Volunteer FAQ
1. What does 4-12 hour shifts mean?
You must be available to respond to the ambulance within 15 minutes of the tone (the page for an ambulance) for a 12 hour period 4 times a month. Some volunteers pick one night or day a week (usual shifts are 6:00am to 6:00pm and/or 6:00pm to 6:00am with some adjustments for work schedules).
2. Once I am certified what do I have to do to maintain my certification? You must complete required annual training. The majority of the training is done online. The required practical skills are practiced and evaluated at the Aero Methow Rescue Service's monthly meetings/training night. Your certification is good for 3 years. If you have not kept current with the required training you will not be able to re-certify.
3.When is the monthly meeting/training?
The monthly meeting is the 2nd Tuesday of the month in our training room in Twisp, unless it is a holiday and then it is the Tuesday before or after the holiday.
4. Do I have to go to these meeting/training nights?
Yes! Washington State requires Emergency Medical providers maintain their certifications through an approved training program. Our monthly meeting/training nights are a key component of our state approved OTEP training plan.
5. What will I actually do when volunteering with as an emergency responder with Aero Methow Rescue Service?
Patient care - assist the Paramedic and/or experienced EMT
Drive the ambulance
Assist with our Injury Prevention Programs:
SAIL – Stay Active and Independent for Life – A falls prevention exercise program for senior citizens.
Bike Safety Rodeos – two times a year in the Spring – typically held at Pearrygin Lake State Park and TwispWorks –
Child Passenger Safety Team – Car Seat Check Events are held Spring through Fall at local venues.
Respond with our partner - Okanogan County Search and Rescue and provide care to those sick and injured in remote and inaccessible areas.
6. What will it cost me to be a volunteer?
Aero Methow Rescue Service makes every effort to minimize the cost to the volunteers. We provide you with one uniform (if you are active we will provide an additional uniform), a radio, your vaccinations (Hepatitis B), and meals for meeting nights and transports that span the time of regular meals (such as a quick meal at the Mini-Market on the way home from the hospital). Our Volunteer Appreciation Party is in early December for you and your spouse, significant other and/or domestic partner. Aero Methow Rescue Service also pays you for going on a call, standby and rescue. This is a nominal amount that is far below minimum wage (so we can still call you a volunteer) but amazingly adds up throughout the year. This is paid once a year at the Volunteer Appreciation Party. Aero Methow Rescue Service is a non-profit corporation - therefore all your travel expenses to the meetings/trainings and rescues and other related expenses are a charitable contribution.