Be the person who
shows up.
You do not need a medical background. Our training is free. And about 175 of your neighbors already serve alongside us. There is room for you.
The path, step by step.
No surprises. Here is the whole journey, from your first hello to your first shift.
- 1Say hello.
Start with the short interest form below. A member of the squad follows up with you personally. Send yours now. - 2Ride along.
Come see a real duty shift as an observer. No experience, and no commitment. Learn how it works. - 3Apply.
When you are ready, apply to join. You must be at least 18. The online application is streamlined, and you hear back within two working days. - 4Train, free.
EMT training comes free through the city, in exchange for a one year commitment to run with the squad.
A seat for both kinds of neighbor.
The squad runs on two kinds of member. One rides the ambulance. One keeps everything behind it going. Both are the squad, and there is room for you in either.
Operational members
From EMT to paramedic, you train and certify to the same standard as the professionals, then answer calls on the ambulance. Operational members hold a set monthly duty commitment, currently about four 12 hour duties a month.
Support members
You keep the squad standing without ever riding a call. Support members give about 12 hours a month across office work, the stations, the fund drive, and special events.
Not sure? Ride with us first.
Sign up as an observer and you come to the station, meet a crew, and watch a real duty shift as our guest. Observer shifts currently run 8 am to 4 pm. You see how a call unfolds and ask your questions between runs, with no experience and no commitment.
- You must be at least 18.
Observers also pass a background check by the Virginia Beach Police Department. - Dress neatly, with closed toe shoes.
A collared shirt and dark or khaki trousers keep you ready to move. - You observe, you do not treat.
You ride along and watch. The crew handles all patient care. - Patient privacy is absolute.
Whatever you see stays private, and no photography is permitted.
In the final build, this reserves your ride-along through Microsoft Bookings, so the calendar stays current and confirmations are automatic.
Observe a real duty shift as our guestUnder 18? The Junior Rescue Squad of Virginia Beach welcomes ages 13, or completed eighth grade, to 18, so you can start learning emergency medicine early.
What to expect.
The questions we hear most, answered plainly.
- ?Do I need experience?
No. We train you, and training is free through the city. - ?What does it cost?
Nothing. Training is free, and members are provided uniforms, jackets, and gear. - ?How much time?
Operational members serve about four 12 hour duties a month. Support members give about 12 hours. - ?What does support look like?
A mentoring program guides new members. Business meetings on the second Monday of most months include dinner, and family socials like barbecues and picnics are part of squad life. - ?What if I am not ready?
Start with a ride along and watch a shift first. See what that is like.
Send us a hello.
There is no wrong reason to reach out. Tell us a little about yourself, and a member of the squad will take it from there.
Your neighbors are waiting to meet you.
Whether you send a hello or ride along first, the next step is small, and we will be right there with you.