I was delighted to read the recent articles in the Boulder Monitor about volunteer opportunities in Jefferson County. I wish to elaborate on one such organization that I am a member of that needs volunteers, the Boulder Ambulance Department.
Our small but dedicated crew (around 12 members) cannot possibly handle all the call volume in our community. Most of the crew has full time jobs that make it difficult to respond to emergencies on weekdays. You might be asking yourself “What does it take to be an EMT?” The most important aspect of being an EMT is a desire to help people. That is what inspired me to become an emergency responder. I see the aging population in Boulder, and I know these services are in great demand. It is not easy to become an EMT, it takes about six months of intensive classes (2-3 days a week) and a challenging test that must be passed to gain state certification. The class is expensive, however in some cases the City of Boulder may cover some of the cost for you. If you are thinking to yourself that this might be something you are interested in but don’t want to commit to anything until you are sure, there is always the opportunity to drive the ambulance for the service. Drivers are not required to go to school or pass any test. The requirements include a valid driver’s license and a clean background check. Drivers are trained by the service in policies and procedures to aid the EMT in an emergency call.
There are emergencies at all times of the day and night so if you are available only on weekends, join us. If you are only available at night, join us. If you are available only a couple of days a week, join us. I can promise that your heart will grow the first time you help a patient. The sacrifice of your time and effort is well worth it. Volunteering connects you in a deep and impactful way in your community. If you think you might want to learn more about this opportunity, please call the Boulder Ambulance Department at (406) 225-3381.
