Frequently Asked Questions

No! We welcome both newly certified and experienced EMTs. Many of our members join specifically to gain hands-on experience working in a 911 EMS system.

While prior field experience can be beneficial, it isn't required. What matters most is your commitment, professionalism, and willingness to learn.

Start by reviewing our membership requirements and application process.

We also strongly encourage prospective members to attend our monthly meetings. This gives you an opportunity to meet current members, learn about the organization, and ask questions.

You can find meeting dates, directions, and visitor information on our Monthly Meetings page.

We strongly encourage prospective members to attend our monthly meetings. Attending regularly is one of the best ways to learn about the organization, meet current members, and demonstrate your interest and commitment.

Consistent meeting attendance is an important consideration when selecting candidates for our physical agility testing and interview sessions.

Applications are provided to candidates who are invited to participate in a scheduled testing and interview session. We do not offer an open application process.

The application, selection, and onboarding process typically takes several months. The timeline can vary depending on the scheduling of testing and interviews, background investigations, and required training.

Once new members complete their initial training and orientation, they begin a probationary period designed to prepare them for their operational responsibilities.

For more information, see our How to Join and Probationary Period pages.

Yes! A valid California EMT certification is recognized statewide, regardless of which California county issued it.

You do not need to obtain a separate Los Angeles County EMT certification to join the EMS Reserve. However, Los Angeles County has its own EMT scope of practice, and all EMTs working within the county are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and following those requirements.

For more information, please refer to Los Angeles County EMS Agency Reference No. 802.

You must obtain a valid California EMT certification before becoming an active EMS Reserve member.

Qualified out-of-state EMTs may be eligible for California certification through the state's reciprocity process. We recommend completing the necessary certification steps before applying.

Yes! We welcome applicants with a variety of healthcare backgrounds.

However, an RN license or other healthcare credential does not automatically satisfy our EMT certification requirement. Applicants must hold the appropriate EMT certification, regardless of any additional professional licenses.

Licensed paramedics are also welcome, but all EMS Reserve members operate within the authorized EMT scope of practice while serving with the organization.

Absolutely! Many of our members balance their volunteer service with full-time employment, school, and other commitments.

Rescue ambulance shifts and many special event assignments offer scheduling flexibility. However, members must still meet the minimum monthly service requirements and attend the majority of our monthly meetings.

If your school, academy, or work schedule regularly prevents you from meeting these commitments, we encourage you to consider applying when your availability improves.

Unfortunately, the EMS Reserve isn't designed for seasonal or short-term membership.

Our members make an ongoing commitment to the organization, and the training and onboarding process requires a significant investment of time and resources.

If you can only participate for a few months each year, the program may not be the right fit at this time.

EMS Reserve assignments and training activities are limited to authorized personnel who have completed the necessary membership and onboarding requirements.

If you're interested in gaining experience before joining, we encourage you to explore other volunteer opportunities, such as those offered through the American Red Cross, or pursue additional EMT education and training.

We appreciate your willingness to help!

The EMS Reserve is a trained, established unit within the Pasadena Fire Department and does not have a program for accepting temporary outside volunteers during emergencies.

If you're interested in helping your community during disasters, we encourage you to explore the Pasadena Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. CERT provides training in disaster preparedness, basic emergency response, and assisting your community when professional first responders may be overwhelmed or unavailable.

CERT is a separate program from the EMS Reserve and is an excellent option for residents who want to become more involved in community emergency preparedness.

Learn more about Pasadena CERT and other disaster preparedness programs.

The EMS Reserve does not handle ambulance billing, patient records, or requests for medical documentation.

Please direct these inquiries to the City of Pasadena or the Pasadena Fire Department through their official channels.

We'd be happy to help! Visit our Contact Us page to get in touch.

If you're interested in membership, we also encourage you to attend an upcoming public monthly meeting. It's a great opportunity to meet our members, learn about the organization, and get your questions answered in person.