The Lakeside QRU needs skilled responders that will contribute to its mission of service to the community. Due to the specialized level of training and education requirements of being an emergency medical responder, the path to becoming a team member of the QRU can be a lengthy process. It takes time to become proficient in the demanding emergency response arena, to know and understand QRU policies and procedures and to form bonds with fellow QRU personnel. The time you invest in the Lakeside QRU will provide you with rewarding experiences and opportunities to:
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a team member of the Lakeside QRU, either as a volunteer or in a paid staff position, you can submit an Expression of Interest form (click below), contact us via email or call 406-285-8400.
We look forward to hearing from you and discussing the benefits and opportunities of joining the Lakeside QRU. In the meantime you may find answers to some of your questions here:
There are several levels of licensure within the emergency medical service profession, beginning with Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). More advanced levels are Emergency Medical Technician Basic, Emergency Medical Technician Basic with Endorsements, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic. You can participate as a QRU team member with or without a license as we have many ancillary roles to be filled.
The Lakeside QRU is dispatched to approximately 750 incidents each year or 14 calls each week on average. No responder goes on every call; however we appreciate each responder commiting to a miniumum level of time that suits their individual situation. The amount of time you will be on the scene of a dispatched call varies, depending on if the incident results in transportation to a healthcare facility. In addition to responding to dispatched calls, the QRU personnel meet two Wednesday evenings each month for training. Attendance at these training meetings can fulfill the continuing education requirements of your licensure and your attendance is essential for you to remain current on Lakeside QRU procedures and equipment.
Although a willingness to help others and a desire to give back to the community are great reasons to become an emergency responder there are additional benefits of becoming a Lakeside QRU responder that may interest you:
No cost training: You worked hard to earn your EMS licensure and the ever-changing nature of healthcare, emergency service protocols, and technology requires the QRU to continuously provide its responders with up to date training and educational opportunities. Therefore, we offer an in-house training schedule that fulfills the continuing education requirements of licensure at no cost to QRU personnel. In addition to the in-house training offering, responders are encouraged to participate in independent training opportunities to enhance their skills and add diversity and expertise to the organization and the QRU may pay for this out-of-house training.
Belonging to a Team: Each team member of the Lakeside QRU possesses a diverse set of technical skills, enabling them to perform effectively in the demanding and high pressure field of emergency medical response. Combining these skills with a teamwork mentality minimizes response time and maximizes patient care. The Lakeside QRU has a deep appreciation and respect for the diverse skills and knowledge of each team member.
Paid Call Response & Cell Phone Stipend Options: Once a QRU responder has completed their probationary period they have the option of receiving "pay for call" wages as well as cell phone stipend benefits.
Part-time and Full-Time staff positions: Staffing positions are added as needed and may be part-time or full-time offering flexible schedules.
There are no costs to you to become a team member. All required continuing education can be obtained from the bi-monthly training sessions and licensing costs will be paid by the QRU. All supplies, uniforms and equipment will be provided to you by the Lakeside QRU
