YOUNG ADULTS
A group of 80+ young adults are committed to serving the Darien Community 24/7 365 days a year.
First Aid Class
A career in Post 53 begins when a student, in the summer following 8th grade or during freshman year, enrolls in a First Aid/CPR class, taught by young adult members of Post 53. This training includes 25 hours of class time including written and hands-on work. Those with demonstrated ability and maturity are chosen from each class to become candidates for membership.
Candidate
Over the next three months, these young adult candidates attend all business meetings, training meetings and work parties, and spend a minimum of one hour daily at Post 53 headquarters to familiarize themselves with operational procedures and the overall program. After these three months of candidacy, candidates are voted on for full membership by all young adult members of Post 53.
Radio Roomie
Radio Roomies are responsible for communications at Post 53’s Headquarters, recording times of ambulance calls, answering telephones and responding to pages by the Darien Police Dispatcher. It is the Radio Roomie’s responsibility to control the environment in the radio room while monitoring the communications of all area emergency service.
Rider
To become a member of the ambulance crew, a member must first learn the location and use of all equipment on the ambulance and pass both written and practical tests. Riders assist the EMS crew on ambulance calls by anticipating what equipment is required and assisting with care as needed.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Basic)
In their sophomore year, young adult members complete the Emergency Medical Technician course, approximately 140 hours over a six month period. In addition to classroom work, training includes hospital Emergency Room and ambulance rotations with Stamford and Norwalk EMS. Participants must pass the state practical and written exam in order to receive their official certification. Certified EMT’s are responsible for all patient care at the basic level and radio communications with the receiving hospital.
Driver
To be eligible for the role of ambulance driver, a young adult EMT must have at least six months driving experience and a clean driving record. They must pass rigid practical and written tests. At the beginning of each shift, drivers are responsible for checking all systems on the ambulance, i.e., lights, sirens, radios, gas, tires, etc. The driver’s main responsibility is to get the ambulance to the scene and to the hospital safely with proper consideration for the condition of the patient and road safety.
