volunteering with rescue 4

Rescue 4 members are required to provide a minimum of 48 hours a month, generally split into two 24- or four 12-hour prescheduled shifts. Members are encouraged to provide additional time to station and administration projects, run for officer positions, take on leadership rolls and staff ambulances as needed or on off-hours. 

Operational Candidates without current EMT certification will be required to attend our in-house, no-cost Basic Life Support (BLS) Academy held through the City of Virginia Beach Department of EMS. Successful graduates of the BLS Academy will receive professional CPR certification, National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT), Virginia State EMT-Basic licensure, and Emergency Vehicle Operations and Control (EVOC) certificate. 

Administrative Candidates will attend an initial orientation through VBEMS followed by on-the-job training with Rescue 4 leadership. 

Those who successfully complete the BLS Academy, and applicants who are current EMTs, Advanced-EMTs, and Paramedics will complete an Internship. This familiarizes the member with local procedures, policy and protocols and gradually introduces them into the organization. ALS Providers will be required to complete their Internship under a Field Training Officer, then complete an oral board with our Medical Director and training team. 

All of our members regardless of certification level are released as Tidewater EMS Council Providers with reciprocity throughout the local area. 

Volunteering with us is a big commitment, but will be the experience of a lifetime. Some of the many benefits include: 

• Volunteer hours - at least 48/month.
• No-cost initial EMT training and certification, as well as an in-house Advanced-EMT Academy, scholarships for Paramedic school, no-cost continuing education including CEUs and access to courses like ACLS, PALS, TCCC/TECC, EMS at the Crime Scene, Introduction to Public Affairs and EMS Officer I & II.
• Invaluable patient contact and care experience in a very busy metropolitan 911 system.
• Leadership opportunities in operations, administration and management. 
• Virginia Beach property tax incentives and Virginia State VOLSAP retirement stipend.
• Special Operations opportunities, including Crisis Intervention, Marine/Water Rescue, Bike EMS team, Cart EMS team, SWAT Medic, Field Supervisor, Special Events Standbys and more. 
• Free or reduced admission to statewide training symposiums.
• Membership in a progressive EMS agency. All our ambulances feature LUCAS CPR devices, Stryker power cot and loader systems, and protocols that allow both BLS and ALS providers to think critically and operate at the top of their capabilities and training. 

Most importantly, you’ll join a diverse family of dedicated professionals serving the community. 

Volunteering with us will be some of the most challenging - but exceptionally rewarding - experiences of your life.