The application process is as follows:

1. Watch the Information Video(s) pertinent to the membership type for which you are applying prior to submitting an application. If you are applying for Rescue, Administrative, Driver, or EMS/Rescue Associate membership, please complete the general inquiry form here to contact the New Member Coordinator for more information prior to applying.
2. Before submitting your application, ensure that you understand and can commit to the requirements of membership. If you are or may be an applicant for the Recruit Class, you must be able to attend all scheduled Recruit Classes in order to be considered for admittance into the Recruit Class (you are permitted one absence, however we recommend you save this for use when sick or for other unplanned occurrences).
3. Complete this application packet, including all sections and reference requests. Incomplete applications will not be accepted, and those without all required references submitted by the application deadline will be considered incomplete.
4. Applicants who are current or expired EMTs, MICPs, or MICNs with at least 6 months of EMS experience, or other healthcare professionals based in the Emergency Department or EMS (ex. EM/field EMS Physicians, Emergency Department Nurses), and are 18 years of age or older will be contacted to schedule a proficiency screening with the Squad’s Line Office.
5. If your application is accepted, you will be contacted to schedule an interview. If you are an applicant for the Recruit Class, you will not be contacted until after the application deadline. During your interview, we will discuss why you wish to serve the community by joining PFARS and your understanding of the commitment necessary to be a successful PFARS member.
6. If you are successful during your interview, you will be sent instructions for completing your background check at the Princeton Police Department and Welcome Packet, which includes online training classes and a review of several PFARS policies. If you are a non-Recruit applicant, you will also be required to go to Occupational Health at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center for a medical clearance evaluation and Urine Drug Screen (at PFARS’s expense) and purchase uniform items during this stage. Failure to complete these steps by the specified deadline(s) may be grounds for removal from the application process or Recruit Class.
7. If you are a non-Recruit applicant who is not CPR certified at the Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer level or higher, take a CPR class as soon as possible! This step can be completed any time before the last step of this application process and is at PFARS’s expense if you have passed the interview step and take the class at PFARS.
8. Upon the successful completion of the Welcome Packet and receipt of a favorable background check, Recruits will begin Recruit Classes! During the Recruit Class, Recruits will complete all remaining steps of the application process. Following the successful completion of all requirements and the Test to Ride, you will be cleared to ride as a new member of PFARS!
9. Non-Recruits, upon the successful completion of the Welcome Packet, receipt of a favorable background check, and receipt of medical clearance will be scheduled to attend Orientation and complete a pre-membership test. You will then be cleared to ride as a new member of PFARS!

Requirements for EMS Membership (these are minimum requirements that are often exceeded!):

• 32 hours of on-duty time in the Station every month (16 hours for Cadets)
• Completion of training modules at the rate required for your rank
• Current CPR (Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer level)
• Attendance at four monthly general membership meetings per year
• Attendance at six monthly training drills per year
• Participation in two standbys per year
• Timely completion of all required annual training