Riders participate for full scheduled shifts, ordinarily during daytime operations.
/ Clinical Observation & Ride-Along Program
Experience EMS.
Experience EMS.
From the inside.
Join Lakes Region EMS for a firsthand look at prehospital emergency medicine, ambulance operations, and the work of the providers serving our communities.
Participation requires approval. Submitting a request does not confirm a scheduled ride.
Allow approximately one to two weeks for request review and scheduling coordination.
All participants must be approved and comply with LREMS policies and confidentiality requirements.
/ 01 — About the Program
A different perspective on emergency care.
Our Clinical Observation and Ride-Along Program offers approved participants an opportunity to experience the prehospital environment alongside Lakes Region EMS medical crews.
Participants may observe patient assessment, emergency response, clinical decision-making, scene management, and coordination with other healthcare and public safety professionals.
Every shift is different. Some involve numerous patient encounters, while others provide more time to learn about equipment, operations, and the responsibilities of EMS providers.
An opportunity to observe the
profession where it happens.
/ 02 — Participants
Who is the program for?
Our program accommodates a variety of educational and professional interests, subject to eligibility, scheduling availability, and individual approval.
EMS & Healthcare Students
Students seeking firsthand exposure to prehospital care, ambulance operations, and the clinical responsibilities of EMS providers.
Public Safety & Healthcare Personnel
Personnel from approved partner agencies interested in observing EMS operations and improving their understanding of interagency coordination.
Prospective EMS Professionals
Individuals exploring the emergency medical services profession and seeking a better understanding of what a provider's day may involve. Eligibility and approval apply.
Age requirements: The published ride-along policy generally requires participants to be at least 18 years old. It also describes limited exceptions for approved high-school career-development participants with parent or guardian permission. Contact the program coordinator before requesting participation under an exception.
/ 03 — Your Experience
What should you expect?
Ride-alongs are operational experiences, not demonstrations. The assigned crew determines appropriate participation based on patient care, safety, and the rider's qualifications.
Assigned crew
You will be under the supervision of your assigned crew and receive an orientation to the station, ambulance, and applicable safety procedures.
Real-world operations
Patient encounters and call volume cannot be predicted. Your experience may include emergency responses, transport, and periods of downtime.
Patient care comes first
Observation or participation may be limited based on patient needs, privacy requirements, and operational conditions.
Professional standards
Riders are expected to follow crew instructions, dress requirements, conduct policies, and all applicable confidentiality and safety rules.
/ 04 — How It Works
From request to ride-along.
All rides must be approved and scheduled in advance. Here is what happens after you decide to participate.
Submit your information.
Complete the ride-along request form, including your classification, reason for riding, available dates, and required policy acknowledgments.
Await scheduling approval.
The LREMS scheduling coordinator reviews the request and determines whether a ride can be accommodated. Plan for a typical turnaround of one to two weeks.
Receive your assignment.
Once approved, follow the coordinator's instructions for your assigned date, location, shift, arrival time, and preparation requirements.
/ 05 — Before Your Ride
Come prepared.
After your request is approved, review the full rider policy. These are several important expectations outlined in the existing program instructions.
Dress professionally
The published policy specifies a solid white collared button-down shirt with identification, dark dress or EMS pants, and appropriate dark footwear. Review the full dress code for restrictions.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive ten minutes before your assigned shift. Crews may be responding to a call at the start of the shift.
Plan for meals
Bring food or money for meals. Downtime and opportunities to purchase food vary with operational activity.
Respect patient confidentiality
Patient identities and care details must remain confidential, during and after the ride.
Follow crew direction
Your assigned crew is responsible for patient care and scene safety. Participation may be restricted, and riders must follow all instructions.
/ 06 — Common Questions
Frequently asked questions.
A few answers before you submit your request.
Does submitting the form reserve my ride?
No. Your submission is a request, not a scheduled assignment. The scheduling coordinator must review and approve it before a ride is confirmed.
How far in advance should I apply?
The published scheduling guidance indicates a typical turnaround of one to two weeks. Submitting several available dates and planning ahead is recommended.
Can I request a particular station?
Yes. The request form lets you identify your nearest or preferred base. Preferences are considered, but a specific assignment is not guaranteed.
Can I ride for part of a shift?
The current policy specifies full shifts only, with day shifts as the standard arrangement. Any alternate scheduling must be coordinated directly with LREMS.
Can I perform clinical skills?
Riders must follow the scope, restrictions, and approval requirements outlined in the Ride-Along Policy. Any permitted involvement occurs only at the direction of the assigned crew. Certain procedures are explicitly prohibited for riders.
What if I cannot attend my scheduled ride?
Contact the ride-along coordinator before the start of your assigned shift. The published policy identifies Brandon Trauba at 651-277-4911 , extension 107, for coordination and cancellations.
Where do I review the complete rider policy?
The full Ride-Along Policy, Informed Consent, and Release are provided on the ride-along request form . Read these documents carefully before submitting your request.
/ Ready to Get Started?
See the profession from a new perspective.
Submit a request for consideration. You'll provide your background, scheduling availability, and required policy acknowledgments through our established ride-along form.
Proceed to Ride-Along Request