How do I get involved?
Volunteering with RockMed is easy! All you need is an approved, valid BLS Healthcare Provider CPR Card (AHA, Red Cross, or ASHI Only), be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and to apply on Mainmed. Once your application is processed, you must complete our online orientation. After orientation, you can sign-up for shows and start to learn more about how Rock Medicine operates in the field! Be sure to watch your email for event updates and call time changes.

I signed up, but didn’t receive an email…
Applications generally require approximately 2-3 weeks to process during the busy season. In addition, it is also a good idea to check your spam mail as well as add “noreply@mainmed.org” to your address book.

Why do I have to attend an orientation before I can volunteer?
In order to ensure that all volunteers are trained to the same standards, understand their roles and responsibilities within RockMed, and are ready to take care of patients, we require volunteers to complete our orientation which includes an overview of the organization, how to signup for events, and field or clinic specific information. Most of the training you will receive will be at events, but orientation is a great way to see if RockMed is right for you.

I am a student, can I still volunteer? What would I be allowed to do?
Yes! All that is required to volunteer at RockMed is a valid BLS Healthcare Provider CPR card from the AHA, Red Cross, or ASHI, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and we’ll teach you all you need to know to be a volunteer. Obviously, without a higher level certification or license, you will not be able to perform some of the more advanced procedures, but you’ll get to assist with patient assessments, charting, patient moving, and basic procedures. Students who have completed our requirements may be eligible to work in the clinic. EMT students are usually placed on field teams and will get to respond to calls along with EMTs and Paramedics. Whether you are in a healthcare program or thinking about joining the field, RockMed is a great way to learn to talk to patients and begin developing your clinical skills.

Is there a minimum amount of hours I am required to volunteer per month?
There is no minimum number of shows/hours that you’re required to volunteer, but especially as a new volunteer, it is beneficial to work a few shows per month to learn how RockMed operates and practice your skills. If you work more shows, you’re more likely to make friends and become part of the RockMed family. The only exception is for providers, who we require to volunteer at (6) ALS event days minimum annually to be listed on our insurance. You can use the contact form for more information.

Why is a BLS Healthcare Professional CPR card required to volunteer?
RockMed is a healthcare organization and therefore has minimum training standards for all of its members. While you may have a valid CPR card, layperson classes (Classes that offer the HEARTSAVER CARD or CPR/First Aid) do not teach how to use some of the more advanced equipment such as a bag-valve mask, nor how to work as a team, which is imperative in the event you assist in a resuscitation. The following certifications will meet the CPR for the Healthcare Provider requirement:

• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider
• American Red Cross Basic Life Support
• ASHI Basic Life Support

Why is a COVID-19 vaccine required to volunteer?
Per CA COVID-19 Public Health Order and our parent organization, HealthRight360, all volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with one of the following FDA Authorized COVID-19 vaccines:

• Pfizer-BioNTech (2 Dose)
• Moderna (2 Dose)
• Johnson and Johnson (1 Dose)

Per HealthRight360, we are unable to accept personal belief exemptions, but if you believe that you qualify for a medical or religious exemption, please contact us utilizing our contact form. If approved, you would be responsible for testing 48-72 hours before each event depending on the event location. Rock Medicine does not offer testing or reimbursement for testing.

Why do I have to be certified by a local EMS agency? Why isn’t my NREMT card valid to volunteer as an EMT?
While National Registry does issue you a card (your NREMT card), the card only states that you’ve passed the NREMT exam and are a member of the National Registry. This allows you to obtain state certification but does not actually allow you to practice medicine. In short, NREMT allows you to join the registry of EMTs, but your state (California) must issue a certification which allows you to practice medicine. Until you submit your California state card to RockMed, you are only allowed to volunteer in the capacity of a CPR, but you’ll still have plenty of chances to learn new things and work with patients.

How do I get a Rock Med Uniform t-shirt and ID card?
RockMed volunteers are eligible for a t-shirt and ID after completing their 10 Show Sheet. Until then, RockMed t-shirts are usually loaned out to new volunteers and the dress code lists alternative options. ID cards are mailed out to volunteers after completion of a 10-show sheet – until then, you can sign-in to events with your state-issued ID. Orientation will cover how to complete your 10 Show Sheet and answer many of these questions. Rock Medicine does not sell shirts or apparel to volunteers who have not completed a 10 Show Sheet and only permits active volunteers to purchase apparel. 

I have medical experience, why do I have to go to orientation?
While many of our volunteers come to RockMed with a wealth of medical experience, we require all our volunteers to complete our orientation to ensure that everyone has an understanding of our policies, procedures, and what to expect from each other. All new volunteers attend the same orientation to ensure a uniform standard of care at all events. Orientation is also a great way to see if RockMed is right for you.