FAQs

How do I apply?

Print out and mail in our Volunteer Application. Mail the completed application to Lyme Ambulance Association, Inc. P.O. Box 911, Hadlyme, Ct 06439. You can also contact our Deputy Chief and Recruitment Officer, Ariana Eaton, at 860-510-2815, or email her at: deputychief@lymeambulance.org.

How much time will I have to commit to LAA?

Lyme Ambulance responding members stand duty a minimum of one shift each week. Shifts are 12 hours: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM (1800 – 0600) or 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (0600 – 1800).  Saturday evening is covered on a rotating basis so every 5-7 weeks you would also be on duty on a Saturday night.  While on duty, EMTs do not have to stay at Hamburg or Hadlyme Station but must be in the Primary Service Area (the Town of Lyme).

What other commitments are there?

Lyme Ambulance holds a monthly business meeting/training class with a light supper from 6:00 to around 9:00 p.m. on the second Monday of the month. We like our members to attend all meetings but we understand they have busy lives and know that it is not always possible. Finally, Connecticut EMS certification must be obtained and renewed through several available bi-annual processes which don’t impose a serious burden or financial cost on the member.

I know it’s a volunteer organization, but is there any monetary compensation?

Lyme Ambulance recently started offering a modest stipend for responders, plus there’s a pension plan available for qualifying members. Talk with Deputy Chief, Ariana Eaton — (860) 510-2815, deputychief@lymeambulance.org — for more information.

Do I have to pay for a uniform?

No. Lyme Ambulance will provide you with a uniform and EMS turnout jacket. During the EMT and EMR classes you will be issued a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, trauma shears, pocket mask, and penlight. This can be the basis for building your own “jump kit”.   When certified, these items will become part of a responder kit issued by Lyme Ambulance, all at no cost to the member.

What if I’m not strong enough to lift patients?

EMTs, EMRs, and Drivers are ordinary, everyday men and women in good health and of average strength. For difficult lifts, you can have the dispatcher call for more EMS or fire department personnel to assist.

“I don’t know if I can do that … I couldn’t do what you do”

You’d be surprised. Have you ever been in an emergency in which you didn’t know what to do? Scary, wasn’t it? Training and practice with your experienced crew will build your confidence to do what needs to be done.

What is a “typical” shift?

Odds are about one in three that you will get a call on any given shift. You may go several shifts with no calls or have a shift in which there are several calls. It is extremely rare to get two or more calls in a single shift. A typical “run” takes about two hours from the time you are dispatched to the time you return to your house.

What kind of calls can I expect?

While calls can involve motor vehicle accidents, fire, trauma, etc., more than 75% of all calls are for “medical” (not trauma) situations, often for the elderly.

What if I don’t have the skills to help a critical patient?

Lyme Ambulance EMTs are certified by the State of Connecticut and required to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam. As such, you will be qualified at the “basic” (EMT-B) level to deliver non-invasive care. If you encounter a patient who requires advanced life support, if one has not already been called to the scene by the emergency dispatcher, you will be able to request Paramedics (EMT-P) or Life-Star helicopter whose crew includes emergency care Registered Nurses and a respiratory therapist. Paramedics are automatically sent by Valley Shore, our Dispatch Agency, for any call that requires emergent health care (about 30%). EMRs are also State-certified and have received the training necessary training to assist EMTs.

Do I have to be a responding member or can I do something else to help LAA?

Lyme Ambulance has a great need for volunteers who can perform a variety of tasks that require no medical training e.g. clerical and computer support, inventory, maintenance work on the vehicles, etc. Retirees, disabled persons, and anyone else who can devote a few hours a week can help keep Lyme Ambulance running smoothly and know they are serving all people in the community in an important way – the EMTs can’t do their job without the non-responding volunteers!

What does it cost for training? Will LAA help pay for it?

The cost for EMT training can vary, ranging from $750-$1,200.  EMR training costs are in the range of $500.  Lyme Ambulance will reimburse tuition costs after the member completes the course, presents a State of CT EMT or EMR certification and serves at least six months of active duty assignment. Arrangements can be made for those who can’t afford the initial up-front costs of tuition. For more information about what Lyme Ambulance does to offset training costs for its volunteers, just ask our Chief of Service or the Recruiting Officer.

How long is the EMT course?

The course requires 180 hours of class instruction plus ten hours of “ride time” in an ambulance or emergency room observation. The classes vary. Some are held in either of two formats: two weeknights (3-4 hours lectures) or a weekend day (8-hour lecture). Others may include self-paced on-line instruction which reduces the classroom “seat-time”. Additionally, there are tests during these classes to ensure participants have grasped the material. Finally, there are several classes located in the immediate Lyme area so you do not have much travel time or expense.

How long is the EMR course?

The course requires 56 hours of class instruction plus ten hours of ride time in the ambulance or emergency room observation. The classes vary and are held in either of two formats: one weeknight (3-4 hours lectures) or a weekend day (8-hour lecture). Classes may vary by including on-line instruction as above. Of course, there are tests.

Why does LAA need volunteers and what happens if they don’t get them?

Like most volunteer organizations, turnover is constant, and Lyme Ambulance must constantly recruit to ensure the duty roster is filled. We are an all- volunteer organization and, should we not be able to get enough volunteers to staff the ambulance, a worst-case scenario is that residents of Lyme might be forced to hire an expensive ambulance company full time.  Typical cost to man the service with two EMTs per shift could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

Will I have to drive the ambulance?

Preferably yes. Most responders both drive and deliver patient care. To become a driver, you must be over 21 years old (insurance requirement) with a good driving record. You must also pass an in-house driver training program which includes a written test and in-the-field driving instruction.  Most new members qualify as Drivers first, then go on to EMT or EMR certification.

Do I have to know all the streets in town?

Our Primary Service Area constitutes the town of Lyme. It is helpful if you know perhaps not every road but certainly most. Lyme only has only a few major routes, but there are some small areas (e.g. Rogers Lake, or Hadlyme) where working knowledge of the area will make you a more effective responder.  Although the ambulance is equipped with maps and GPS, you may ask the dispatcher for directions over the radio. EMTs typically respond directly to the scene.

What are the risks for exposure to bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases?

The ambulance responds to a variety of situations in which exposure to blood borne diseases (e.g. hepatitis-B, hepatitis-C, AIDS/HIV) and airborne pathogens (e.g. tuberculosis) is possible. In keeping with state and federal regulations, Lyme Ambulance recommends vaccination against hepatitis-B and provides responding members with personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, masks, face shields, etc.) to protect against these hazards. In addition, procedures are in place to provide aggressive and immediate treatment in the event of an actual exposure. Over the past ten years or more, no Lyme Ambulance personnel have contracted any of the above diseases as a result of exposure during a call.

Will I need to get any shots or vaccinations?

Lyme Ambulance strongly recommends that you consult with your regular physician about vaccination against hepatitis-B and to make sure your inoculations for tetanus, mumps, measles, rubella, and diphtheria are up to date – a good practice even if you’re not an EMT or EMR.  Lyme Ambulance will cover you with liability and Workman’s Compensation insurance when you are on duty.

Will I have to care for patients right away on my own?

No. After you are certified, you will first participate in an “in-house” training program which will ensure you are qualified for your position. During this training you will ride as an Observer/Trainee and assist an EMT while you gain experience and confidence. An experienced Lyme Ambulance member will be assigned to work with you as a Mentor so that you can become acquainted with ambulance procedures. Over time, you will be allowed to care for patients on your own, based on the approval of your Mentor and the Chief of Operations.

I have more questions.  Who can I talk to?

Call Deputy Chief & Recruitment Officer, Ariana Eaton: (860) 510-2815. Or email her at deputychief@lymeambulance.org. Feel free to contact any other member of the Operations Group for more information. You are also welcome to attend our monthly meeting/training the second Monday of each month at the Hamburg station.

I’m ready to sign-up.  What do I do?

Print out and mail in our Volunteer Application Mail the completed application to: Lyme Ambulance Association, Inc.  P.O. Box 911, Hadlyme, Ct  06439.

Spread the word about LAA!

Whether you come to know us as an active volunteer, as a recipient of our services, or just by word of mouth, we ask you to support us by telling our story to your friends and neighbors. Email us and let us share what Lyme Ambulance has done for you.

Thanks for your consideration.

Updated 5.19..22