FAQ

What are the requirements to be employed at Vernon County Ambulance District?

You must be 18 years of age and must hold a Missouri EMT or Paramedic license. Paramedics are required to have ACLS and PALS certifications. Applicants must be able to pass our pre-hire test, pre-employment physical and drug screen. Applications must not have any felony convictions.

How often does VCAD perform new hire testing?

VCAD will test based upon the need for employment. Please make sure to have an application on file with us.  When positions are open, promising applicants will be contacted and given an interview and offer for employment.  Post offer of employment, individuals are given drug and alcohol testing, and a physical strength and ability test to determine their ability to perform necessary functions aboard the rigs.

Do I have to live in the VCAD service area to be hired?

No, we do not currently have a residency clause. However, keep in mind with the ever-changing weather conditions that distant travel may make it harder for you.

I am not sure if I want to become an EMT or Paramedic and would like to see more of what the job is about. Does VCAD offer a ride along program?

Yes, VCAD offers a ride along program. A waiver must be signed prior to riding.  If you are under the age of 18, the waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.  Email  for further information on riding with us.

Does VCAD offer benefits and retirement?

Yes, to full time employees. VCAD offers competitive wages, health insurance including medical, dental, and vision. VCAD also provides a 401 A (paid in by the district) or a 457 deferred compensation (allows you to pay in additional funds) retirement program.  Also, Part time Medics that work 144 hours in one calendar month also earn 24 hours of paid time off.

How is my bill figured?

Based on the type of event, whether emergency or non-emergency transfer, you are charged a mileage rate as well as itemized costs according to service provided and level of care. Understand that VCAD is a not-for-profit company and what is collected is how we must operate and provide you service.  A fully equipped ambulance must be ready to respond with all the necessary lifesaving equipment and the cost of providing this service is unfortunately costly.  VCAD’s billing is outsourced, and the number for all billing questions or concerns is 800-999-2417. 

Medicare / Medicaid patients:

If you have Medicare or Medicaid, you will only be covered if we can prove to them that the call was medically necessary and that an ambulance was the only way to transport you safely. This is NOT VCAD’s rule.  We must follow their guidelines which means it can be a struggle to get reimbursement from them. 

Does VCAD accept payments or do I have to pay everything in full up front?

VCAD will work out a payment plan for you if you need assistance in paying your bill. Whether you don’t have insurance or there was part your bill that was not covered, we will work with you to help come up with a plan affordable to you.  If you have questions or concerns about paying your bill, please contact 800-999-2417.

VCAD provides Advanced Life Support service, meaning we provide the highest level of ground transport care available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Does VCAD provide community training?

Yes, VCAD provides CPR and First Aid training to the public. VCAD also provides continuing education for EMT’s and Paramedics through seminars and monthly classes.  For more information email .

What is the difference in an EMT and Paramedic?

An EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) is trained in Basic Life Support. Schooling for an EMT is approximately 6 months.  An EMT can perform CPR, bleeding control, splinting, and assists the Paramedic in advanced procedures.

A Paramedic is trained in Advanced Life Support. Schooling for a Paramedic requires first becoming an EMT, followed by another 18 months – 2 years of Paramedic training depending on where you attend. A Paramedic administers medications, IV’s, cardiac monitoring, and several other advanced procedures.

A misconception is that we are “Ambulance Drivers”.  There is not any Emergency Medical Service agency that employs an “Ambulance Driver” in this area.  This job description doesn’t exist.  Ambulances have at least 2 licensed personnel on the ambulance.  The licensed personnel take turns driving / operating the ambulance.  In addition to their medical training, the medical personnel receive annual training over driving and operating an emergency vehicle.

Does VCAD provide EMT and Paramedic training?

VCAD does offer EMT classes on site.  Email to obtain information on the next VCAD provides continuing education for EMT’s and Paramedics.

I would like to commend a crew for a job well done, or I have a problem with a service that was provided. Who can I contact?

For generalized questions, comments, concerns please email for these issues. This email is reviewed daily by the Office Administrator and Director of EMS.  Please leave a contact number so that we may reach you.  If you need immediate assistance, contact the on-duty crew chief or District Director at 417-667-5079.

Why does Vernon County Ambulance spend time on scene treating a patient as opposed to just placing a patient in the ambulance and doing a rapid transport?

The Emergency Medical Services field has expanded its training and capabilities to enable us to perform several functions on the scene.  Our goal is to stabilize the patient and perform any lifesaving procedures that will provide the best patient outcome possible.  As EMT’s and Paramedics, we have equipment and training that allows us to treat the most significant injuries and illnesses.  We can provide these services immediately upon arriving on scene, as opposed to having to wait until arriving at a hospital Emergency Department.  In emergency situations, treatment must be received as soon as possible to enhance the outcome.

Example: A patient goes into cardiac arrest, meaning they aren’t breathing and they have no heartbeat – EMT’s and Paramedics arrive on the scene and initiate CPR.  Along with good quality CPR, the medical staff can administer IV’s, medications, cardiac monitoring, and advanced airway techniques while on the scene. By the patient receiving this care at this scene we are giving them every opportunity for a positive outcome.  If we were to simply load a patient up in cardiac arrest and just transport them to the hospital without doing the mentioned treatments, their survival chances would be decreased dramatically.

On severe traumatic injuries, we understand that many times surgical procedures will be needed to ultimately stabilize a patient.  The normal standard is to have a scene time of 10 minutes or less on traumatic injuries in which the patient is critical.  This goal can’t always be met if there are barriers at the scene, such as extrication, extreme weather conditions, unsafe scenes or multiple victims.