Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company hosted the first volunteer ambulance in Baltimore County and we welcome you to that tradition. EMS is an ever-changing field with medical emergencies ranging from falls to car wrecks to cardiac arrests.

Levels of EMS Certification

Emergency Medical Technician

EMT is the entry-level certification for EMS. EMTs provide basic life support level patient care including patient assessment, splinting and bandaging and helping paramedics provide advanced life support. EMTs are considered Basic Life Support providers

EMT classes are 204 hours long and are offered in the spring and fall, usually 2 weekday nights and 1 weekend day. During the summer, EMT classes are offered in a “crash course” format consisting of ~8 weeks of 5 day per week instruction. Maryland uses the National Registry standard for EMT testing; this simplifies the process should a member move to another state that also uses the National Registry

IV Technician

IVT is a Maryland-specific status for EMTs that upon completion of the class, allows them to begin IVs. IV-Tech is an 8-hour class, followed by a required practical skills test. IV-Techs are considered Basic Life Support providers.

This class is offered by Baltimore County and does not transfer outside of Maryland.

Paramedic (EMT-P)

Paramedic is the highest level of EMS field care. Paramedics are able to do everything an EMT can do, in addition to administering medications, intubating patients, and performing cardiac procedures. Paramedics are considered Advanced Life Support providers.

Paramedic programs are offered by several community colleges as well as University of Maryland Baltimore County. The program lasts on average 2 years and is an intense commitment of time and effort as there are multiple ride alongs and exams that must be completed. Paramedics are able to take the National Registry exam just as EMTs do to simplify moving between states.

Tips for Success

1. Study, Study, Study! EMT has a lot of material to learn.
2. Get Started Early! The more you ride the medic, the more you learn.
3. Members at the station are eager to help you practice skills. Just Ask!
4. Don’t wait until the last minute to do your 10 ride along calls.
5. Remember that 10 calls is just the minimum, ride as much as possible.
6. Ask the staff to be an active part of patient care, then ask for feedback after the call.
7. You can never take enough blood pressures. Ask your friends, family, co-workers and of course, brothers and sisters at the firehouse.

EMS Progression at CVFC

When you join CVFC, you will complete a number of steps to begin riding and then progress through the EMS ranks. 

Observer: Observers are members who are cleared to ride but have not yet begun EMT class. They are able to ride on calls but function primary to assist the crew with carrying bags, moving the stretcher, and above all, learning. 

Students: Students are observers who have begun EMT. Students are expected to use their time on the medic to learn and observe, but also practice when possible and appropriate, the skills they are learning in class, such as patient assessments and vitaling. 

3rd Riders: A 3rd rider is a member who has successfully received a Maryland EMT card but has not completed the steps to provide patient care on their own. 3rd riders use their time to work towards the goal of becoming a cleared 2nd rider. 3d riders may also take EMS calls on U397 to improve their skills. 

2nd Rider: A 2nd rider is a member who has completed all of the above requirements and has demonstrated the competency necessary to provide patient care on their own. 2nd riders are eligible to sign up to staff 395. 

Note about staffing: CVFC uses shifts on our ambulance. Our shifts are 7am-3pm and 3pm-10pm 7 days a week. Volunteers submit availability by the 15th of the preceding month; however, opportunities exist for those unable to meet this timeline.