FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much will I make?
The truth of the matter is that we receive no financial compensation for our day to day services. However, at the end of three years of qualifying service you are eligible for a Maryland tax credit. After twenty years of service and age 55 you may be eligible for a small County Government financed pension. 

The reward we receive from saving lives, bringing babies into the world, and helping people in their time of need is priceless.  It is extremely rewarding to see the gratitude in a patient or family member's face.

What's in it for me?
We are a 100% volunteer organization.  We proudly serve our community for free.  You get the satisfaction of helping people who are experiencing medical emergencies and supporting your neighbors and community.  Our members range in age from teenagers to senior citizens.
In addition, you receive:

• Free emergency medical technician training (EMT basic).
• State tax credits after three years of active service.
• Retirement after twenty years.
• The knowledge that you can really make a difference in someone's life.

Must I live in Leonardtown to become a member?
We do not have a resident's only policy.  Our members come from many of the surrounding communities.

If I join as a "driver-only" can I later change my mind and train as an EMT?
Certainly.  A significant number of our driver-only folks have decided to do just that.

I'm not sure I can handle the 'blood, sweat, and tears' nature of emergency medicine. Can I 'sample' the work to see if it is for me?
Yes, we have a program that permits you to accompany a crew on calls as an observer to experience what our volunteer role is. The vast majority of our applicants find that the training provided permits them to function quite effectively in emergency situations. The only requirement is a CPR certification for which we offer monthly classes.

How do I become an EMT? 
The EMT course is a 4 month class that is hosted by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI). Following the class there is a practical and a written test. 

How can I join? 
To apply for membership, fill out our Online Application. You'll be invited to a membership interview and be welcomed into a team of hard workers who support their squad and community with great pride.  If you have any questions feel free to ask a member or call the Rescue Squad at 301-475-8509.

How much time does it take?
We ask our members to volunteer a minimum of one shift (8 hours) per month and attend monthly business meetings and training drills.? We operate three ambulances so there are ample opportunities to run. Our schedule is flexible to meet the needs of your busy schedule.

What types of memberships do we offer?

Probationary Member:

• Shall be at least 18 years of age
• A member’s probationary period is generally for 1 year, but can be as short as 90 days

Regular Member:

• An approved member that has completed the probationary period.
• Required to attend 3/4 of the meetings and drills
• Stand duty for at least two 8 hour shifts per month
• Shall attend at least 2 scheduled standbys annually

Associate Member:

• Required to attend 6 regular meetings and/or drills per Squad year
• Required to attend 10 hours of documented duty per month
• Required to attend at least 2 scheduled standbys annually

Driver Only Member:

• An approved member that functions as a driver only and maintains active membership
• Must have a copy of their valid drivers’ license
• Must complete the Squad driver training program
• Must be at least 21 years old and have a clean driving record

Life Member:

• Any member with at least 20 years of service in good standing
• Shall retain voting privileges just as a regular member

Honorary Member:

• An approved past or present member with special circumstances
• Any member, past or present, because of age, condition of health, or other good cause

Student Member:

• An approved member that is attending a college or university
• Students may remain in this membership classification for up to 4 years
• Must run at least 10 calls per Squad year and attend a total of 3 business meetings and/or drills per squad year

Junior Member:

• An approved member 16 or 17 years of age
• Must be endorsed by the applicant’s parent or legal guardian
• Shall submit a work permit with membership application
• Maintain a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or equivalent
• After serving at least one year of membership shall be eligible for regular or associate membership on or after their 18th birthday

Auxiliary Member:

• A member in good standing with the Squad’s Auxiliary
• Auxiliary members who are CPR qualified and over the age of 18 may attend emergency ambulance calls as requested by the Crew Chief