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Interested in helping out the community? We would love to have you as a member. But before you join, you might want to participate in a ride along.

Q. What is a ride-along?

A. A ride along is a way to see what we do while we're on duty. You pick your shift that you want to run, and run as an observer on our ambulance. We run 12 hour shifts, but you can leave anytime during that shift. (This is assuming that we aren't on a call at the exact moment that you want out of the observer duty.) Once you have run, you can decide whether rescue is for you.

If you would like to learn more, click on the picture.  

Q. I have already ran an observer duty, or have been affiliated with an EMS program before. How can I join?

A. You can submit an application to City of Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Administrative office. The person to talk with is Geri. She can be reached @ 757-437-4851. You can also contact her via e-mail @ gautunno @ vbgov.com

Q. What are the qualifications for joining Virginia Beach EMS?
A. The qualifications are as follows:

  • Be at least 18 years of age or older.
  • Have a High School diploma or equivalent.
  • No convictions of moral turpitude.
  • No more than 6 bad points on driving record (either in Virginia or other state.)
  • No DUI's on driving record
  • No Felonies on criminal record

Q. What if I don't have previous EMS training/ or my certifications have expired?
A. You can sign-up for classes through the City of Virginia Beach EMS Training Department.

Q. How does the training work, and what level will the city train me up to?
A. First, there are several skill levels of providers in the Virginia Beach EMS system. The city will train you all the way to the highest skill level. Certain levels of training will require you to sign a contract with the city promising a set number of years service. To best explain how this works, see the chart below.

Level of training
Contract requirements
Educational Institution
First Responder
No contract req.
VB EMS Training
EMT Basic
2yr contract
VB EMS Training
EMT-Enhanced
2yr contract
VB EMS, TCC or Network*
EMT Intermediate
2yr contract
TCC or Network*
EMT Paramedic
2yr contract
TCC or Network*

* Reflects that courses may be taken at Tidewater Community College or Network Medical.

The best resource for information about contract terms and how your prior training is to ask Virginia Beach EMS training office. They can be reached at (757) 219-2970