I contact?
You can submit general inquiries on our homepage, or you can email us at mountainpark@rescue83.org. You can also show up to one of our regular meetings: every Tuesday, from 7pm to 10pm. As a volunteer organization, our office is typically not occupied and most administrative work is done remotely, but you can try to give us a call at our office at (336)-874-7911.
I'm already in another department, squad, or agency. Can I still join?
As long as you can dedicate the time to a second agency and can make the weekly meetings, you are allowed to be a member of as many other organizations as you want.
What are the requirements once I join?
We have a volunteer-centered policy. There is a general expectation for you to give all that you can when you can, but there is not a minimum number of calls or training hours. (Note: certain state benefits require that you maintain 36 hours of training, which equals showing up to training at least once a month). Our agency runs about 300 calls a year, which means the burden of running calls isn't too extreme.