Membership Timeline

    1.  Online Application

      • The first step is to apply using the form on our application page. Make sure you review our membership expectations first to ensure that you can commit the time and effort needed to be a member of our organization.

    2. Personality and Aptitude examination

      • To ensure we are accepting the best qualified applicants, you will be required to take a personality and aptitude test administered by TestGorrilla. This is an online assessment that uses a lockdown browser and consists of logic related questions. If you do not have access to a computer with stable internet access, please let us know so we can do our best to accommodate you.

    3. Interview

      • An interview will be conducted with representatives of the South Orange Rescue Squad.

    4. Background Check

      • A background check will be conducted by a reputable 3rd party service. 

    5. Reference Check

      • References may be contacted. Please make sure you ask your references before listing them in your application. Two professional references are required.

    6. Decision

      • The Board of Trustees meets monthly, and a decision will be made regarding your membership using all information gathered in the previous steps.

    1. CPR Certification

      • All SORS members must maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Provider CPR certification. This course will be provided to new members for free if they are not already certified. 

    2. Orientation

      • All accepted applicants must attend an in-person orientation.  This covers the basics of riding at SORS including important policies, uniform expectations, shift dynamics, and the usage of basic equipment.

    3. Truck (Rig) Checks

      • New members must complete a series of vehicle and equipment checks to become familiar with SORS’ ambulances and equipment we carry prior to riding a shift. This is also a great opportunity to meet your fellow SORS members. Truck checks must be completed within one month of orientation or your acceptance onto SORS may be rescinded.

    4. Assignment to schedule

      • Upon completion of all onboarding steps, members will be eligible to ride on the ambulance. You will be assigned a weekly shift once a spot opens up on the schedule. New members are able to pick up open shifts as needed.

    5. Probationary Period / EMT School

      • A new member’s 6-month probationary period begins the day of their first shift. For members who are not yet EMTs, you MUST be enrolled in an EMT school before the end of your probationary period. SORS will assist you with finding courses in our area. 

    1. Upon completing your probation, you will be a trainee (or as we call it, “a 3rd”). You will remain as a 3rd for as long as it takes for you to show clinical competence and the ability to manage an acute patient on your own. Some of our EMTs are 3rds for up to four years, some will get promoted within 6 months. It depends on you, but our 3rds are just as hands on with patient care as any other rank and they are under the supervision of seasoned EMTs. You will never be put in a position that you are not ready for.

    2. Once you get promoted from being a 3rd, you will be what we call “a 2nd”, or 2nd in command of an ambulance crew. This person is someone who has displayed mastery in their clinical abilities.

    3. The step above a 2nd is Crew Chief. This is an experienced EMT who has shown mastery in their clinical abilities and their understanding of operations. This person oversees the ambulance crew.