Become a Member of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team

What could be more satisfying and rewarding than helping others in their moment of need? As EMT’s, we have an opportunity to help others in extremely difficult times, often when they are very ill or severely injured. We train to be our best on the day that may be their worst. If you are looking for a way to give back to the community and help others who are truly in need, this is it.  The Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (AVFRD) provides pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to one of the most populated areas of Loudoun County. Our five ambulances cover Ashburn, Landsdowne, Broadlands, Brambleton and other nearby areas, composed of dense subdivisions, commercial areas, data centers, major commuting roads and parks. We also service the neighboring communities and occasionally provide mutual aid services to Fairfax County.  We transport our patients to the closest appropriate medical facility, often to one of the two closest hospitals: Inova Loudoun Hospital Center or Inova Ashburn Healthplex. When our patients require specialty care such as advanced trauma services we often utilize medevac helicopters such as AirCare. These flight services rapidly transport patients to one of our nearest Level 1 Trauma Centers; either INOVA Fairfax Hospital or MedStar Trauma Services at The Washington Hospital Center.
Ready to start the adventure?  Start the Process here!

What to Expect as a Probationary EMS

EMS Training

As a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), you will go through a very intense training process in preparation to competently care for the injured and ill.  All of the basic training is provided at no cost to you.

Red Hat Program

It all starts with our “Red Hat” training.  “Red Hat” comes from the red helmet assigned to new trainees and it is the designation you hold until approved and released as an EMT-B and ambulance aide.
The Red Hat program familiarizes the trainee with our apparatus, equipment and most importantly – the safety of yourself, your crew and your patient.  This training takes place at our station using our apparatus and is led by senior members of our team.  The program covers both EMS and Fire.  This training is usually scheduled and completed within 30 days of being accepted as a member of AVFRD.

Core Classes

In parallel with your Red Hat training, you will be scheduled to attend Volunteer Recruit School (VRS) training.  These classes are required before starting your EMT-B course.  The core VRS classes are:

  • Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – 8 Hours
  • Blood Borne Pathogens – 4 Hours

Upon completion of the VRS classes, you will be assigned to a duty crew and will start working while your training continues.

  • Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B) Course

There are several levels of EMT certification both at the state and national level.  It starts with the EMT Basic, (EMT-B).  The EMT-B is trained to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) including wound care, splinting, oxygen administration, respiratory assistance, CPR and many other interventions.
Classes generally take about 4 months to complete and occur on weeknights and some weekends.  Upon completion of the class, you will take a state or national exam.  The exam consists of both a written and “hands-on” practical component.

Additional Training

Once you complete the EMT-B course you will begin a brief “in-station” internship, working under the supervision of a more experienced crew member.  After being released by the Rescue Chief, you begin serving in roles of increasing responsibility as outlined below:

  • Ambulance Aide – The new EMS Provider starts as an ambulance aide, riding in the back of the unit and assisting their officer with patient care. Time spent as an aide gives the member a solid knowledge base to launch their career in EMS.
  • Ambulance Driver – The next rung on the EMS ladder is to become an ambulance driver. The aide attends an Emergency Vehicle Operators Course and then practices driving on calls. Maturity and confidence are key elements to this step.
  • Ambulance Officer – After obtaining an EMT-B certification, the provider moves into training to ride as the officer on the ambulance. In this role you are responsible for all patient care as well as the safety and security of your crew.
  • Advanced EMT Training – The EMT-Basic (EMT-B) is not the end of the road.  Advanced levels of certification are available for those who are interested including the EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I) and EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P).  The EMT-I and P are trained to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) including care in Cardiac Emergencies, Trauma and other life-threatening medical conditions.