Join the Family

Join a dedicated team making a real difference—through training, teamwork, and service to the community.

Why Join?

Professional Training

Gain hands-on experience and professional training in diverse skills, including:

  • Rope Rescue

  • Wilderness Navigation

  • Emergency Medicine

  • And more!

    Our comprehensive training prepares you for real-world emergencies in some of Western North Carolina’s most challenging environments.

Lifelong Friendships

Volunteering with the Transylvania County Rescue Squad is more than responding to calls—it’s about becoming part of a family. You’ll develop strong bonds with fellow volunteers through:

  • Shared Experiences: From intense rescues & overnight trainings to communal meals and post-search ice cream, you’ll forge friendships built on trust, teamwork, and mutual respect.

  • Team Support: Our members support each other in the field and off duty, creating a network of friends who have your back.

  • Camaraderie: Beyond calls and training, we share meals, celebrate milestones, and enjoy downtime together. From birthdays and graduations to promotions and new ventures, squad members share life together.

Serve Your Community

Your time and skills directly impact the lives of people in need. Every call you answer is an opportunity to make a difference for someone’s family, friend, or neighbor.

  • Be a critical part of search and rescue efforts.

  • Provide vital medical aid during emergencies.

  • Help preserve the safety and well-being of Transylvania County’s residents and visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We accept applications for membership once a year, generally in the fall.

    Prospective members are invited to attend one of our open houses to meet the membership, tour our station, and learn more about what we do. The application process generally involves a written application followed by an interview with the membership committee. All members are required to pass a background check and drug screening.

    Once selected, new members participate in a training pipeline to prepare them to be operational. Following the completion of their initial training new members begin a 6-month probationary period where they’ll train, shadow, and participate in squad activities to learn essential skills.

    Enter your email in the form below to be notified when the application period opens up.

  • We understand that everyone has different schedules, and we’re flexible to help you balance volunteering with other responsibilities. Here’s what to expect:

    • A minimum of 36 hours of training per year to maintain your active membership status. This includes specialized training like rope rescue, wilderness survival, waterfall rescues, drills, and workshops.

    • Regular participation in meetings and rescue calls, with flexibility to volunteer based on your availability and personal schedule.

    Your level of involvement beyond the minimum requirements is up to you—whether you respond to calls every week or a few times a month, every contribution makes a difference.

  • No, but you should be close enough to respond to calls. While being local can make it easier to respond quickly, we have members from different parts of North Carolina who actively volunteer with us.

    For those who live farther away, we offer volunteer rooms where members can stay overnight during shifts, training sessions, or busy call periods. This makes it easier to stay involved, no matter where you’re coming from.

  • None starting out! We welcome all levels of experience.

    During your probationary period, you’ll need to obtain the following certifications:

    • ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800

    • BLS CPR

    These courses provide the essential skills needed for emergency response. We’ll help guide you through obtaining them during your probationary period.

    In addition, there are optional certifications you can pursue to enhance your skills and qualifications:

    • North Carolina Technical Rescuer

    • EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician - Basic)

    • And more!

    These certifications provide advanced training in specialized areas like technical rescue and emergency medical care and can open up further opportunities for you at the squad.

  • We welcome members 18 and over. Whether you're just starting out or looking to give back later in life, there's a place for you on our team.

    There are no upper age limits for membership—volunteers of all ages contribute their knowledge and energy to the squad.