TVFD Ambulance Company FAQs

Recruitment Page | Fire Department FAQs | Application for Membership

Ambulance Company

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I need to be in order to join?

Our membership ranges in age from 14 to 70. Junior members (age 14 to 17) are more limited in what they can do on the emergency, however they provide support and get plenty of training. With parental permission, a 14-year-old can take MRT certification training and a 16-year old can take EMT certification training. Several current department members, officers and an assistant chief started in the department as junior members.

What type of experience do I need in order to join?

No experience is necessary, just a desire to help and a willingness to learn. Medical training is required once you join and the Ambulance Company will assist new members in finding a class to enroll in.

Are there any entry tests I have to take to join?

There are no verbal or written exams necessary to join. Each new applicant is required to have a physical and police background check completed as part of the membership process.

Is training provided?

Yes, all new applicants go through a department training program. This training covers an overview of the department, rules and regulations, safety, and other introductory information. New members coming into the ambulance without a current Connecticut MRT or EMT certification will then have to take either a MRT or EMT certification class. The Ambulance Company will assist new members in finding a class to enroll in.

How long is the training program?

The introductory training is typically 3 nights. Additional training varies for time requirements (MRT certification-50 hours, EMT certification-120 hours). New members without Connecticut MRT or EMT certification must enroll in a MRT EMT class within 60 days of joining.

Does my training stop once I finish the Introductory Training Program?

No, you will drill with your company and the department weekly. There are annual re-certification classes you will need to take (i.e. CPR) and there are classes offered outside the department (days, nights and weekends) that you can take as well (most of which the Department will reimburse you for).

What time requirements do I have to commit to?

Members of the Ambulance Company meet once a week (Monday's from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.). These weekly meetings allow for training, equipment maintenance and department meetings. It is understood that members can not make every weekly meeting, it is hoped that they will make most. To ensure coverage for emergency calls, "call time" is scheduled for the ambulance. Members are requested to do a minimum of 6 hours of call time a week and 24 hours of weekend call time a month. Members work with a scheduling officer to pick call time that is convenient to their personal schedule.

What is call time and do I have to sit at the firehouse while doing my call time?

Call time is a schedule period of time (typically a 6-hour shift) where a duty crew of 2 or 3 members is assigned to respond to all emergency calls. Members do not have to sit at the firehouse during this time but need to be available when a call comes in. Occasionally, a second call will come in while the "duty crew" is already out. When this occurs, any other available ambulance company members will respond with the second ambulance.

What if I can't get time off from work to go to calls?

If you work in or around town, some employers may be receptive to letting you go to calls during your working schedule, however these types of arrangements are strictly set up by the individual and his/her employer. The Town of Vernon Fire Department can not and does not require an employer to allow employees to leave for emergency calls. Most department members can only respond to calls outside of their normal work hours. As we have (and are looking for) members that work different shifts, we maintain coverage around the clock.

How often do emergency calls come in?

Emergency calls are not "scheduled" like weekly meetings. The amount of calls varies by day, week and month. Some call time shifts have no emergency calls, others will have several calls back to back.

Recruitment Page | Fire Department FAQs | Application for Membership