ACAD First Responders will be expanding to the Cosby/Helena Area beginning January 1, 2022
Welcome to the Ambulance District First Responder page. Here you will learn about the program, all of the details of the program, and how to join the program.
This is an updated program that is open to Fire department personnel, Police personnel, and citizens who live in the areas covered by and ACADFR program.
If you are interested in helping your community by helping us help others, please complete the online application and one of our First Responder Supervisors will contact you!
FAQ
- Do I have to be on a fire department to join?
- Not in the south part of the county. See areas covered.
- Do I have to live in the south part of the county to be a First Responder?
- While it is preferred, it is not mandatory.
- Do I have to be an EMT or Paramedic to join?
- Absolutely not. While we welcome first responders with medical training, it is by no means a requirement. We do ask all are trained in CPR and First Aid and encourage EMR. We provide all of the training free of charge.
- If I am a Nurse or Paramedic can I utilize my skills?
- At the present time the max level any skills may be performed at is the EMR level. Do even if you are a nurse, you can only act to the level of an EMR.
- Do I get to put lights and sirens in my car and drive real fast?
- First responders in the south will obey all traffic laws when responding. No lights and sirens may be utilized when responding.
- Will I get to drive the ambulance?
- If all the requirements are met, you may be called on to drive us into the hospital, but we will never ask you to do something you are not comfortable doing.
- Do I get paid?
- This is a volunteer position and you will be paid with our thanks and appreciate. You will also have the added benefit of knowing you are in the service of helping your fellow community members.
Areas Covered
- Savannah
- Amazonia
- Cosby
- Helena
- Avenue City
- Areas in the county outside those city limits
Qualifications
- 18 Years of Age / 21 years of age to drive the Ambulance
- Valid Missouri Driver License
- Appointed by the Ambulance Director
Requirements
- Submit Application
- Interview Process
- Selection Process
- Provide documents to prove above qualifications
- Maintain to the guidelines set
Training
All training is provided through the ACAD Training Academy at no cost to the First Responder
- All First Responders must within 6 months of appointment obtain a minimum of basic CPR training and maintain throughout their service.
- All First Responders must within 6 months of appointment obtain an Advanced First Aid course unless they obtain an ACAD EMR Card.
Note: All holders of an ACAD EMR Card must have healthcare provider level CPR.
- All First Responders who are over 21 must complete a driving course before driving the ambulance unless they have approved experience driving emergency vehicles.
- All First Responders are encouraged to obtain Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Training. This is offered through the District at no cost. It is a minimum of 48 hour course.
Chain of Command
- Andrew County Ambulance District Administrator oversees the program.
- First Responder Supervisors – Staff members who are appointed by the Administrator to help manage the program.
- First Responder Field Supervisors – First Responders who are appointed by the Ambulance Director in consultation with First Responder Supervisors to help manage the program.
- First Responders – Ambulance District volunteers who are not paid staff members.
Method of Dispatching
- All ADFR will be notified via the cell phone app Active911.
- You will use the app to show you are responding and when you are on scene
- All ADFR must have a smart phone to be active.