Process

Membership Qualifications and Requirements

The Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad is committed to providing opportunities to qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or age (16 or over). The nature of the work we do and various laws, however, do necessitate that we establish certain standards, qualifications, and requirements for members and applicants. The following summarizes the most relevant requirements:

• Good Character: All members of a rescue squad must be of good character. Criminal background and reference checks are conducted on all applicants. Any past history will be reviewed by our legal advisors and may result in ineligibility to join the squad.
• Responsible: Our members must be dependable and be able to make critical decisions under pressure. This criteria is evaluated through the use of reference checks, interviews, and a probationary membership period.
• Ability to Communicate: Members must be able to read, write, and speak English at a suitable level of fluency. The ability to speak other languages (especially Spanish) is also desirable.
• Education: We require a high school diploma or equivalent for membership. Junior members are exempt from this requirement, but are required to maintain a “C” average and not be failing any course at any time during their membership.
• Health and Physical Fitness: Membership in the squad does NOT require an exceptionally high level of physical fitness. Members must, however, be physically able to perform the required tasks and pass a county heart/lung/cancer physical (paid for by LCVRS). Some training programs/certifications (e.g. fire fighter) may require additional physicals and a higher level of fitness.

If selected for operational membership, individuals must also meet the following requirements to remain in good standing. The items marked with an asterisk (*) are also required of administrative members.

• Training: Members must take a minimum of 10 trainings per year.
• Hours: Members must log the appropriate number of hours (as determined by type of membership) each month.*
• Meetings: Members are expected to attend a minimum of 10 squad membership meetings a year. Special arrangements may be made by the President for extraordinary situations.*
• Certifications: Members must earn (within a year of joining) and maintain the following certifications. Some exceptions may be made by the Chief or President for special circumstances.
  - Basic Life Support (CPR) for Healthcare Providers (or equivalent)*
  - Blood Borne Pathogens and Infectious Disease Control*
  - Hazardous Materials Operations (or higher)
  - Emergency Medical Technician
  - Basic (or higher)
  - Loudoun County AED/Combitube Certification
• Academics: Junior members must maintain a “C” average and not be failing any courses.*