LAIT911 Fire is a public non-profit disaster response agency in Los Angeles, CA. This Volunteer Firefighter / EMT role is a subset of the Los Angeles Disaster Response Team. As a member of the Los Angeles Disaster Response Team, you will be at the forefront of safeguarding communities during a variety of emergencies, including wildfires, floods, and other natural or man-made disasters.
As a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT, you will play a critical role in responding to emergencies, providing essential medical care, and supporting community resilience. This role requires a strong commitment to public safety, collaboration, and continuous learning.
This role offers unparalleled opportunities to collaborate with large agencies such as the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and LA City Park Rangers, all while building your career and gaining valuable experience.
For more information on the Los Angeles Disaster Response Team general responsibilities, click here.
EMT/FF Responsibilities
- Emergency Response:
- Respond to fires, medical emergencies, and disasters such as floods or earthquakes.
- Provide pre-hospital care as per EMT certification standards.
- Assist in search and rescue operations during natural and man-made disasters.
- Firefighting Duties:
- Prevent, control and extinguish fires wildland fires.
- Conduct fire prevention patrols and maintain fire watch.
- Operate fire suppression equipment and ensure readiness of firefighting apparatus.
- Medical Care:
- Deliver first aid and basic life support (if applicable) in the field.
- Provide medical standby support at events and incidents
- Assess and stabilize patients in emergency situations.
- Maintain accurate and timely medical reports.
- Training and Drills:
- Participate in regular training exercises to enhance firefighting, EMS, and disaster response skills.
- Stay current with LAIT911’s operational protocols and emergency procedures.
- Community Engagement:
- Represent LAIT911 in public education and outreach efforts.
- Assist with disaster preparedness events and training for the public.
Commitment
- Availability & Flexibility: While this role requires a strong commitment to being available on short notice, especially during disaster seasons, we understand that our volunteers have existing jobs and obligations. The role is designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance your current responsibilities while still fulfilling your duties as a Disaster Response Team Member. However, it’s essential that you are able to make this role work alongside your other commitments.
- Time Commitment: At minimum, expect to dedicate 2-3 weekend days and 2-5 weeknights per month for training and exercises. During active disasters, the expectations can be higher, requiring more frequent deployments and possibly extended hours. Your ability to adapt and respond during these critical times is vital to the success of our mission.
Role Requirements
- Location: Must reside within a 60-minute radius of San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles) to ensure timely response to emergencies.
- Driving Record: Must have a California driver’s license with no tickets or at-fault accidents in the past 3 years.
- Criminal Record: Must have a satisfactory criminal history, as thorough background checks are conducted for all applicants.
- Physical Fitness: Must be physically fit, capable of navigating various terrains, and able to endure challenging weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
- Commitment: Strong commitment to being available on short notice, especially during disaster seasons. Regular participation in deployments and training sessions is required.
- Reliability: Must be dependable, focused, and able to maintain effectiveness under pressure.
Required Certifications:
- First Aid/CPR/AED (Red Cross or AHA); and
- Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (or above); or
- California EMT-B (or above)
If you do not have one of the required qualifications, please apply for the LADRT role instead. As a member of the LADRT team, you will have the opportunity to earn these certifications after continued service.
Benefits
- Collaborative Experience: Work alongside large agencies such as LAFD, LAPD, and LA City Park Rangers, building professional networks and gaining insight into emergency operations.
- Career Development: Gain hands-on experience in firefighting, EMS, and disaster response while advancing your career in emergency services.
- Pre-hospital Care Hour Building: Earn valuable hours that count toward paramedic classroom entry requirements.
- Training Opportunities: Access to ongoing training and professional development programs.
- Certification Sponsorships: Eligible for EMT or firefighting certification sponsorship after meeting service requirements.
- Community Impact: Make a tangible difference in public safety and disaster response across Los Angeles.
Next Steps
Once we receive your application, our team will review and evaluate. Candidates that are selected to move forward will be requested to provide proof of medical training (First Aid/CPR/AED), along with proof of certification as a FFT2 or EMT. Once basic certifications are received, you will be provided with an in-person interview date on an upcoming Saturday morning.
Candidates who are selected to move forward will be placed in a basic training session and then entered into a 3-month probationary period where members are expected to continue training, attain necessary skills, experience and certification, and act as a valued member of the organization before earning their full membership.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are passionate about helping others and are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role in disaster response, we encourage you to apply to join the Los Angeles Disaster Response Team as a Volunteer Firefighter or EMT.
This is a highly competitive role, and we are looking for the most dedicated and capable individuals to join our team. To increase your chances of being selected, please ensure your volunteer application is thorough and reflects your commitment, skills, and readiness for this important work. Apply below to become a part of our committed team and start your journey with LAIT911 Fire today.