The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department needs volunteers for firefighting duties. Firefighters are required to complete both the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) course and the Firefighter I/II course. This path is extremely physically demanding and requires a large time commitment.

Once trained, firefighters can place supplemental apparatus in service, both suppression and EMS, to answer emergency calls throughout the Town of Vienna and Fairfax County, temporarily replace career firefighters if called upon, as well as assist in public service EMS standbys such as Fairfax Fair and Viva Vienna, or suppression standbys such as bonfires and fireworks shows.

Training Schedule

VISIT (Volunteer In Station Training)

This is an in-station orientation program to familiarize new members with our station, equipment and procedures. This is taught as needed by department members.

Level I

This training is provided at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Training Academy. Over the course of one month, you will attend classes at the academy one to two nights per week, and occasionally on Saturday and Sunday mornings This course details the operations of the County Fire Department as a whole.

Physical Exam

A thorough physical will be conducted at the Fairfax County Occupational Health and Safety Center. This exam will test your ability to handle the stresses of emergency services. Once given a "Category A" rating, you will be eligible to pursue your training.

Once you have completed VISIT, Level I and your physical, you may enroll in the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic program, and may begin riding emergency apparatus as an observer.

EMT - Basic

This program is a 120 hour course taught on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and Sunday mornings at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Training Academy and teaches basic life support techniques. Students learn how to take vital signs, properly stabilize patients and treat traumatic injuries as part of the curriculum. Once completed, you will be given a state certification that lasts four years.

Firefighter I/II

The Firefighter I/II course is a six-month national certification course that teaches the basics of fire suppression. The course is taught on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and Saturdays and Sundays at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Training Academy. Students learn skills such as ropes and knots, ladders, fire behavior, fire suppression, vehicle extrication, high-rise firefighting and hazardous material operations.

EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operators Course)

EVOC is a course designed to teach students the fundamentals and laws of emergency vehicle operations. This course is required before being allowed to drive apparatus in emergency conditions.

Hydraulics

This course teaches students the fundamentals of getting water through a pump to a fire. It is designed to be taken six months to a year after completion of the Firefighter I/II course.