Sun City Center Emergency Squad Home: FAQ

Q1: What is the medical background of a Squad Volunteer?
A1: Most people who volunteer at the squad do not have a medical background. The Squad volunteers provides members with all the training they need.

Q2: What training is required of people who work on squad vans?

A2: Before working on a van, each person must complete an 8 hour CPR course and a 44 hour First Responder course. In addition, the volunteer who drives the van must complete about 8 hours of driver training.

Q3: What training is required of people who work on squad ambulances?

A3: Squad ambulances are staffed by a EMT, First Responder, and a First Responder Driver. The two First Responders receive the same training as the van First Responders, but the ambulance First Responder Driver receives an additional 10 hours of training. The EMTs have an additional 250 hours of training.

Q4: Who are Instructors?

A4: The CPR classes are taught by squad volunteers who are certified as instructors by the American Heart Association.

The First Responder classes are taught by a combination of Squad and non-squad instructors certified by the AAOS.

The EMT classes are taught by instructors from Hillsborough Community College and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

Q5: Why doesn’t the squad bill Medicare and/or medical insurance providers as a way to recover costs?

A5: We are an all volunteer Squad. To bill Medicare and other insurances would put the Squad into a for fee service category.

Q7: How much does it cost a person to join the squad?

Q7: There is no charge for people to become members of the Squad. The Squad pays the cost of normal training, text materials, equipment, and uniforms.

Q8: Do you have to live in Sun City Center to join the Squad?

A8: No it is not a requirement that you live in Sun City Center to join the Squad. Some Squad members live in surrounding communities.

Q9: How is purchasing handled?

A9: All major items go out to bid. Medical supplies are purchased from bidders that offer the best prices and discounts. We try to purchase smaller items locally.

Q10: What does an ambulance cost?

A10: Our newest ambulance cost $110,000 without medical supplies and equipment.

Q11: What is your biggest problem?

A11: Attracting volunteers – Staffing the responding crews and the training and maintenance staff crews are an ongoing priority.

Q12: How do you handle vehicle maintenance?

A12: Most of the vehicles are under warranty. Minor repairs are handled in house by the vehicle maintenance staff, with routine maintenance handled at a local shop [Killingsworth].

Q13: What is a Vial of Life?

A13: The vial is a pill type container, containing a piece of paper (blue and pink) listing of medical, insurance and medication information for each member of the household. The vials and forms are provided free of charge by CVS Pharmacy.

Q14: What is a key locator record?

A14: It is the name, address and telephone number of someone who lives near you in greater Sun City Center and who has a key for your door in case of emergencies. This allows the Squad to quickly get in when you are sick and cannot get to the door. State law does not allow us to break into a house without a sheriff present and that could add a long wait in getting you help. Over 5000 residents use this service. It has saved many lives.

Q15: What is your relationship with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue?

A15: We have a close working relationship with the County. We rely on their Advanced Life Support (ALS) units to back us up in life threatening emergencies. In turn, they depend on us to respond with them on most calls. If the patient is stable, the squad will transport, freeing the ALS unit to respond to more serious cases. A patient is charged only if HCFR transports the patient.

Q16: Who should I call in a medical emergency?

A16: Calls may go to either 911 or 634-3800. The Squad contacts the County to respond with us on all life threatening emergencies.