Join the Squad

Membership Application

We recruit once a semester; any questions or comments can be sent to our membership chair at vtrsmembership@gmail.com

**Fall 2024 VTRS Application Process Campus Recruitment Already Closed**

Phase I – Mandatory Information Sessions

For your application to be considered, you must attend one information session. Sessions will be held at Station 15, located at 0245 Barger Street, Blacksburg at the following times:

Saturday, September 7, 2024

08:30 - 09:30

10:00 - 11:00

Sunday, September 8, 2024

10:30 - 11:30

12:00 - 13:00

Cookout at Station 15: 18:00-21:00

During this session, you will learn about the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad and be given an overview of how we operate. This is a time for questions you may have about the application, as well as the probationary member process.  If you are unable to make it to either one of the information sessions, please contact our membership chair via email as listed above.

Sign up for an information session HERE.

See the information session powerpoint HERE. 

Phase II – Online Application

Fill out the application for membership. The completed application is due by September 10, 2024 by 19:00. 

Application Instructions: The application takes about 40 minutes to complete.  Please complete the application in one sitting or keep the tab open for later.  If you have any questions or issues, feel free to contact the membership chair at the email above.

Click here to submit an application.

Phase III – Pre-Probate Week (Sep. 8 - Sep. 10)

Pre-probate week will be a time for you to see what being on the squad is like and for members to get to know all of you.

On Sunday, the 8th, there will be a cookout for you to ask questions and get to know the members. Also, throughout the week we will have drills where you will be able to observe our members train and run through medical scenarios. There will be two open house events for you to come to the station and speak with our members, which will take place that Monday and Tuesday 10am - 4pm.

Phase IV – Interview (Sep. 11 - Sep. 13)

Once you have completed 4 hours of interaction either at drills or at our open house events and submitted your written application, you will be considered for an invitation for an interview. Interviews will be held at The Inn at Virginia Tech. Attire is business professional, masks are not required. Each interview slot is 15 minutes. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your interview.

Membership committee will be calling applicants to inform them of their application status on the evening of September 14th or the morning of September 15th.

Phase V – Probationary Period (Sep. 15 - Dec. )

If you accept an offer to be a probationary member, your first probate meeting will be held on Sunday, September 15th from 12pm-4pm.  Following your first meeting, all of membership, including probates, will attend a business meeting the evening of September 15th. This first day will be busy with paperwork and uniform organization. Expect that most of your afternoon will be spent at the station.

Probationary classes usually range from five to fifteen individuals, based on need at the time. The probationary process runs for twelve weeks. It is designed to educate probates about our agency, emergency medical services, and ensure it is a commitment you are wanting to make.

During the probationary period, all candidates will become an integral part of an emergency care team. Near the end of the probationary period, the membership committee will meet with each of the probationary members.  At the last business meeting, the committee will present its recommendation to general membership regarding each candidate’s membership status. Once approved by the membership, the probationary member becomes a full active member, with all responsibilities and privileges as such.

Duty Requirements

Every VTRS member is required to pull a share of the duty:

First Run Duty

Also known as night duty, shifts cover from 1800 hrs until 0730 hrs Sunday through Thursday. Each member is assigned to a First Run shift one night every other week. In addition the weekends are assigned on a rotating basis. First Run crews provide an immediate response to 911 calls.  In addition the weekends are assigned on a rotating basis. First Run crews provide an immediate response to 911 calls.

Backup Duty

Also known as Second Run duty, night backup duty shifts cover the same time as the First Run duty shifts (1800-0730). Backup shifts are on the same night as a member’s First Run duty shift on alternating weeks. Therefore, one week a member will be on First Run duty and the next week they will be on Backup Duty. The Second Run crew team is responsible for covering second team calls when the First Run duty crew is already out on a call. Backup can also provide extra manpower, if required. Members are provided with radio equipment to respond to second-team calls. The Second Run crew is also responsible for standbys and campus activities on their night. Note: Probationary members will always pull Backup Duty at the station.

Day Duty

From 0730 hrs until 1800 hrs, Monday through Friday, members are required to pull a share of day duty. The hourly requirement for day duty varies from semester to semester, depending on the number of members and their training levels.

Break Duty

VTRS operates all year round, even when classes may not be in session, or if they are online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During school breaks and online sessions, members are required to pull a certain amount of duty.