RIDE ALONG PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue (CKFR) offers a ride-along program for community members and students who are at least 18 years old. This program is designed to support clinical internships for both district and non-district EMT and Paramedic students.

RIDER REQUIREMENTS

While we make every effort to accommodate all requests, this program may not be suitable for everyone.

  • Physical Ability: Riders must be physically able to quickly mount and dismount fire apparatus to avoid delaying emergency response. You must also be able to withstand various weather conditions for extended periods, as is common in Washington State.
  • Accommodations: We will attempt to make reasonable accommodations for physical limitations. If a ride-along isn’t feasible, we can offer informational station tours or other alternatives.
  • Ride Frequency: Participants are limited to no more than two ride-a longs per calendar year, unless an exception is approved by the Medical Officer.

HOW TO APPLY

To participate, you must complete the Ride-Along Application and waiver forms and submit them to the administrative office or ridealong@ckfr.org at least three weeks before your preferred ride-along date. Please note that submitting a request does not guarantee approval.

We will do our best to accommodate your requested date, time, and station preference.

PROGRAM RULES

All participants must agree to and abide by these rules. Failure to comply with any of them will result in the immediate termination of the ride-along.

  1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
  2. Identification: You must carry a valid Washington State driver’s license or other approved identification.
  3. Attire: You must be neat and clean in appearance. Wear neat, clean jeans or dark (black/navy blue) slacks, a plain dark (black/navy blue) shirt without graphics, and flat, closed-toe shoes. Leggings, shorts, or skirts are not permitted. The Company Officer may terminate the ride-along for inappropriate attire.
  4. Provided Vest: You must wear the “CKFR Observer” traffic safety vest provided by the district. If you are a member of another organization (e.g., TCC Paramedic Program), you may wear your organization’s uniform.
  5. Jewelry: No visible jewelry is permitted, with the exception of a ring and a watch.
  6. Schedule: The standard hours for ride-alongs are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exceptions for educational purposes (e.g., EMT/Paramedic students) must be authorized by the Battalion Chief.
  7. Confidentiality: All information gathered during the ride-along, including personal details, medical history, and names of individuals involved in emergency incidents, is strictly confidential. You are required to comply with federal HIPAA regulations and must not discuss this information with anyone.
  8. Photography & Devices: You may not bring cameras or other recording devices unless authorized by the Battalion Chief. Cellular phones must be kept on silent mode and in your pocket. No photos are permitted unless authorized by the Duty Chief.
  9. Following Instructions: You must obey all orders and instructions from the CKFR personnel you are assigned to. During dangerous situations, you are to remain on the apparatus until directed otherwise.
  10. Criminal Background: Individuals with a criminal background may be denied participation in the program.
PROGRAM TERMINATION

The ride-along may be terminated at any time by either the Company Officer or the rider.