When someone in Little Silver calls 911 for help, it isn’t a stranger who responds. It’s local volunteers who live and work right here in the community. Like many volunteer Emergency Medical Service (EMS) organizations in the country, our squad depends on community members to step forward to serve. We are actively seeking volunteers to fill this important need.
Little Silver EMS is a 100% volunteer emergency medical service (EMS) providing emergency care to residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our squad responds to more than 600 emergency calls annually, delivering life-saving care during some of the most critical moments in people’s lives.
Ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer or whether you could do it? We’re here to walk you through everything you need to know about the squad.
About Our Squad
Little Silver EMS is a fully volunteer-run emergency medical service serving the town of Little Silver, New Jersey.
Founded in 1954, we have proudly remained entirely volunteer for more than 70 years. Today, approximately 35 active volunteers respond to emergency calls, participate in training, and provide medical coverage at community events throughout the borough.
Our team operates two ambulances and an emergency response vehicle to ensure reliable service across town. Because of the dedication of local volunteers, our squad has responded to every in-town call for more than seven years without relying on outside coverage.
Volunteers Are Essential
Across New Jersey and throughout the country, volunteer EMS organizations are facing increasing call volumes, while the number of volunteers continues to decline.
In a town like Little Silver, maintaining a strong volunteer squad ensures that emergency medical care remains local, fast, community-driven, and personal. When residents step forward to volunteer, they help ensure that ambulances remain staffed, response times stay low, and neighbors receive the care they need when seconds matter most.
Join The Squad and Support Your Community
Volunteering with EMS is one of the most meaningful ways to support your community.
When you join Little Silver EMS, you gain:
- Real-world emergency response experience
- Hands-on emergency medical training and certifications
- Mentorship from experienced first responders
- Leadership, teamwork, and crisis-response skills
- The opportunity to protect and serve your own community
For many volunteers, it’s also an opportunity to build friendships, develop new skills, and contribute to something bigger than themselves.
There’s a Place for You at Little Silver EMS
One of the biggest misconceptions about EMS volunteering is that you need medical experience. With Little Silver EMS, you don’t need any experience to become a member.
We welcome volunteers from many different backgrounds and stages of life, including:
- Remote or hybrid professionals
- Stay-at-home parents
- College students or EMTs in training
- Local business owners
- Retirees looking to stay active and engaged
We work with our volunteers to create schedules that fit around real life: work, family, school, and other responsibilities. Many members start with no medical background, but all start with the motivation to make an impact.
A typical call might involve responding to a medical emergency at a neighbor’s home, assisting someone injured at a community event, or helping stabilize a patient until our ambulance arrives and they can be transported to the hospital. Every call is different, but every response is focused on helping someone in need.
Types of Membership at Little Silver EMS
Volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the heart of our response team. As a volunteer EMT with Little Silver EMS, you’ll provide lifesaving care to neighbors during medical emergencies, accidents, and community events.
No previous medical experience is required, just a commitment to learning and serving your community. Once certified, you’ll respond as part of a trained crew, providing compassionate care when it matters most.
New Jersey EMT certification includes ~200 hours of classroom, hands-on, and clinical training, preparing you to assess patients, deliver Basic Life Support, and use specialized emergency medical equipment. Training can typically be completed in about 6 weeks through a full-time program or up to 20 weeks through part-time options, with classes often offered in the evenings, on weekends, or during the daytime to fit around work, school, or other commitments.
This role is ideal for:
- People interested in healthcare careers
- Community members looking for a hands-on role
- Volunteers who want to respond directly to emergencies
Volunteer Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) support EMTs during emergency calls, helping provide immediate basic life-saving care to patients in need. EMRs assist with patient assessment, stabilization, and other critical support until more advanced care is provided.
EMR training is provided internally by Little Silver EMS instructors, making it a great entry point for volunteers interested in emergency medical service. Many members start as EMRs while exploring further training in emergency response.
The EMR course is approximately 60 hours of training, typically completed over about 8–12 weeks, and includes American Heart Association BLS certification.
Already in healthcare? Licensed professionals such as RNs, PAs, NPs, and physicians may be eligible to complete an accelerated pathway to become a certified EMT in New Jersey.
Administrative Member
An administrative member assists the squad with a variety of tasks, including:
- Fundraising coordination
- Event planning
- Bookkeeping and operations
- Community outreach
If any of these roles sound like they might be the right fit for you, apply today!
A Flexible Time Commitment That Works With Your Schedule
Volunteering with Little Silver EMS is designed to work alongside your everyday schedule. Some members choose to participate one night a week, while others contribute more often depending on their availability.
If you’re working remotely during the day, you may be able to respond to a call between meetings. If you’re a parent balancing school schedules and activities, volunteering might look like covering an evening shift after the kids are settled in for the night. If you’re a student interested in a healthcare career, answering calls after class can provide valuable real-world experience. And if you’re retired or have more flexibility during the day, you may find yourself helping cover daytime hours when many others are at work.
As a volunteer squad, having more trained members involved helps ensure emergency coverage can be shared across the team and the responsibility never falls on just a few people.
How to Become a Volunteer EMT in Little Silver, NJ
If you’re joining Little Silver EMS with no background or medical experience, we provide all the training you need, at no cost to you.
New members receive:
- Free EMT or EMR training
- Hands-on emergency response experience
- Ongoing continuing education
- Guidance from experienced mentors
Volunteers learn gradually through structured training and real-world experience, building confidence with every call they respond to.
The application process is designed to guide you through each step:
Step 1: Submit an Interest Form
Start by completing the volunteer interest form here.
Step 2: Background Check
Applicants complete fingerprinting and a background check through the Little Silver Police Department.
Step 3: Meet the Team
Candidates visit the squad for an informal interview and learn more about the role.
Step 4: Swearing In
Once accepted, new volunteers attend a squad meeting and are officially sworn in as members.
Throughout the process, leadership and volunteers are always available to answer questions and help you feel prepared for the role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering with EMS
Do I need medical experience to become a volunteer EMT?
No. Little Silver EMS provides all required training and certification at no cost.
What If I Have Prior Medical Experience?
If you’re already in healthcare, licensed professionals such as RNs, PAs, NPs, and physicians may be eligible to complete an accelerated pathway to become a certified EMT in New Jersey.
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
Cadets may join starting at age 15, pursue EMR training, and begin EMT certification at 16. Full membership begins at age 18.
Do I need to live in Little Silver?
Volunteers must live in Little Silver or nearby towns including Fair Haven, Rumson, Shrewsbury, Oceanport, or Red Bank, so they can respond quickly to emergency calls.
How long does EMT training take?
New Jersey EMT certification includes ~200 hours of classroom, hands-on, and clinical training, preparing you to assess patients, deliver Basic Life Support, and use specialized emergency medical equipment.
Ready to Volunteer with Little Silver EMS?
Every emergency response begins with someone choosing to step forward.If you’ve ever wondered whether you could make a difference in your community, there’s no better time than now.
Whether you’re interested in becoming an EMT, assisting as an EMR, or supporting the squad behind the scenes, Little Silver EMS is always looking for new volunteers.Start your volunteer journey today by submitting an interest form.
