Ride-Along Rules & Requirements
This program is designed to inform the public of the day-to-day activities of a fire protection district. The Elizabeth Fire Protection District serves 111 square miles in north-west Elbert County, including the town of Elizabeth. The District provides fire suppression, fire prevention, fire investigation, public education, emergency medical services, patient transport, and hazmat response.
The Ride-Along Program provides an educational experience to our community. An individual may request a Ride-Along with the Elizabeth Fire Protection District by filling out the request form and submitting it to the District. All Ride-Alongs are subject to approval by the Chief of Operations and the Shift Lieutenant. A Ride-Along request can be rejected for any reason. When a request is approved, the rider will be contacted to schedule a date and time during the hours of 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Requirements
- Navy Blue Slacks
- White Collared Shirt
- Comfortable Shoes or Boots
- Appearance must meet professional standards
- Conduct while with EFPD staff must be professional
What You Need to Know
During the course of the shift, meals and bathroom access may be limited. The rider is responsible for his or her meals while on the ride-along. The rider or guardian should understand that under some circumstances, the rider may be left at a hospital or other location, due to the hazard or response requirements of the department. At no time will the rider be allowed to perform fire ground or suppression activities. While on all responses, the rider will be told what to do and where to be by the firefighter assigned to the rider. If at any time the rider does not follow directions, the ride-along will be immediately terminated. In addition to all safety protocols, the rider must wear a seatbelt at all times he/she is in the department vehicle.
The rider should understand that patient confidentiality must be upheld on all EMS calls. The rider will be required to agree that all information learned while on EMS calls, they will not discuss any to anyone outside the Elizabeth Fire Department. The rider will be given a copy of the Elizabeth Fire Protection District’s HIPAA Privacy Notice and agree to adhere to the provisions.
The rider understands that Fire/Rescue and EMS activities are inherently dangerous and agrees to conduct him/her self in accordance with the rules outlined above for the Ride-Along Program and any instructions given by the Fire Department Staff.
Again, the rider understands the ride can be terminated at any time by any Fire Department Member.
Ride-Alongs are limited to once per person in order to provide the opportunity to participate in this experience to as many members of the District as possible.
Please print and fill out or have your parent or guardian fill out the waiver below and bring it with you on the day of your ride-along.