DVAC for Students

High School Students
When can I join the DVAC?
Many of our members began their DVAC membership with the Youth Squad while still in high school. Many members join because they know early on that they want to get involved in EMS as an extracurricular activity, or even as an early start in the medical field.

EMT classes accept members as early as age 16. Applicants to the DVAC will not be accepted until they are 16 1/2 years old. Members who are under the age of 18 will be considered Probationary Members of the DVAC Youth Squad.

Youth Squad members often find that beginning the course as soon as they turn 16 is helpful since you are already an EMT by the time you become a DVAC member and start riding on the ambulance. If you decide to take the class prior to joining, make sure you contact the DVAC first to get the proper paperwork and also to get some contacts in case you need any help with the classes.

How is being in the Youth Squad different from being any other DVAC member?
Members of the DVAC Youth Squad are under the age of 18, and legally not adults. This means that these members cannot make decisions regarding their own welfare without a parent or guardian present, and are subject to the New Jersey Child Labor Law. Youth Squad members are included in all Corps activities, and can still answer calls and ride on the ambulance, help care for patients, and attend DVAC meetings and drills. There are, however, certain limitations placed upon the Youth Squad. Essentially, Youth Squad members will not be allowed in situations where they may be placed at risk. Also, there is a curfew at any Corps functions.

It is important to remember that a Youth Squad member's commitment as a student must be given priority over his/her commitment as a DVAC member. It is expected that Youth Squad members will excel in their high school classes and stay out of trouble. If it is determined that a student's grades are suffering, or being a member of DVAC is, in any way, adversely affecting the student, the issue will be addressed by the Youth Squad Liasion together with the member's parents/guardians and any teachers or school administrators that may be involved.


College Students

Plenty of past and current DVAC members started out on the Youth Squad, later became Senior Members, and later went away to college. College students can take an educational leave during periods when they will be unable to answer calls. Commonly this means that a DVAC member in college will take a leave at the beginning of a semester and return when back home for a break and then go back on; continuing for the duration of his/her college studies. For example, a member could go on leave when heading to campus at the start of the Fall semester and come off of leave when returning for Winter break. Holiday periods are often our busiest times, so the added help is always appreciated.