Serving with Roanoke Emergency Medical Services, Inc. is one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences you will find.

Our crew hall is located on the corner of 4th Street and Day Avenue in Old Southwest Roanoke. We answer thousands of 911 calls each year.

We have two categories of membership,

Associate members and Full members.

Associate members are individuals who can only devote two twelve-hour shifts a month to the organization. These individuals do not have voting privileges or the same benefits that full members do.

Full members are those individuals who run one twelve-hour shift a week. These members have full voting privileges and receive all benefits.

In addition to call night’s members are required to attend monthly Business and Training meetings. Business meetings are held the second Monday of every month and Training meetings are held on the fourth Monday of every month.

In addition to the satisfaction our members get from helping others in the community, R.E.M.S. has many other benefits. Our members are treated to special events throughout the year organized by the crew. Every year our members enjoy attending the annual VAVRS convention at Virginia Beach, VA as well as our annual Installation of Officers Banquet in December.

Undecided if this is the right volunteer work for you?

Spend some time with us and find out. Roanoke Emergency Medical Services, Inc. allows individuals who are not sure if they want to become members the opportunity to run with us as an observer. Roanoke Emergency Medical Services, Inc. requires that every observer fill out and sign a Criminal Background Check and Observer form (you may print one out ahead of time from the Observer link on our website) before accompanying our crewmembers on calls. The Criminal Background Check is available at 374 Day Avenue and takes about 30 days to process. Upon clearance of the criminal history check, you may observe twice with any shift on any day, with permission of the corresponding shift leader.

Don’t worry we have a crew member who handles observer scheduling who will find a place for you in the schedule. If you are currently a member of a volunteer rescue crew, you need only provide proof of membership and a completed observer form to observe. Members of other crews are allowed two observation sessions as well.

If you decide that emergency work on an ambulance is for you, you may apply for Probationary Membership. Individuals who have been accepted as probationary members and who are not at a minimum certified by the State of Virginia as an EMT-B, will have 90 days after date of acceptance of probationary status to enroll or start in such a class. After successful completion of the EMT-B course and state written and practical exams, probationary members must enter the ETA Training Program and demonstrate a required list of skills before being badged. Once badged, you may elect to serve as an Associate Member (24 hours/month) or Full Member (12 hours/week). Associate Members will not qualify for many of the benefits afforded Full Members.

Either way, you will be a valued member of an honorable and worthy organization, involved in the community, helping your neighbors, and saving lives.