Each department has different requirements on what they want their volunteers to have, CVCC Emergency Medical Science Program Department Head Martha McCrea said. We offer programs for basic first responders all the way through becoming a full-fledged paramedic. To be a volunteer, individuals must be at least 18 years old and meet the individual agency requirements. Moody, who spent 15 years as a volunteer, said the satisfaction of helping people when they are having trouble is more than enough compensation for the training volunteers go through. This is a chance to give back to the community and your fellow mankind, he said.
Interested volunteers have a variety of options when they decide they want to pledge their time.
According to Moody, trained volunteers can serve in a variety of functions from basic first responders to specialized rescue units. People can do a variety of things based on their individual preferences, Moody said. Options are open for people of all different services and skills. One group Moody mentioned he would like to see more active is the older population. He said those who may have volunteered before, but are retired, could belong to the auxiliary if they still wanted to help.