Join Us

As a volunteer Ambulance Service we are always in search of new members who are willing to help serve our community.  Our membership consists of both residents of the Town of Harwinton and out of town members who are willing to donate their time.

It is our policy to send any prospective member through the necessary training to certify them as EMS responders.  New members are not responsible for the cost of the training as long as they agree to be placed on the shift schedule.

In addition to our medical response personnel, we are also need members who can serve in a support capacity to the organization.  These positions do not respond to emergency incidents, rather they involve administrative, fundraising and support functions.  Even if you don’t see a spot below that fits you perfectly, if you have the time and interest to volunteer please let us know as there are many ways you can do so.  We also encourage younger members of our community to volunteer through our Ambulance Explorer Program.

Response Personnel
Support Personnel  
Membership Form  


Response Personnel:

We utilize four different types of response personnel on our team:

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) – This is the basic level of training for EMS responders.  The training consists of a 55 hour class typically taught over a period of two months. Duties include:

•    Driving the ambulance
•    Assisting EMTs in patient care
•    Setting up equipment
•    Act as a first responder to stabilize patient until the arrival of the ambulance

Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMTB) – This is the most common level of care provided by EMS responders and is the next step above EMRs.  The training consists of a 150 hour class spread over 3-4 months.  If you have previously trained the EMR level there is a shorter bridge class to bring you up to the EMTB level.  Responsibilities Include:

•    All duties outlined above in the EMR description
•    Administer an EpiPen to patients having an allergic reaction
•    Administer Aspirin under medical control protocols
•    Place cervical collars on patients and backboard them
•    Increased diagnostic skills and patient care abilities over the EMR level

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) – This is an advanced level of training requiring 100 hours of training in addition to an EMTB certification.  This level of training allows for the use of advanced airway management tools, the ability to administer Intravenous fluids and more advanced patient assessment skills.

Driver - This membership classification includes individuals who are responsible for the operation of the ambulance but are not medically trained.  Drivers do not participate in patient care although we do ask that they become CPR certified.  These members operate the ambulance while the medically trained personnel ride in the rear with the patient.  Some members start out in this capacity and then eventually decide to become medically certified.


Support Personnel:

The ambulance is always looking for help from individuals who do not have a desire to participate directly in EMS responses.  As a non-profit ambulance service we have plenty of other opportunities for participation on the “business” side of our operation.  Individuals with a background in finance, auto mechanics, building and grounds maintenance, event planning, information technologies (IT) and web design to name a few.  Even if you don’t have experience in these areas you can still volunteer.  Just let us know you are interested in volunteering and we can always find a spot for you.

Membership Form:

If you are interested in joining our family please let us know by calling us at 860-485-0544, emailing us at membership@harwintonems.org or by filling out the form below.  Our membership chair will forward you a copy of our application for you to fill out and submit.