Are you a high school student looking to make a difference in your community? Join our team! Our junior members help us provide life-saving care to those in need. We are looking for motivated, responsible and compassionate individuals who possess strong communication and teamwork skills.
Junior Members are high school students ages 16 and older who participate and assist on Emergency Medical calls.
Applicants must reside in Summit and be at least 16 years of age by October 31st, 2024. Juniors are expected to attend training sessions, participate in squad activities, and serve on a weekly 3-hour weekday shift and one monthly 12-hour weekend shift. All applicants will be required to interview.
Applications for the 2024/2025 school year are due March 15th, 2024. Our junior program is competitive and each year we receive applications from many qualified candidates. This year we are looking to accept 12 juniors. Interviews will be conducted in April.
Frequently Asked Junior Program Questions
How do I apply?
It’s easy! Just complete the application above.
When are applications for the Junior Program Due?
Applications for the 2024/2025 school year are due March 15th, 2024!
Do I need to be a Summit resident to join the junior program?
Yes.
If you live outside of Summit you should check to see if you can volunteer with your local first aid squad (However, there is an exception for the child of an active squad member).
What is the time commitment to join the squad?
Our juniors are expected to serve on a weekly 3-hour weekday shift and at least one monthly 12-hour weekend shift. Junior weekday shifts are either at 4pm-7pm (afternoon) or 7pm-10pm (evening). Weekend shifts are from 7am-7pm and are assigned on a sign-up basis.
Please note that you will be assigned the same weekday, every week. If you expect to take part in an extracurricular activity that meets after school, even if it is only for one season, then you may only be eligible for an evening shift.
Do I need CPR certification to apply?
No.
Training is free of charge. The squad will provide your Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR training for free. We provide you with all the necessary training to ride on the ambulance and assist in emergency calls. All our members are certified through the American Heart Association.
Do I need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to be eligible?
Yes, proof of vaccination is required.
Do I need to become an EMT?
No, it’s not required.
However, we strongly encourage our junior members to pursue EMT school. Many of our members attend EMT school after completing their first year with the squad. Some even pursue EMT school during the school year, after they have been with the squad for 6 months.
Our juniors generally take EMT school at Union County College (UCC). EMT school is about 200 hours long, and reading and studying will also take a lot of time. Please carefully consider how much additional work is required before you add it to your regular school class load.
Juniors can enroll in EMT school as early as 16 years old. Once you turn 18 years old you are able to practice as an EMT in the state of NJ.
The New Jersey Training Fund covers the $1500 cost of EMT school.
How do I know if this is right for me?
This is a tough question that only you and your parents can answer. While we make every effort to protect the safety and mental health of all our crew members, our juniors do see real crises. They will perform CPR on patients, respond to motor-vehicle accidents, and sometimes encounter people they know as they work in our community.
Generally, individuals who are able to think critically and independently, take responsibility for their actions, manage emotions effectively and display strong communication skills are suitable and successful candidates.
You can also contact our Junior Representative at juniorrep@summitems.org
This is one of our current juniors who would be more than happy to answer any other questions.