Request a Ride-Along

Thank you for your interest in Unified Fire Authority’s Ride Along program. Due to COVID-19 we are currently not accepting any ride along requests.

Unified Fire Authority Training Program

The Unified Fire Authority (UFA) Ride Along program is designed to provide an opportunity for students, members of the medical community, and on a limited basis, members of the community to observe the dynamic field of firefighting and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This service is provided as a privilege at the discretion of the Fire Chief or their designee and may be revoked at any time and for any reason. If you would like to request a ride-along, please fill out the form below and we will contact you as soon as we can.

Ride-Along Program Requirements

The Unified Fire Authority Ride Along Program is intended to provide an opportunity for students to gain clinical field experience and for select UFA partners to observe and experience the job of emergency responder. If your ride along request has been approved, please follow the procedures outlined below:

1. Read the enclosed pamphlet HIPAA Basics for EMS Practitioners.
2. Read and sign the attached Ride Along Program Guidelines
3. Read and sign the attached Release and Waiver
4. Read and sign the attached Confidentiality Agreement
5. Submit an electronic copy of the participant or legal guardian’s state issued ID

Ride-Along Program Guidelines

1. All UFA Ride Along Program participants must follow directions of the Station Captain at all times. Failure to follow this direction may be grounds for immediate termination of a ride along experience.
2. Unless otherwise arranged in advance, all UFA Ride Along Program participants are observers and should not be engaged in emergency medical care or general firefighting and emergency response activities.
3. UFA Ride Along Program participants may be exposed to confidential information, also known as protected health information (PHI). Participants may not take any pictures, video, or otherwise record information from an emergency response.
4. Unless there is a compelling need that is clearly communicated to the Station Captain, UFA Ride Along Program participants should not bring phones, tablets, or other digital devices on emergency calls.
5. UFA Ride Along Program participants should not post any information or details about any emergency calls on social media.
6. UFA Ride Along Program participants should not enter into dormitory areas of the fire station unless approved by the Station Captain and escorted by a member of the on-duty crew.
7. UFA Ride Along Program participants shall wear gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection (surgical mask or N95 as determined by the Station Captain) on all medical calls.
8. Under no circumstances shall a UFA Ride Along Program participant be permitted to enter into any environment that is or could be considered Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) or that would require any specially designed protective equipment.
9. All UFA Ride Along Program participants will wear seatbelts while riding in UFA apparatus including while observing medical care in the back of an ambulance.
10. UFA Ride Along Program participants should never ride in a different agency’s apparatus or ride in a non-UFA ambulance.
11. UFA Ride Along Program participants must wear a designated “UFA Observer” vest while on scene of any medical or emergency call.
12. UFA Ride Along Program participants should notify the program coordinator of any physical limitations, food restrictions, or any other issues that may interfere with participation in this program prior to start of the ride along shift. 
13. Unless otherwise arranged in advance, ride along shifts will start at 10:00 am and will end promptly at 6:00 pm (8 hours). Program participants should not stay past 6:00 pm unless expressly invited by the Station Captain.