Schedule A Ride-Along

Do you need to observe a Paramedic ambulance team in action to fulfill college credit or would you like to know what it’s like to be an EMT or Paramedic?

American Ambulance offers ride-along observation to meet the necessary requirements for EMT or MICN certification as well as observation on a case by case basis. A parent or guardian of a minor that would like to request a ride-along, must call our office to make arrangements. A separate rider waiver must be signed by the parent or guardian prior to establishing the ride-along time.

Observers will accompany an ALS team (EMT and Paramedic) with almost every action to learn what they do for their patients. Observers are expected to dress like their assigned crew. This dress shall consist of a white or dark blue polo or button-down shirt (tucked in), dark blue or black pants, closed toe shoes (no sneakers or tennis shoes) and hair of natural color. Tattoos or jewelry that are not permissible for the crew are not permissible for the rider. If either are deemed non-permissible, the rider may be asked to remove the jewelry or cover the tattoo, during the ride-along.   Observers should understand that the EMS system is dynamic, and the level of activity could change from hour-to-hour. The system may not allow for a scheduled drop off to end the observation at the expected time. Every effort will be made by AAV to ensure the observation period ends at or around the expected time.

Observers should also understand that the response to an unsafe scene may result in the verbal direction to remain within the Ambulance while on scene. The Lead Paramedic is ultimately responsible for the safety of the observer and each are expected to make decisions as needed to maintain safety.