What’s Involved In Being An EMT?

PR is an all-volunteer department. EMTs are on call 24/7 and respond to medical emergencies whenever they are available. We do not have enough EMTs to have a rotating roster.

We are an all-BASIC unit with no paramedics on our roster. Douglas Fire Department (DFD) holds the certificate of necessity for our area. We transfer patient care to the DFD medic or to a helicopter transport medic.

After certifying as an EMT, and joining PR, additional self-study sessions with quizzes are required by our base hospital (Tucson Medical Center) so we can comply with their administrative orders. Recertifying every 2 years in CPR and EMT skill will typically require 24-32 hours in class attendance. Additional training is available and EMTs are encouraged to attend those sessions when possible.

I cannot tell you how many hours you would be volunteering each month because the number of calls that you might be able to go on vary. I would plan a minimum of 4-5 hours per month for training and vehicle checks.

I can tell you that it is personally rewarding to be able to help friends and neighbors in a time of crisis.

Hope this helps! If you have any other questions, please call me.

Jackie Lewis

520-558-2287