Frequently Asked Questions

Why JOIN HVAC?

Membership at HVAC affords you with many opportunities. First and foremost, all HVAC members have the distinct privilege to give back to their community in a regular, meaningful way. Hawthorne has the heart of a smaller community that consistently gives to all of its residents. Membership at HVAC gives its members a chance to give back to those in their deepest time of need.

Additionally, the time spent with HVAC provides the members with experiences that they most likely would not encounter in any other setting. Our members hone and refine their leadership skills, often at ages in which leadership is not common in the workforce; develop the ability to think on their feet in stressful situations; discover interests in healthcare and medicine; build friendships with other members of the community whom they may not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise; and learn skills as Emergency Medical Technicians that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Is HVAC accepting new members?

HVAC accepts new members on a rolling basis throughout the year. Visit our Become a Member page for more information.

Does HVAC have age requirements?

We welcome applicants from the age of 16, as long as the individual is physically able to perform the duties of an EMT, which involve lifting, carrying, climbing stairs, and other physical activities.

I am not an EMT YET. can I join HVAC?

Yes, you can join our Observer program. Observers are assigned to a duty crew and rides along on calls with established EMTs. This program enables non-EMTs to experience EMS up close, to ensure it’s the field for you! If you decide to go forward and enroll in the EMT course, HVAC will provide you with a tuition waiver, provided you commit to our squad following your course graduation.

How do I become an EMT?

EMT certification courses are a 240-hour program administered in several locations throughout New Jersey. The closest facilities to Hawthorne are Passaic County Community College Public Safety Academy in Wayne, NJ, Bergen County EMS Training Center in Paramus, and the Bergen County Police, Fire and EMS Academies in Mahwah, NJ. The courses run Fall (begins in September), Spring (begins in January) and Summer (condensed course) semesters. Specific registration and start dates vary from year to year, but all courses generally open registration approximately 3 months prior and fill very quickly.

The classes generally meet two evenings a week, with several weekend classes throughout the semester. The state of New Jersey requires all EMT candidates to be 16 years of age by the first day of their certification course. New Jersey EMTs are now required to take the National Registry exam following graduation from their program, which certifies them as EMTs nationally.

What time commitment does HVAC require of its members?

HVAC members commit to a 12-hour weeknight shift once a week (6pm-6am), a 6-hour weekend daytime shift once a month, and one 12-hour Saturday night shift every 6 weeks. Taking weekday daytime calls is encouraged, though not required.

What shifts are available for riding?

All shifts are available.

Can non-residents of Hawthorne join HVAC?

Yes, HVAC currently has quite a few non-residents on our roster, who provide service to the Borough of Hawthorne just like their resident counterparts. We currently accept applicants from Hawthorne’s surrounding towns (within reasonable responding distance).

If HVAC DOESN’T BILL patients, how does it OPERATE financially?

HVAC is not a municipal agency, but rather a private, non-profit corporation. The Borough of Hawthorne provides us with our building and maintenance, heat, and electric, as well as vehicle insurance and fuel. HVAC's normal annual budget amounts to over $80,000 per year, with major expenses for insurance, training, vehicle maintenance, and disposable sterile supplies. The rest is raised via voluntary contributions and our annual fundraising.

All of the money raised for HVAC through fundraising directly supports the day-to-day operations of the corps. Though HVAC does not pay salaries, all of the other expenses of a company need to be supported: office supplies, medical supplies, insurance, training costs, vehicle maintenance, vehicle replacement and many, many more expenses that are necessary to enable HVAC to continue to function as a corporation.

Does HVAC loan OR ACCEPT DONATIONS OF USED medical equipment?

No, but the Hawthorne Lions Club does. You can leave a message at (973) 423-4219. They are a volunteer organization and will return your call as soon as possible.