The 12 volunteer fire and rescue departments in Fairfax County need volunteers to serve as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. Since 80% of the emergency calls in Fairfax County are medical emergencies, volunteer EMS providers are on the front lines every day providing pre-hospital emergency care and saving lives.

Members of the 12 volunteer departments can choose to participate as EMS-only providers or to cross-train as Firefighter/EMTs. EMS-only providers can train to the EMT-B (basic life support) or paramedic (advanced life support) level, but receive no training in fire suppression. They participate as front-line providers (including providing medical care during fire emergencies), but do not participate in firefighting activities. As they become more experienced, EMS-only providers move on to become ambulance drivers, unit officers, instructors, and EMS Command Officers (in charge of medical emergencies requiring multiple EMS units).

The EMS-only program is a great option for volunteers who would like to focus on medical care or who cannot commit to the rigorous training schedule required to become a firefighter. Once trained, however, EMS-only members can later choose to become firefighters by attending fire suppression training. As Firefighter/EMTs or Firefighter/Paramedics, they continue to use their EMS skills during medical emergencies while also providing fire suppression and other rescue services after receiving the appropriate training.

Start the Journey

Fairfax County’s 12 volunteer fire and rescue departments welcome applicants who are motivated to become EMS providers in one of the nation’s best emergency service organizations. We provide the training, and you provide the skill and desire to help those in need.

For volunteers with no prior experience or no current Virginia EMT-B certificate, the training process takes between 6 – 12 months. Those with prior experience or certification can often transfer their certification into Fairfax County, shortening the process.

We welcome any who are interested in serving their community as an EMS provider to contact us and learn more.

Training Schedule:

The following is a brief overview of the initial training process for EMS-only volunteers. All training classes are held on nights and weekends, in recognition of the fact that our volunteers have many other commitments in addition to volunteering.

Volunteer In-Station Initiation Training (VISIT) – This is an in-station orientation program (taught by each volunteer department) to familiarize new members with the volunteer department and its fire station, equipment, and procedures. Duration: approximately 30 days (While each station has its own procedure for VISIT, the course usually involves between 8 – 12 hours of instruction.)

Level I – Also known as Initial Emergency Response Training, Level 1 is taught at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Training Academy. The course gives new members an introduction to the world of emergency services and details the operations of the FCFRD as a whole. You will also learn basic emergency provider skills such as CPR, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and use of a fire extinguisher, enabling you to ride as an observer on ambulances and fire engines. Duration: 30 days (Evening classes one night each week plus occasional classes on Saturday or Sunday mornings. 40 hours of total instruction.)

Physical Exam – A thorough physical will be conducted at the Fairfax County Occupational Health and Safety Center. This exam will test your ability to handle the stresses of being an emergency services provider. A passing physical is required in order to continue your volunteer training and participate as an operational volunteer.

EMT-B Class – This is a Virginia EMT-B (basic) certification course that meets national standards laid out by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to provide basic life support (BLS) care and function independently in a medical emergency. Students learn how to take vital signs, properly stabilize patients, deliver babies in an emergency, and treat traumatic injuries or life-threatening medical emergencies in a pre-hospital setting. Duration: 3 months (Classes at the Fire and Rescue Academy on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Sunday mornings. 120 hours of total instruction.)

Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) – EVOC teaches you the fundamentals of emergency vehicle operations, including applicable laws and safety procedures. It is required before being allowed to drive apparatus in emergency conditions. Duration: 1 month (2 nights of evening classes, followed by in-station driving practice and a final driving test. 12 hours of total classroom instruction and testing.)

The training schedule above outlines the basic process for becoming a volunteer EMS provider in Fairfax County. The process is extremely rewarding, but requires commitment and dedication over the course of months and years. To become a competent provider, volunteers must also spend time riding on EMS units during emergencies and continuously practicing and enhancing their skills.

After completing the basic training process, volunteers may also elect to attend advanced training to become a paramedic, unit or command officer, or an ambulance driver. These programs allow experienced volunteers to enhance their skills and assume more responsibility during emergencies, but are also very selective, demanding, and time-consuming. Those volunteers who have chosen to pursue these opportunities reflect the skill, commitment, and professionalism of Fairfax County’s fire and rescue volunteers.