Operational members are members who volunteer on the ambulances providing EMS services to the community.

Junior squad members can also volunteer on the ambulances as Aides in the back, aiding the Operational members in providing EMS care. They are members who are not yet 18, and/or do not yet have a high school diploma or GED but are enrolled in a program leading to one.

Affiliate members are members who wish to volunteer in an administrative capacity instead of an Operational capacity.

Auxiliary members are members who wish to volunteer in support of the Squad operation, but not in an Operational capacity, or in an administrative specific capacity.

For specific details on each category of membership, we recommend reviewing the corresponding FAQ entry(ies) or reaching out to our Membership Committee directly using the Contact form below under GET STARTED TODAY

You must be at least 18 years old, a high school or equivalent graduate, submit a completed application, be interviewed by and recommended for membership by the GMVRS Membership Committee, clear a national background check through the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS), and pass a physical agility test.  See the Application process below.

Yes. Once voted in as a member, you will serve a six-month probationary period during which you will be given and expected to pass a physical exam that meets National Fire Protection Authority (NFPA) standards, become CPR certified, pass an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) and complete several online National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses, as well as HIPPA (medical information privacy), infection control, and HAZMAT training.  The physical exam, and all online and in-person classes will be provided at no cost by the Squad.

Once successfully completed and at the conclusion of the 6-month period, probationary members will be recommended for full Operational membership by the Membership Committee to the Squad’s membership and voted in.

You can begin running calls as a probationary member when authorized by the GMVRS Chief after being medically cleared by the occupational health physician after your physical exam, complete CPR training as well as the required online NIMS, HAZMAT and HIPPA courses described in Question 3 above.

There are two classes of Operational membership: I and II. Operations I members are assigned to a duty crew and expected to volunteer at least one 12-hour (6pm to 6am) shift a week and periodically on Saturdays (6am-10pm). In addition to running EMS calls, members are expected to assist with occasional public service events that the Squad participates in such as parades and community fairs. Operations II members are not assigned to a specific crew, but are required to volunteer at least 12 hours a month. Squad Officers and Crew Leaders will work with members in an attempt to accommodate individual member needs and preferences when assigning duty shifts.

Once voted in as a member, and after completing the required preliminary requirements noted in Question 2 above, arrangements will be made through the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department (CMFRD) to reserve a slot for you in an upcoming EMT class at a locally approved training center.  This process may take up to several months after you join depending on how quickly you complete the requisite training and when EMT classes are available.  The EMT course normally takes about 3-4 months to complete, with classes held 2 nights a week and on Saturdays or Sundays. Occasionally, there are accelerated EMT classes held during the summer months, requiring daily attendance.  Members may also opt to enroll in EMT classes on their own, and at their own expense. At the successful conclusion of your EMT training, you will be expected to pass a both a psychomotor (skills) exam, and a cognitive (adaptive, computer-based) written exam at a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certified testing center.

The answer is a qualified Yes. The EMT course, if arranged by the Squad as noted in Question 6, is paid for by CMFRD. Other EMS training, if offered by the Squad and/or needed to keep your EMT certification is also provided at no cost. Any other training or certifications sought by the member that are not offered for free and not necessary to maintain their certification will require advance authorization by the Squad’s Training Committee for the Squad to pay for it.

Note 1: Prior to the start of CMFRD-financed EMT training you will be expected to sign an agreement with the Department to serve as a volunteer at least one year after you become certified as an EMT. Failure to do so, or if you fail to successfully complete the EMT training will result in an obligation to reimburse the Department the cost of tuition.

Note 2: Although it is possible for members to get their AEMT or Paramedic certification at Squad or City expense, there are several requisite BLS service obligations the member must fulfill as an EMT provider as well as agreeing to a multi-year post-certification service obligation to become eligible for consideration.

You must be between 16 and 19 years old and do not hold a high school diploma or GED but are attending or enrolled in a school or program leading to a high school diploma or GED. Otherwise, you must meet the same requirements listed in Question 2, above. Parental permission is required for any applicant under age 18 to pursue membership.

You must be at least 18 years old, submit a completed GMVRS application, be interviewed by the Membership Committee and clear a national background check through the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS). There are two categories of Affiliate membership, I and II, depending on the role performed and the number of volunteer hours expected. Since Affiliate members will be assigned to perform administrative functions in support of Squad Operations as outlined by the Board of Directors, we recommend that those interested in becoming an Affiliate member first contact the Squad using an electronic inquiry message found below under GET STARTED TODAY. Someone will contact you to discuss your interests and the Squads needs, which may be helpful in determining whether you want to apply.

You must be at least 16 years old, submit a completed GMVRS application and clear a national background check through the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS). Since the Auxiliary performs a variety of functions, some of which are unique to their organization, we recommend that those interested in becoming an Auxiliary member first contact the Squad using an electronic inquiry message found below under GET STARTED TODAY. Someone will contact you to discuss your interests and the Auxiliary’s needs, which may be helpful in determining whether you want to apply.

Although the Squad does not provide any financial compensation to any of its members, it offers a number of incentives intended to partially offset the cost of volunteering and to recognize those members who have made significant contributions. Some of those incentives are linked to membership type.  Some of those incentives include:

• Meal allowances for evening and Saturday shifts
• Home-to-Station mileage reimbursement
• The GMVRS Scholarship program
• Non-monetary recognition for members becoming NREMTs, Endorsed Providers, and Squad Member of Quarter recipients
• Vehicle property tax exemptions for Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park residents
• Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) eligibility (annuity program for volunteers)
• Death Benefit Program benefits through the Virginia Associate of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS)