Become a Member

Côte Saint-Luc Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is looking for new members to join its team of volunteer medics. Members must be bilingual, active, eager to get involved, ready to learn, hold a valid Class 4A Driver License and enjoy taking on challenges and making a difference in the community. No previous first-aid training is required. 

EMS courses are offered throughout the year. Students complete in-class sessions and an on-the-road apprenticeship, where they respond to real calls and put into practice the skills they learned in class. Members are encouraged to perform at least one shift per week.

Become an Auxiliary Member

Want to help out EMS but don’t want to be a medic? We need auxiliary members who can help us with maintaining the fleet and equipment, photographers to take pictures of events, organizers to help us plan events for our members… If you think you have a skill or the time to help please contact us!

Read our Frequently asked questions below to find out more.

Get Notified

In order to find out when the next information session is being offered please follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Or email us at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do as a First responder? Is it the same as a Paramedic?

As first responders we typically arrive on scene before paramedics. Our responsibility is to stabilize the patient and prepare them for the paramedics arrival. We do not transport patients to the hospital; though sometimes we will accompany them in the ambulance at the request of the paramedics. For example, to perform CPR while they provide more advanced care.

CSL EMS members receive a provincial First Responder Level 3 license, a 64 hour course (plus additional in-house training), whereas paramedics receive a diploma after 3 years of schooling. Elsewhere on the Island of Montreal the first responder services are provided by the firefighters of the Service Incendie de Montréal.

What are the minimum requirements to apply? Skills and qualifications?

Applicants must at a minimum:

  • Be at least 18 years old by the start of the first class;
  • Be physically and psychologically sound, and pass a criminal background check (no criminal record);
  • Be able to speak French and English;
  • Have a Secondary school Diploma (or the equivalent recognized by the competent authorities);

Applicants Qualifications and Skills

  • Hold a valid Class 5 and a 4A driver’s license;
  • Good interpersonal skills and ease of working with the public;
  • Being detailed oriented and having a sense of commitment to serving the public;
  • Be able to work under pressure during emergencies;
  • Performing primary stabilization of the victim according to clinical intervention protocols and following the
    required steps;
  • Demonstrate flexibility, versatility, availability and professional ethics;
  • Demonstrate teamwork skills;
  • A strong sense of responsibility and good judgment;
  • Successfully complete a series of screening tests and a medical examination;
  • Hold a valid level 3 first responder training certificate or an Attestation of College Studies (AEC) in pre-hospital emergency care and be registered in the “Registre national de la main-d’œuvre des techniciennes ambulancières et techniciens ambulanciers paramédic” or a
    Diploma of Collegial Studies in pre-hospital emergency care and being registered in the “Registre national de
    la main-d’œuvre des techniciennes ambulancières et techniciens ambulanciers paramédic”. If you do not have the Level 3 First Responder license, you must agree to follow it; *

*If you do not have the first responder training certificate you can take the course with us if hired.

Do I need to live in Côte Saint-Luc to take the course?

Absolutely not. EMS members come from across the region, including Laval, the South Shore, the West Island and beyond.

When is the next course?

EMS typically runs two courses per year, in the winter and fall. Courses are offered two evenings per week, with a few weekend sessions. The course consists of the provincial level 3 first responder certification and the member integration, which covers additional topics and lots of practice.

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to find out when the next session is offered.

What do I get at the end?

You will receive a first responder certification and license issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS).

How long is the course?

The course totals about 130 hours, including the theory and practical components and exams. Classes are generally two weekday evenings (4 hours) and one weekend day (8 hours) for a period of two months. Following successful completion of their training, candidates are integrated on the road and are required to work a minimum of one shift per week until they are cleared (up to 3 months).

All new members also must complete an on-the-road training period, where they respond with EMS crews to real medical emergencies. The goal of this period is to help new candidates adapt what they’ve learned in class to the real world, to learn tips and tricks from more experienced members, and to fine tune the skills needed to become a great medic.

What is the time commitment?

The time commitment is significant, especially for new candidates.  Classes are generally two weekday evenings (4 hours) and one weekend day (8 hours) for a period of two months.

Once the candidate is cleared and graduates into the role of first responder, the minimum requirement is 24 hours every three months and mandatory continuing education sessions three to four times per year.

We ask new members to commit to at least two years. However, we are looking for candidates that will want to be part of the organization for many years to come.

How much does it cost?

Although the actual integration costs over $2,000, the City of Côte Saint-Luc waives a large part of that fee in exchange for minimum one year of service to EMS (minimum two shifts per month). Candidates pay approximately $750, which includes the training and the textbooks. We provide the uniform and all necessary material otherwise.

How do I sign up?

Thankfully, we have more demand than we have space available, so we choose the best of the best. The first step is to attend an information session (offered in the months preceding the start of each class). At this session, further information is given, including how to join and what is involved. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to find out when the next session is offered.

The next step is to submit your application.

You will then be contacted for an interview, where different EMS members will try to get to know you better and understand who you are and what you bring to our team. Selected students will be enrolled in the next class. 24 candidates are accepted for interviews and, ultimately, 8 are retained for the course.

What happens if I don't volunteer for one year? Do I have to pay the balance?

If you make an effort to meet your commitments and show your dedication to EMS, then no. Life happens and it’s hard to predict where you’ll be in a year.

But if someone is using EMS to get a certificate or get a reference letter, then yes, they can be charged for the balance.

I have more questions, whom do I contact to get more info?

Please contact [email protected] and someone will be pleased to help you with more questions.

I want to get into med school, is EMS good for this?

Yes, but it shouldn’t be the only reason why you want to join. Remember that the commitment is more than a year, including the course, on-the-road training and the commitment to volunteer. So make sure that you have enough time and are able to balance your school and work schedule with volunteering.