About Us
The Jacksonville Emergency Medical Auxiliary was founded in 1972 as Drug Rescue under the auspices of the Northeast Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross. When originally founded, Drug Rescue was a group of concerned citizens involved in the treatment of medical emergencies, especially overdoses, at the Jacksonville Coliseum. They also assisted at other concerts around the city. The original members were doctors, nurses, firefighters, and first aiders.
At the beginning of the 1980’s, the Jacksonville City Council decided that special event medicine in the city needed to improve and be incorporated into the city emergency services. To that end, Drug Rescue changed its name to the Jacksonville Emergency Medical Auxiliary and city council authorized the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department to recognize them as an independent auxiliary to the Rescue Division.
Throughout the 1980’s, the Jacksonville Emergency Medical Auxiliary continued to be the primary event medical provider, integrated with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s Rescue Division to improve life-saving capabilities and increase rescue personnel.
As the city grew through the 1990’s and the 2000’s, more and larger events were coming to the area, including the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was determined that the city would start staffing these events with paid members of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, with the Jacksonville Emergency Medical Auxiliary providing additional manpower.
Today, the Jacksonville Emergency Medical Auxiliary continues to serve alongside the members of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department in all aspects of medical care. While we wear almost identical uniforms, you can recognize us by our auxiliary rocker on our left shoulder. We currently provide staffing at all major events in the city, including the Gate River Run, Concerts at Daily’s Place and the Arena, the Jaguar games, and the Florida-Georgia Game. In addition to our tradition of working special events, you will also find us working on the city rescue units, at emergency shelters when open, or any other medical emergency in the city.
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College Student Program
We have a special program for college students to volunteer and gain experience in EMS and Emergency Medicine. If you are still a student at UNF, JU, FSCJ, or a Jacksonville resident attending college out of town, reach out to find out if you qualify.
Basic requirements are to be enrolled or accepted into a college seeking a medical career, be at least 18 years of age, and have some first aid knowlege
FAQs
How do I volunteer for the Auxiliary?
To volunteer, refer to the “Volunteer Minimum Requirements” section above to make sure you meet the minimum requirements outlined above. JEMA is seeking volunteers who are healthcare providers or students (e.g., EMT, Paramedic, RN, APRN, Physician). Prior experience in emergency medicine is not required. To fill out an application, click here. If you have any questions, feel free to message us at Info@jemauxiliary.org.
In order to start the membership journey, you will need to fill out two applications (City of Jacksonville and JEMA), submit the required documents, and attend a regular monthly meeting.
How old do I have to be to volunteer
We require our volunteers to be at least 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit.
Is JEMA associated with the JFRD?
Yes! The Jacksonville Emergency Medical Auxiliary is a group of new and experienced EMS providers that serve as additional staffing for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s Rescue Division. JEMA members assist the JFRD by serving on JFRD rescue units and providing extra staffing at events in the Jacksonville community.
Do I need EMS experience to become a volunteer?
No!
We are looking for qualified healthcare providers who want to help.
Whether you are a seasoned provider looking to stay connected to the field, a new EMT eager to gain experience, or a life-long volunteer, there is a spot for you in JEMA. When you first join JEMA, you will be required to go through orientation events and ride alongs with another member of JEMA. They will be sure to show you the ropes and answer any questions you have!
What training is required to ride on rescue units?
Before becoming a member of JEMA, you will enter a probationary period in which you will have to complete one orientation ride-along. The orientations will consist of training you on JFRD rescue protocols, familiarizing you with the equipment and tools in the rescue, and getting you acquainted with the fire station.
Do I have to live in Jacksonville to join the Auxiliary
We do not require you to reside in Jacksonville to become a member of JEMA. Many of our members are active military or reside in different communities surrounding Jacksonville.
What are the voluntee requirements?
We require our volunteers to attend monthly meetings, quarterly trainings, and work at least one event or complete one rescue ride (of at least 8 hours) once a month.
required documents, and attend a regular monthly meeting.
What type of events does JEMA assist with in the Jacksonville community
We currently provide staffing at all major events in the city, including the Gate River Run, concerts at Daily’s Place and the Arena, the Jaguar games, and the Florida-Georgia game. In addition to our tradition of working special events, you will also find us working on the city rescue units, at emergency shelters when open, or any other medical emergency in the city.
Do you offer continuing education units (CEUs) for volunteers?
Yes! Every quarter, we have an in person training meeting which consists of an update of the status of JEMA as well as includes a training component in which CEUs can be obtained. Trainings are designed to provide skill refreshers and educate our members on JFRD protocols.
How long does the application process take?
In order to start the membership journey, you will need to fill out two applications (City of Jacksonville and JEMA), submit the required documents, and attend a regular monthly meeting.
As part of the application process, a background check will be conducted by the City of Jacksonville Pre-Employment Screening Services. Because of this, application processing time can range anywhere from two weeks to over a month. If at any time you have questions about the status of your application, please reach out to us through one of our social media pages or at Info@jemauxiliary.org
Auxiliary Leadership
Executive Board
Laurie Page, Chairwoman Capt. Murray Kramer JFRD (Ret.), Secretary Mark Zeigler Capt. Darius Holsey JFRD Capt. Greg Miller JFRD (Ret.)
Elected Officers
- Edward Howard, President
- Elizabeth Kramer, Vice President and College Student Coordinator
- Darren Tonto, Membership Officer and ALS Coordinator
- Vacant, Secretary
- Rich Horne, Treasurer
Appointed Officers
- Beth Rodgers, President Emerita
- Andrew Schmidt, DO, Medical Director
- Capt. Darius Holsey and Heather Stores, Training Officers
- Eric Zelaya, Director of Emergency Prepardness
- Colin Hackbarth, BLS Coordinator
- Warren Zapata, Events Coordinator
- The Rev. Joe Porfidio ACNA, Chaplain
- Capt. Eric Mitchell, JFRD Liaison