About our Program
Our student program was developed high school students interested in perusing a career in the medical field. Our student members ride the ambulance with our veteran EMS providers, allowing them the rare opportunity to receive hands on training and education while gaining volunteer credit for college applications!
FAQ's about the program
How old you have to be to be in the program?
We accept applications for the student/youth program at 14 years old. 14-15 year olds are only able to participate in meetings, training's, and special events that the company participates in. 16-18 year olds will be eligible to ride the ambulance once per week. Upon turning 16 a youth member will automatically be moved up and scheduled for shifts. Any youth or student member must have working papers in order to ride. You can receive these papers from your guidance counselors at school.
How are you protecting the students and youth members during the COVID-19 crisis?
Your child's health and safety are top priority for us. Student members are required to perform a temperature check prior to entering the building each shift. Additionally, each student must wear a surgical mask while in the building and on any EMS alarm. Student are also not permitted to go on any possible COVID-19 or COVID-19 related alarms. At this time, we do not require the student or youth members to have regular COVID-19 testing, but they will be given ample time should this be a requirement moving forward.
Do you have to be in high school to join the program?
Yes. All student and youth members must be enrolled in a high school or be home schooled in order to be apart of the program. If you have received your GED or graduated early, you may also apply. Students who are enrolled in school, must provide each quarter's final report cards. Students must pass ALL classes in order to remain in good standing with the program. We take this very seriously and while gaining experience in the field is a great opportunity, passing and graduating high school is far more important. Students who are failing one or more classes will be placed on academic probation until the next quarter grades.
What kind of commitment is required?
Our student members 16 and over are scheduled one three hour shift per week during the school year. Students who are on summer or school vacation are able to ride one four hour shift per week. In addition to shift time, students and youth members will participate in one meetings/training per month. We ask that you take the program seriously and only apply if you are able to dedicate time to the program.
What else does the students or youth members participate in?
Students and youth members hold their own fundraising events throughout the year to raise money for a group trip each year. The trip is decided on as a group, and is fully covered by all fundraising they complete. The program also participates in company events such as parades, company BBQ s, children holiday parties and the annual installation of officers dinner.
Is my child safe riding the ambulance?
Your child's safety is our first priority. We will never place them in a situation where they are in harms way. Our members are trained and informed to keep close eye on students while on any ambulance call and to use their best judgement when allowing students to respond to calls.
Do you keep in contact with the parents?
Of course! We want to make sure that all parents/guardians feel safe when allowing their child to ride with our company. Parents are called often and always kept in the loop regarding their child's progress and time with the company.
Does it cost anything to join or to be apart of the program?
Our program is absolutely free! Members of the program receive free uniforms, and free training. If a student chooses to purchase their own equipment like a stethoscope, the company will not reimburse the cost.
What kind of training will my child receive?
Being apart of the youth and student program gives your child the ability to learn everything they need to know to become an EMT. They will receive a free CPR course, including a card. They will also learn basic first aid skills like, bleeding control, heat and cold emergencies, diabetic emergencies, vital signs, allergic reaction emergencies and much more. Your child will also learn how to recognize stroke and heart attack symptoms all while in the back of a moving ambulance.
Can my child become an EMT through your company?
Absolutely! We encourage ALL of our student members to enroll in an EMT course provided by Suffolk County Emergency Medical Services. The cost and supplies for the class will be covered by Shirley Ambulance.