<a id=”fire”></a>Volunteering as a firefighter/EMT in Montgomery County, MD is personally rewarding and an excellent avenue to serve your community. Montgomery County volunteer firefighter/EMTs perform many duties besides putting out fires; your cutting edge training will prepare you to respond to a variety of unique fire suppression and rescue situations. Firefighter/EMTs provide critical aid on calls which can range from major car accidents to river and mountain emergencies.

Volunteering in this role is physically and mentally demanding; you will be asked to intervene and provide exemplary service during the worst moments of people’s lives. Your training is very extensive but manageable if you have strong time management skills. To become a fully licensed, certified and ranking Firefighter II, you will take a series of training courses which equate to around 400 hours of class time. Upon completion of additional training, you will also have the opportunity to join a specialized rescue team such as: River Rescue and Tactical Services; Dive Rescue and Recovery; Urban Search and Rescue; and Hazardous Materials. You will find that your training is intellectually stimulating and will compliment your professional work or education; in addition to the unique skills acquired, you will become a leader among your peers and learn new management styles.

The possibilities for advancement in this position are limitless. Realistically, you can acquire the credentials needed to become an officer in only two and a half years. All training is provided free of charge and is strongly encouraged.

Volunteering as an Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic is an excellent way to serve your community while gaining invaluable life-saving experience. Volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians in Montgomery County, MD are known throughout the world for their extraordinary clinical and driving skills, advanced training and consistent high-level of performance. EMTs perform many duties besides answering 911 calls; in this role you may be asked to assist with public education campaigns and engage the community during fire department open houses as well as other local events.

Volunteering as an Emergency Medical Technician is mentally and physically demanding; you will be asked to intervene and provide exemplary service during the worst moments of people’s lives. Your training is very extensive but manageable if you have strong time management skills. There are a series of training courses which equate to 172 classroom hours to attain the status of Emergency Medical Technician-Basic; at this level of certification you may be charged with managing an entire ambulance crew. By the end of your initial training you will be proficient in CPR and how to handle cardiac as well as respiratory arrest, heart attacks, seizures, diabetic emergencies, respiratory problems and other medical emergencies. You will also know how to manage traumatic injuries such as falls, fractures, lacerations and burns. You will find that your training is intellectually stimulating and will complement your professional work or education; in addition to the specialized skills acquired, you will become a leader among your peers and learn new management strategies.

The possibilities for advancement in this position are unbounded. Following completion of EMT-B class, you can take courses to become a paramedic (EMT-P), or EMS supervisor. All training is provided free of charge and is strongly encouraged.

The modern day volunteer fire and rescue service needs more than firefighters and EMTs. Volunteer fire/rescue departments in Montgomery County, MD are dynamic and evolving non-profit organizations; we are in constant need of professionals with specialized skills-sets from ALL backgrounds. Non-operational volunteer contributions are critical in day-to-day operations as well as attaining long-term department goals.

Projects, programs and departments that need significant non-operational assistance include: fundraising; recruitment; marketing/branding; advertising; book-keeping; audit support; legal; event planning; graphic design; website development; E-learning/Blackboard; curriculum development; database management; donor management; public/media relations; facilities; social networking; film production; food preparation; and procurement.

Administrative membership is available for applicants who do not wish or may not be able to participate in Fire/Rescue or EMS operations, but still desire to serve their local volunteer fire department. Administrative membership is reserved for persons whose special abilities or skills may be considered beneficial to the Department and/or those who have a desire to participate in fundraising, departmental events, public service events, work details, administrative support and other non-emergency related functions. Administrative members will not be permitted to participate in fire and rescue operations.

MCVFRA is also looking for auxiliary members who wish to participate on an ad-hoc basis, such as to man the canteen trucks on significant events.

Everyone has a talent and a unique perspective which can be applied to the betterment of the volunteer fire/rescue service in Montgomery County, MD.