Becoming a Volunteer EMT - Looking for Advice

[RescueYou]

Hi,

This is my first post on these forums, so please forgive if I'm not posting in the right area.

I live in the Seattle area, and I'm looking to become a volunteer EMT. I've done plenty of reading about the requirements, where I can take classes, etc, but what I haven't been able to find is answers to these questions:

1. How can I find someone who is already an EMT in Seattle that I can talk to and learn from? (There's certainly some free lunch in it for whoever would be willing to help me out here)

2. Does Seattle even allow volunteer EMTs? I'm not looking to quit my full time job to do this, but I'm certainly willing to give up some nights and weekends for the cause

3. What book / classes should I take in order to pass the First Aid entrance for the program like the one offered by NSCC? The links I've found seemed ambiguous at best as to what I'd need to know here.

-C

Answers:
1. Finding someone experienced in the EMS field in Seattle should be a breeze. Either call a local rescue squad or just walk in when someone is there. Tell them what you are looking for and you'll probably have several people willing to help.

2. I would be completely surprised if Seattle doesn't have a volunteer squad somewhere. Again, just call the local rescue squad and when you ask them about your first question, also ask about volunteering.

3. For first aid--- well, I'd personally just take a basic first aid class through the Red Cross or AHA. The offer them all the time and they really aren't expensive. For books--- The Brady EMT book is great (9th, 10th, or 11th edition), but it's huge and a little pricey and you don't need it quite yet. The American Red Cross First Aid and Safety Handbook covers the general stuff you'll need to know. Available for $12.91 on Amazon.

Best of luck!

 

[Achromatic]

This may be a good starting point. Ask the chief for Volunteer EMT opportunities near you. Some stations have sleeping quarters for volunteers that do not live in the community. If your community does not use Volunteer EMTs you may be able to find a community that does.

http://eastsidevolunteer.org/vemt.aspx

Good Luck

Interesting - they only offer an 8 hour shift a month?

My Volunteer FD requires a 12 hour shift every 9 days, and that shift becomes a 24 hour shift if falls on a Friday to Sunday.

I'm worried enough about EMS call volume with that shift load, let alone '8 hours a month', in terms of skill utilization and recall.