How to Join
How do I become a UVAC member?
In order to become a UVAC member, all applicants must complete the same application process whether they are unlicensed or licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician. The application process must be completed with the Assistant Chief of Relations and all requirements must be completed prior to the new member’s first shift. The required application materials include:
- Completed Membership Application
- Application Supplement
- Two (2) reference forms
- Background Check Supplement
- If you are currently Maine EMS licensed, a copy of your current EMS card.
- Complete an interview process with the UVAC Administration.
- Note: UVAC requires its members to meet UMaine immunization requirements: http://studentrecords.umaine.edu/records/immunizations-information/
What do I do after I become a member of UVAC?
After you have been accepted, you will begin a one month probationary period as a New Hire, during which you must complete a list of required trainings and certifications. All members must be familiar with our policies and procedures and our equipment, and all must be compliant with local, state, and federal requirements.
Once you have completed your probationary orientation period, you are officially a UVAC Attendant. Your first shifts will be in a ride-along format, where you will function as a third member of the crew and experience what it is like to be a UVAC member. This gives you the opportunity to experience what a typical shift is like at UVAC and to become familiar with how shifts and calls are carried out. Your participation during any emergency call at this time is completely voluntary and your main responsibility is to act as an observer.
For the following months, you will be instructed on how to sign up for shifts online and submit an availability to create a schedule that works for you. It is expected of all members to sign up for at least twenty-four (24) hours of volunteer shifts per month.
As a member of UVAC, you are expected to attend regular meetings and training sessions. You will be notified of these via FirstClass e-mail (if you do not have FirstClass, let the Assistant Chief of Relations know and other arrangements will be made).
As a member of UVAC, you are expected to maintain a professional appearance and attitude at all times. We are looked upon as professionals in the field of Emergency Medical Services and it is of utmost importance that we maintain the image of professionalism at all times. Our patients put their trust and well-being in our hands and acting in a professional manner builds their confidence in us. It also extends a positive image of UVAC to the University, to other EMS professionals, and to the members of the surrounding community. In order to fulfill this obligation, all UVAC members must:
- Act confidently without overstepping their bounds.
- Dress appropriately, including wearing neat and clean clothing that is in accordance with UVAC Standard Operating Policies and Procedures (SOPPs).
- Not argue or dispute with other professionals or with patients.
- Use appropriate language at all times.
- Not discuss calls with those who weren’t involved with the call. This is inappropriate as well as a violation of Federal patient confidentiality laws (HIPAA). Patient confidentiality must be upheld at all times!
- Resolve problems through appropriate channels.
Lastly, as a member of UVAC, you are expected to be actively involved with this service. By attending meetings and training sessions, working shifts, and asking questions and learning about EMS at UVAC, you will be taking an active role in this service and its functions. We value the skill, knowledge, and life experience that everyone brings to UVAC.
Some of the Basics about UVAC Membership
General meetings and training sessions are usually held on Sunday evenings at Cutler Health Center, in the UVAC Classroom. Information about meeting times, training topics and other general items is often posted in UVAC quarters and e-mailed out to current and future members. All members are expected to attend all meetings; if you cannot make a meeting, you are responsible for notifying one of the UVAC Assistant Chiefs. Meetings generally consist of a business meeting to discuss issues pertaining to UVAC, as well as a training session.
Shifts at UVAC are scheduled as follows. Monday through Friday, the day shift is split into three four-hour (4) shifts: 0700-1100, 1100-1500, and 1500-1900. Saturday and Sunday day shifts begin at 0900 hours and end at 1900 hours. See the image below for a visual explanation of this schedule.
UVAC Shift Schedule
Day crews may go about their regular schedule (attend classes, meetings, etc.), but they must remain on campus. Night crews remain at UVAC quarters in the basement of Cutler Health Center; they are expected to be at UVAC by 2300 hours. It is mandatory that all on-duty crew members respond to a call if paged out.
The student officers are in charge of scheduling. After the monthly, availability-based schedule is posted, members are granted the volunteer shifts that they request on a first-come-first-serve basis. When you are scheduled for a shift, it is imperative that you arrive on time and ready to work in a professional manner. Once scheduled, members have a responsibility to work their shift or to find another person to cover. If you cannot find coverage, notify the Supervisor On Duty and they may assist you.
If you have any other questions or problems, please contact the student officers. They will be glad to give you a hand.