18. Who can I contact if I have a question that is not on this list?
Contact our Recruitment and Retention Officer at recruiting@dcvrs.org
1. What are the requirements to join the rescue squad?
An applicant must
- be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a high school diploma or a GED.
- Pass criminal and DMV background checks.
- Be clean and neat in appearance.
- Be physically and mentally able to perform the duties required as evidenced by a medical examination.
- Be able to read, write and speak the English language.
2. What things could prevent me from becoming a rescue squad volunteer?
The following disqualify an individual from being approved:
- Addiction to the use of any drugs or intoxicating substances
- Felony conviction for a sexual crime
- Conviction of any other act which is a felony under the laws of this State or of the United States, except that such felony is eligible for certification if within five (5) years after the date of final release no additional felonies have been committed
- Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty or good morals)
- Conviction of a Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor or the Virginia State law equivalent in the last 24 months
- Conviction of a Class 3 or Class 4 misdemeanor or the Virginia State law equivalent in the last twelve (12) months
- Minus three (-3) or more points on a Virginia Operators license or the equivalent for out of state license or the combination of such
- Conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, reckless driving or any suspension of driving privileges in the last five (5) years
- Use of Cocaine, LSD, PCP, or any other type of hallucinogenic drug in the last five (5) years or any history of flashbacks or adverse reactions related to such use
- Use of illegal drugs including anabolic steroids in the last twelve (12) months
- Dishonorable discharge from any military service
- Untruthful or intentional withholding of information on any application, interview or paperwork associated with the position
- Cheating on examinations or testing associated with the position.
3. How do I become a rescue squad member?
Persons interested in joining should call the EMS Administrative Office at (757) 385-1999 and register for a New Member Orientation. Applications for rescue squad membership are submitted to and approved by the City of Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
4. What happens once my application is approved by EMS Administration?
As soon as EMS Administration has approved your application you are a member of Davis Corner Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc. (Or another of the ten rescue squads of your choosing.)
5. Must I live in Virginia Beach to be a volunteer with Davis Corner Rescue Squad?
No. Members come from all over the Hampton Roads area and at least one lives in another state!
6. Is there an age requirement for membership?
Yes. You must be at least 18 years old to join. There is no upper age limit.
7. Can I run a ride along duty as an observer?
Yes. Email our Scheduling Retention Officer at recruiting@dcvrs.org and request to be scheduled for a ride along. Someone from Davis Corner Volunteer Rescue Squad will contact you to arrange a date. Ride along duties run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
8. What should I wear to run a ride along?
Ride along observers should wear:
- A white tucked-in collared shirt with no logos
- A plain white undershirt or white or navy turtleneck (optional)
- A dark pants (navy or black), NO jeans
- Close-toed shoes with socks
If the weather requires a jacket or coat, wear one with no obvious logos.
Basic training is provided by the City of Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services Training Division at the Fire and EMS Training Center on Birdneck Road. When you have been approved for membership you are eligible to start the next EMT training program.
10. How much does the training cost?
Other than transportation the only charge for the initial training is approximately $60 for an EMT textbook.
11. How often are basic training programs offered?
Generally four EMT classes are held each calendar year. They are scheduled either Tuesday and Thursday evenings or Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with several all-day Saturday classes. The course runs 4½ to 5 months and leads to certification as a Virginia Emergency Medical Technician.
12. Can I join the rescue squad if I am already certified as an EMT?
Absolutely! The application process and initial requirements are the same. You will complete several classes on Virginia Beach-specific protocols and equipment then start your orientation training program.
13. How much time must I volunteer?
Once certified as an EMT members are required to run a minimum of four 12-hour duties each month. Duties are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Certified members submit 6 or 7 dates they are available for duty the following month. Dates must be submitted by the 10th of the month. Four duties from those dates are selected by the Scheduling Officer. The schedule for the following month is usually available by the 21st.
15. Can I join the rescue squad and do something instead of running on the ambulance?
Yes. You can join Davis Corner as an Administrative member. As such you will be assigned tasks that support the organization or you may be eligible to serve as an Administrative Officer, on committees, or help with recruitment and retention.
16. Does the rescue squad have meetings and must I attend them?
Yes and yes. Our business meetings are the second Friday of each month beginning at 7 p.m. at the station. Members are required to attend. Meetings usually last less than 1½ hours. Special business, such as decisions regarding the purchase of a new ambulance or significant changes to the Bylaws, infrequently requires a special meeting.