Location: 720 Ray Watson Drive, Sun City Center
For more than 55 years, the Emergency Squad has served the residents and community of Sun City Center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” and here when the community needs us.
We are an all-volunteer organization that provides Basic Life Support (BLS) emergency services, wheelchair van transportation to appointments for those who are wheelchair-bound, blood pressure checks, and more – all at no cost. Everything we do for our community is free.
On the second Wednesday of most months, we hold an “open to the public” orientation meeting at our training building at 124 S Pebble Beach Blvd, Sun City Center at 6:00 PM. This meeting is a good time to meet some of the volunteers and learn even more about the squad, its mission, and the current volunteer opportunities.
The Sun City Center Emergency Squad was started in 1964 by 14 “first aiders” trained by the Red Cross. Today we are over 400 volunteers, but still short of volunteers!
We can use more FL Licensed EMTs, Dispatchers, Receptionists, IT, Cooks, people for Vehicle Maintenance, Vehicle Washing and Vehicle Sanitation Teams, and IT experienced people.
However, our most critical need is for additional Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) A description of that position follows.
If, however, you would like to help in some other position, we’d certainly be glad to have you.
Position Description
Job Title:
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
Work Location:
720 Ray Watson Drive, Sun City Center
Purpose of the Position:
Two EMRs (one of which is the driver) are required, vital members of the squad’s ambulance crew. EMRs support and assist and EMT when responding to an emergency. Without EMRs, there would be no squad!
Responsibilities and Duties:
After completing training, EMRs go into either of two directions, one of which is driver training. For the EMRs not interested in driving, a primary responsibility is to gather important medical information and enter that information into a laptop computer. This information is then available as the patient is checked-in at an emergency room. Some of the information is gathered by questions to a spouse or someone else close to the patient and some will be relayed to the EMR by notes recorded by the driver.
In addition, EMRs can be called upon to assist the EMT in any of a multitude of emergency related tasks ranging from application of CPR, to helping to control bleeding, to helping a patient a patient who has fallen and cannot get up to his or her feet. The skills and understanding required for all EMR tasks are addressed in the training provided by the squad.
Qualifications:
Be open to a new and vitally important challenge and willing to learn new skills.
Have a desire to help others.
Be able to lift 50 pounds.
Be able to pass a background check
Take and pass a CPR course (furnished by the squad)
(Notice that there is no requirement for prior medical experience.)
Commitment Expected:
1. Complete 50 plus hours of initial training which will take four hours per day over 12 days.
2. The squad is composed of eight teams with each team on duty every eight days. Eight-hour ambulance shifts start at 6 AM, 8:30 AM, 2:30 PM and 10:30 PM. EMRs are expected to rotate shifts every duty day and be on duty for 8 – 8.5 hours each day. In the case of an end of shift call requiring transport out of town, EMRs may not be able to leave on time.
3. If you’re a seasonal resident we would not expect anything from you “off season.”
Training:
All training is provided by the squad. Upon acceptance, volunteers undergo eight hours of CPR training. Passing CPR is required before going any farther in the course. Upon completion of CPR, training continues for 50 plus hours and covers all aspects of the EMR’s responsibility.
Final Thoughts:
The power to help others is in your hands.
You don’t need to be an experienced healthcare professional, we train! Come find out why helping your friends and neighbors in their hour of need, will be one of the most meaningful and rewarding jobs you’ll ever have.
Our members range in age from 18 to 90, with an average age of 72. Many members have celebrated 10, 15, or 20 years or more with the Squad and the average volunteer stay is 5 years.
Most had no medical training when they joined; they learned what they needed here. And, keep in mind that the training you will receive not only prepares you for your job on the squad; it also prepares you for those unforeseen emergencies at home or on the road! When squad members were asked what they get out of being on the squad, the following is a sample of the responses we heard.
Be aware that when the information you submit below is received, you will be called in for an interview. You will be asked to fill out an application, and a background check will be done before you are accepted.
Next Step: Seniors in Service helps nonprofits throughout Tampa Bay find volunteers like you to help accomplish their mission. Fill out the form below and someone from Seniors in Service will contact you soon to walk you through the next steps to begin volunteering. In question 4, please include the words “Sun City Center Emergency Squad.”