We almost always need new members; if you are at all interested in supporting the Squad by becoming a member, read through this page and then email us to arrange a chat and a tour of the building.
Can I join in a support role without going to medical emergencies?
Absolutely! We are always looking for people who can help out doing administrative tasks. Tasks include:
How often will I be on duty?
Each crew works one evening/night per week and 36 daytime weekend hours per quarter. The evening/night shifts are from 6pm to 8pm and 8pm to 6am. Members are asked to keep their radios or pagers (which we supply) on at other times in case additional crews are needed.
Shifts can be flexible when it is necessary. If someone cannot be in town until 10pm, it is possible for that person to have a shift that starts a bit later. If someone needs to leave early for work, it is possible to accommodate a shift that ends earlier than 6am.
Non-EMT members may be asked to work a half-shift. That is, rather than riding every week, they may split their shift with another member to ride every-other week. Alternatively, they can split the shift so that each rides half of the night.
Can I pick which night I will ride?
Yes. The scheduling officer will work with you to find a night that is convenient for you.
Do I have to stay at the squad building when I am on duty?
No. At 8pm on your night assignment, you come to the building to check that the ambulance is fully stocked—something we call “rig check”—and have a short training session with your crew. After that, you only need to remain in town with your pager. You can sleep in your own bed. Some members choose to sleep at the squad building during their duty shifts, especially when the weather is bad enough to delay a response from home.
Will I lose a lot of sleep when I am on duty?
That depends on what you call “a lot”. Most calls occur in the evening before everyone goes to sleep. However, occasionally some calls occur very late at night or early in the morning.
Do I have to be a citizen?
No. There is an application process that involves personal references, a fingerprinting check, and a criminal background check, but citizenship and employment status are not issues for membership.
Am I too old to become a riding member?
You cannot be too old as long as you are physically and mentally fit enough to ride. Riding members range from 16 to 65 with many becoming EMTs in their 40s and 50s. We also have a good number of people in their 20s and 30s.
What if I have to travel for work or for vacation?
We understand. We just ask that you find another member to cover your shift. Fortunately, there are enough riding members at this time to make that fairly easy.
How soon will I be able to ride on the ambulance?
There is a minimum amount of training you will need that the squad provides—CPR, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogens—and two brief online courses required by the Federal Government regarding the Incident Command System. You will also need to show proof of having been vaccinated against Hepatitis (free at the hospital if you have not received it). The squad will encourage you to take a class to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) as soon as possible. More experienced members will work with you as you learn.
How long does it take to become an EMT?
EMT classes are 160 hours of training and practical instruction. They typically run two evenings per week plus one weekend per month for 3 to 4 months, although there are many scheduling options. At the end of the program, you must pass a NJ State exam.
Your training does not stop there (assuming you love it and want to learn more). There are hundreds of hours of additional training offered to EMTs to enhance their skills. Maintaining your EMT status requires a modest amount of continuing education. Most classes are offered during evenings and weekends.
What will all of this cost me?
Nothing. All EMT training is free. You will be provided with a pager, a radio (once you are an EMT) and a uniform.
Why do people volunteer for the rescue squad?
Everyone has their own reason for joining the rescue squad. Among them are:
What kinds of things will I learn as an EMT?
Basic EMT training includes:
Do I get paid?
No. This is a unpaid, volunteer organization. However, we do have what's called the “Length of Service Awards Program” (LOSAP). This is a program that rewards squad members for their community service. The township provides a small, tax-deferred contribution to a retirement fund for each member meeting or exceeding a certain amount of volunteer work each year.
We have a youth member program for Squad members aged 15 to 22.
Send us an email and arrange for a meeting with the membership committee. This is an informal discussion and an opportunity to meet some of the members and get a tour. It is best to send in a completed application ahead of the meeting.
Download the application form here: Member Application Form
If you want to go ahead with the application, we will call your references and you will be asked to contact the Plainsboro Police Department for fingerprinting and a background check. You would then be invited to come to a regular squad meeting, held on the third Thursday of each month, to be voted into membership. After the meeting, we will work with you to arrange time for your initial training and a shift when you are ready to start riding on the ambulance.
Welcome to the Squad!!