Riding as an Observer

If you are interested in riding as observer to get a better understanding of how EMS works and what happens in a pre-hospital environment please contact us by emailing divisionchiefA@caryems.com or calling 919-380-6909 (ask for the Division Chief).  Cary Area EMS allows persons to ride as observers on our 911 duty trucks at our main station in downtown Cary.  Observers are not able to perform skills, but, this is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of EMS and see how it all works.  If you are considering taking an EMT class, volunteering with us, or pursuing a career in EMS, this is a great way to get some first hand experience.  At Cary Area EMS we accommodate students and our own staff, so there are times when slots may not be available for observers.

Some basic information:

• Have dates in mind that you would like to ride before you contact us.
• Minimum age to ride is 16, with parental/legal guardian consent (until age 18).
• A consent form is required to be signed the day you ride.  If you are under the age of 18 a parent must come with you the day you ride to sign the form.
• Hours available to ride are from 7a-11p each day.  We do not accommodate overnight time periods.  It is not an expectation that you ride the entire time period though.
• You must wear dark pants (no shorts), a solid color button down or polo shirt (no t-shirts, or anything with a logo), and comfortable closed toe shoes.
• We also recommend that you are up to date on all vaccinations.  If you are sick the day you are scheduled to ride we would advise coming another day.
• Once you are contacted by one of our staff we will sign you up on our calendar.  A contact phone number is required as well, in case something changes and we cannot accommodate your request to ride.  If this is the case one of our staff would call to let you know to reschedule.