So, you are thinking about a career in emergency medicine, but you are not sure if you can handle the adrenaline, the long hours, or the sights and smells of the job? The absolute best way to find out is to sign up for an EMT ride along.
You absolutely can shadow an EMT, even if you aren’t currently enrolled in a class. It is the ultimate “try before you buy” experience for prospective students. In this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to find an agency, navigate the paperwork, and make a stellar impression on your first shift.
Who is Eligible to Ride?
You do not need a paramedic patch or a medical certificate to hop in the rig. Most agencies welcome “observers” or “third riders” with open arms, provided you meet a few basic baseline requirements.
While every agency is different, here is the standard checklist you will need to clear before you can schedule a shift:
- Minimum Age: Most services require you to be at least 18 years old, though some explorer programs allow riders aged 16-17 with parental consent.
- Background Check: Because you will have access to patient care areas and sensitive information, you will likely undergo a criminal background check.
- Immunizations: Proof of current vaccinations (Flu, Hep B, MMR, and sometimes COVID-19) is standard for patient safety.
- Health Insurance: Some agencies require you to have your own health insurance in case you are injured on the job.
Clinical Pearl: Don’t be intimidated by the requirements. Most agencies have a standard “observer packet” they can email you. Just ask!
How to Find the Right Agency
Not all ambulance services are created equal when it comes to observers. Finding the right fit for your first EMS observer program depends on what you want to see.
If you want high-energy trauma and cardiac arrests, you want a 911 emergency service. If you want to focus on patient assessment and building rapport, a private interfacility transfer service might be better.
| Agency Type | Volume & Pace | Best For | Winner/Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 911 Fire Dept | High intensity, “feast or famine” | Adrenaline junkies, future firefighters | High action seekers |
| Private 911 | Steady calls, urban coverage | Seeing a mix of medical & trauma | The “Real World” experience |
| Private IFT | Scheduled transfers, lower stress | Practicing vitals & conversation | First-timers/Nervous riders |
Pro Tip: Private ambulance services are often more eager to host ride-alongs than busy municipal fire departments. If one agency says no, just call the next one!
The Application Process: Bureaucracy 101
Once you pick an agency, you will have to jump through a few administrative hoops. This isn’t just red tape; it’s about patient safety and legal liability.
The process usually looks like this:
- Contact the Public Information Officer (PIO) or shift supervisor.
- Submit your application, immunization record, and a copy of your ID.
- Sign a Liability Waiver (this states you ride at your own risk).
- Complete a brief HIPAA Training module to understand patient privacy laws.
Common Mistake: Showing up unannounced expecting to ride that day. You must be scheduled and cleared in the system before you arrive. Walking in cold rarely works!
Understanding the “Third Rider” Role
When you are shadowing an EMT, you are essentially a ghost with a pulse. You are there to observe, learn, and ask questions after the call is over. This is often called the “Third Rider” role.
Imagine this: You are on a call for a patient with severe chest pain. The crew is moving fast, attaching leads, and getting a history. Your instinct might be to grab the oxygen mask or hand the medic a blanket.
Stop.
Unless explicitly told to do otherwise, your hands stay in your pockets. If you intervene without training, you become a liability rather than a help. Think of yourself like a journalist embedded with a military unit—you watch the action, but you don’t fire the weapon.
Ride-Along Etiquette and Safety
Your professionalism determines if the crew invites you back or talks about you for weeks afterward. Here is how to survive the shift with your reputation intact.
Dress the Part: Wear dark-colored pants (like EMS blues or tactical pants), a clean polo shirt, and sturdy, closed-toe boots. Avoid jeans or sneakers. You want to look like you belong, not like you just walked off the street.
Safety First: On scene, stay aware of your surroundings. If the crew puts on high-visibility vests, you put one on too. If they step behind the truck, you step behind the truck. Never enter a scene before law enforcement clears it.
Clinical Pearl: The Golden Rule of the Cab: The radio belongs to the crew. Do not touch the radio, the computer, or the medical equipment unless invited to do so.
What to Bring: Your Survival Kit
Shifts can last 12 to 24 hours, and boredom is a real possibility between calls. Be prepared so you aren’t a burden on the crew.
The Rider’s Checklist:
- Notebook and Pen: Write down every drug name, assessment technique, and question you have to ask later.
- Watch: You’ll need to track vitals or timing if you are allowed to practice.
- Food and Water: Do not eat the crew’s food unless offered. Bring your own snacks and plenty of water.
- Cash: You might need to buy your own lunch or contribute to a crew pizza order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take pictures or videos for social media? Absolutely not. Taking photos of patients, the inside of an ambulance (which may show monitors with patient data), or even the interior of a home is a major HIPAA violation. Keep your phone in your pocket.
What if I faint or get sick? It happens! If you feel dizzy or nauseous, step out of the room or get some fresh air immediately. The crew would rather you step back than pass out and become another patient.
Will I get to perform skills? Generally, no. If you are a current EMT student, some agencies might let you take a set of vitals or assist with lifting, but for pure observers, it is eyes-only.
Mastering the logistics of an EMT ride along is your first step into this profession. By securing a spot at a welcoming agency, respecting the “Third Rider” boundaries, and staying professional, you will gain invaluable insight that no textbook can provide. You’ll walk away knowing for sure if this is the life for you.
Ready to start your journey in EMS? We have the resources to help you take the next step.
Have you ever done a ride-along? Tell us about your first call or your craziest experience in the comments below!
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