SEVAC has approximately 30 members who freely and willingly volunteer their time to train for and to respond to our community’s emergency medical needs. Our volunteers work with a dedicated team of paid Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers. We welcome members of the community and students to join us in our efforts. There are many opportunities available for volunteers, both medical and non-medical. Training is free for our volunteer members.
Most of our volunteers are fully trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). All NYS EMT's are required to participate in ongoing training and re-certification. All SEVAC volunteers attend seminars and training sessions throughout the year. Below are descriptions of some of the types of personnel:
Emergency Vehicle Operator
The Emergency Vehicle Operator (EVO) is responsible for the safety of the crew when responding to a call and for the safety of the crew and patient during transport to the hospital. Additionally, the EVO is responsible for communication with Madison County Fire Control. To become an EVO, you must be certified in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operator (CEVO). You must complete SEVAC's driver training course; this program is designed to familiarize the driver with driving under extreme conditions and familiarization with the area.
Ambulance Aid
Ambulance aids are non-medical personnel who support our medical personnel in the back of the ambulance. Aids must be certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Being an ambulance aid provides great field experience for those who are studying for Certified First Responder or Emergency Medical Technician certification.
Certified First Responder
Certified First Responders (CFR) are trained in some Basic Life Support (BLS) skills and provide support to our medical personnel. Certified First Responders work under the supervision of an EMT or higher level provider. The CFR level is a great opportunity for high school students who are thinking about volunteerism or a career in emergency medical services. Candidates for the CFR certification must be 16-years of age by the date the written exam. The CFR certification requires about 60 hours of classroom and field experience.
Emergency Medical Technician (Level 1)
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) are trained in Basic Life Support (BLS) and are able to staff a BLS ambulance crew. Our EMTs receive additional training to expand their scope of practice as medical direction allows. Candidates for the EMT certification must be 18-years of age by the date of the written exam. The EMT certification requires about 190 hours of classroom, field, and clinical experience.
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (Level 2)
An Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) is trained Basic Life Support (BLS) and some Advanced Life Support (ALS) skills (e.g., definitive airway management and IV therapy to adult patients). Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians are considered BLS providers. To become an AEMT, candidates must already be an EMT and complete an additional 200 hours of classroom, field, and clinical experience.
Emergency Medical Technician-Critical Care (Level 3)
Unique to New York State, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician-Critical Care (EMT-CC) providers are trained in Basic Life Support (BLS) and a wide scope of practice in Advanced Life Support (ALS). Emergency Medical Technician-Critical Care is considered an ALS provider. To become an EMT-CC, candidates must already be an EMT and complete an additional 300 hours of classroom, field, and clinical experience. The New York State Department of Health decided to phase out this level of pre-hospital care provider. Original EMT-CC courses are no longer offered; however, those who possess this level of certification are able to recertify for a period of time, bridge to paramedic, or drop to a lower level of certification.
Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (Level 4)
A Paramedic is the highest trained pre-hospital care provider on our ambulance crew. Paramedics are trained in Basic Life Support (BLS) and a full scope of practice in Advanced Life Support (ALS) . In order to be a Paramedic, you must be an EMT and typically complete an accredited college degree program. Training to become a Paramedic requires about 1,200 hours of classroom, field, and clinical experience. Smithfield Eaton Volunteer Ambulance Corp. is unable to subsidize this level of training.
To learn more about becoming a pre-hospital care provider, visit the New York State Department of Health Website or contact us! Provider courses in our area are generally announced on the Midstate EMS Website.