PURPOSE_OF_PROGRAM:  The purpose of our Ride-A-Long Program is to provide an environment in which the citizen, potential member or EMS student can experience the realism and knowledge of EMS and gain a better understanding of the Fredericksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and its volunteer members. This can be achieved through communication, hands-on experience and observation.   

RISKS:  EMS is a very exciting field; however, this excitement is often accompanied by certain dangers. It is important you understand these dangers before you decide to ride any apparatus. Although precautions are taken, you may be exposed to hazards. These hazards include, but are not limited to: infectious patients; bodily fluids; violent situations; fire, explosions, radioactive, chemical and or heat exposure; pneumatic or hydraulic injuries; flying or sharp objects; vehicle accidents; or bio-hazardous materials. Should you have any questions about any of these possible risks or other risks, please bring them to the attention of your AIC.  You agree to assume all risk by riding the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad apparatus.   Participants are permitted to ride one time, per quarter.

WAIVER & RELEASE: By signing the Waiver & Release located on the FRS Ride-A-Long Request Form, you do hereby acknowledge your understanding that this activity is ultra-hazardous and may involve extreme danger.  You  hereby assume the risk of participating in the FRS Ride-A-Long Program. In exchange for being permitted to participate as a Ride-A-Long, you hereby for yourself, your heirs, administrators, successors, and assigns remise, release, acquit and forever discharge the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad and the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and all of their employees, officers, agents, and volunteers of and from any and every claim, demand, right of cause of action of whatever kind of nature, either in law or in equity, arising out of participation in the above described activities.

IN ORDER TO RIDE-A-LONG, YOU MUST READ, AGREE TO AND SIGN THE RIDE-A-LONG WAIVER AND RELEASE LOCATED ON THE FRS RIDE-A-LONG REQUEST FORM. 

CODE_OF_CONDUCT:  All Ride-A-Long personnel are expected to represent the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad in a professional manner at all times. To ensure the safety of everyone, they must pay close attention, follow directions and maintain professional behavior.  Professional behavior includes:
  a. Demonstrating courtesy, consideration and tact when dealing with patients, family members, co-workers, other health care professionals and the general public even though you will not be taking an active role in operations.
  b. Safeguarding the patient's right-to-privacy in matters dealing with patient care and respecting the confidential nature of all information in regard to the patient's and FRS records, per HIPAA Guidelines.

OVERVIEW:  After reporting for your Ride-A-Long, you will receive an overview from the Attendant-In-Charge (AIC) and duty crew.  This includes:

• Outline of field and management personnel duties;
• Tour of the duty unit and station;
• Instructions on safety procedures (i.e., seatbelt use, the best place to sit in the vehicle, etc.), what to do on a call, on-scene and during patient transport;
• Overview of the HIPAA Compliance & Regulations;
• Explanation of equipment, technologies and innovations employed to assure quality and efficient patient care.

CHAIN_OF COMMAND:  EMS depends on a rigid chain of command in order to facilitate fast, appropriate actions. As an observer, you will not be taking an active role in operations. You must however, understand the basics of command to help insure you are not harmed. When you arrive at the Station, introduce yourself to the officer if they are present, or to the duty crew.  Advise them you are here to “Ride-A-Long.” Get to know the crew you will be running with and ask them what to do when the alarm sounds.

When on-scene of a call, you must follow the directions of every member. Officer’s directions take precedence over other members. Use common sense and try to stay out of the way. This does not mean sit in the truck. You are free to OBSERVE at a safe distance. This distance will depend upon the situation. If you have questions, please ask. If the crew is busy and unable to answer you, hold your questions and ask them after the call is complete. EMS providers love to talk about and share their passion in helping others. The more inquisitive you are, the more rewarding your experience will be.

UNIFORM:  There are certain standards which must be met in regard to uniforms. These standards serve to protect you from certain dangers, and to present a professional image to those we serve. The preferred uniform includes: White or navy blue polo-style or oxford shirt, navy or black pants, black shoes or boots. Coats, jackets or vests must be dark blue or black without patches or insignia.
Understanding these items of clothing may not be available to you, substitutions are acceptable within reason. Please refrain from wearing: Bright colors (wear dark blue, black or white), open toed shoes, shorts, tank tops, logo tee-shirts, logo-jackets. You may only wear professional uniforms (i.e. EMT patches) if you are certified in Virginia at that level.

MEALS:  Our building has a full-kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, oven and microwave for your use.  We have dishes, silver wear and paper products for your convenience.  However, it is necessary for you to bring your own food to prepare and to clean-up.  Typically, most duty crews eat their meals at a local restaurant.  Please be sure to bring money with you for this purpose.

Thank you for your interest in our Ride-A-Long Program, we look forward to meeting and working with you!