As a member of the LAIT911 Fire | 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. Your duties will involve active disaster response, providing critical assistance, and working closely with emergency services to protect lives and property.

What does an LADRT member do?

As an LADRT member, you will be expected to perform all the responsibilities outlined below, as each is critical to our mission. Comprehensive training, drills, and exercises will be provided to ensure you are equipped to handle all aspects of the role. Members must be adaptable and ready to engage in any duty required during an emergency, without selecting preferred tasks.

Please note that the responsibilities listed here are not exhaustive but represent some of the common duties you may be called upon to perform.

Disaster Response:

  • Rapid Deployment: Deploy rapidly with little given notice to disaster sites to provide critical support in emergency response efforts.
  • Evacuation Support: Assist in managing and executing evacuation plans, ensuring the safe relocation of affected individuals.
  • Resource Distribution: Distribute emergency supplies such as food, water, blankets, and medical kits to those in need during a disaster.
  • Medical Assistance: Provide first aid and medical support to disaster victims, addressing injuries, dehydration, shock, and other urgent medical needs.
  • Shelter Management: Help set up and manage emergency shelters, ensuring evacuees have access to safe accommodations and essential services.

Fire & Flood Management:

  • Fire Suppression: Engage in basic fire suppression activities, utilizing tools and techniques to prevent the spread of wildfires.
  • Flood Mitigation: Assist in flood response efforts, including sandbagging, water diversion, and other activities to minimize flood damage.
  • Hazard Monitoring: Patrol and monitor for potential hazards, including fire risks, structural weaknesses, and environmental dangers, to prevent secondary disasters.

Operational Support:

  • Damage Assessment: Participate in assessing disaster impact by documenting damage to infrastructure, homes, and the environment to inform recovery efforts.
  • Communication Support: Assist in establishing and maintaining communication networks (radio, satellite, mobile) to ensure effective coordination during disaster response.
  • Traffic and Crowd Control: Work with local authorities to manage traffic flow and crowd control during evacuations or in disaster-affected zones.
  • Debris Removal: Clear roads, paths, and public areas of debris to facilitate emergency response operations and the movement of rescue teams.

Specialized Assistance:

  • Animal Rescue: Assist in the rescue and care of pets and livestock that may be stranded or endangered during disasters.
  • Search and Rescue: Participate in search and rescue missions to locate and assist missing or trapped individuals.
  • Community Support: Provide information and reassurance to the public, guiding them to safety and helping maintain order during emergencies.

Multi-Agency Coordination:

  • Agency Collaboration: Work closely with law enforcement, fire departments, and other disaster response agencies to ensure a cohesive and effective emergency response.

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.
  • Certification: CPR and First Aid certification are required before applying. LAIT911 can assist candidates in obtaining these certifications if needed.
  • 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.

Additional Desired Qualifications

  • California EMT-B (or above)
  • Firefighter Type 2 (Wildland) (or above)
  • Experience in off-road driving and/or emergency vehicle operations

Benefits

  • Professional Development: Access to continuous education, training, and certifications that enhance your skills in disaster response.
  • Full-Tuition EMT Scholarship: Earn your EMT certification as you gain hands-on experience. Learn more. 
  • Firefighter Training & Certification: Earn nationally recognized firefighting certifications and hands-on experience.
  • Recognition: Opportunities for recognition through awards, team events, and exclusive gatherings.
  • Reimbursement: Mileage and expense reimbursements for deployments and training sessions.
  • Discounts: Eligibility for first-responder and group discounts.

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 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.

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.