CPR Classes
The Virginia Tech Rescue Squad offers classes to educate the public about the dangers of sudden cardiac arrest and stroke. The course teaches the skills necessary to recognize and treat adults, children and infants suffering from cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, choking and stroke.

The class follows the American Red Cross(ARC)standards and utilizes teaching materials provided by the ARC. The class is offered once every three weeks and usually takes approximately eight hours to complete. The class is open to anyone who is interested and provides certification that is required for EMTs,lifeguards, and other healthcare providers. Classes can be arranged for groups or organizations who would like to certify their members. CPR has been shown to drastically increase survival rates of patients suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. While it is a rare occurrence on campus, the knowledge is universal and VTRS feels that every graduate of Virginia Tech should be certified in CPR. Contact VTRS at (540) 231-7138 to register for a class or to arrange for one to be taught for your organization.

Residence Hall Education
Because members of VTRS are also college students, they provide a unique perspective to campus residents regarding alcohol and substance abuse. VTRS, along with the Virginia Tech Police Department and the Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program at Virginia Tech, provide presentations to groups who are interested in alcohol education.

VTRS members also provide introductory knowledge of first aid and CPR in short overview classes. Usually these presentations are requested by Resident Advisors, Fraternities or the Boy Scouts, however they are available to anyone. While these quick courses do not provide a certification, the presentation is practical and focuses on pertinent information to increase skill retention. Participant feedback has been outstanding.

Health and Vitals Checks
Another service the VTRS provides is complimentary walk-in vital signs assessments. Vital signs checked include blood pressure, lung sounds, pulse, and pupils. Individuals who are interested in this opportunity can simply stop by the station at their convenience.

EMT-Basic Class
The Commonwealth of Virginia's Office of EMS offers certification to any willing individual who is interested in emergency medicine. The Virginia Tech Rescue Squad has arranged to have an Emergency Medical Technician course taught on campus in Blacksburg. Coordinating with an Office of EMS instructor, the members of VTRS provide the necessary equipment and personnel to assist with the lectures and practice stations. The class teaches students how to perform patient assessment and recognize life-threatening injuries. Students are provided with an introduction to anatomy and physiology of the body and how common injuries and illness can affect the body. EMT-B students can recognize and begin treating patients with heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, respiratory distress, allergic reaction and other medical emergencies. The course also provides an strong education in
first aid treatment of traumatic injuries as well as advanced procedures to splint and immobilize trauma patients. Treatments, procedures and medications taught include basic airway maneuvers, oxygen therapy, intramuscular injections with an Epinephrine auto-injector, defibrillation, aspirin, nitroglycerin, albuterol, wound care, bleeding management, and full-body and extremity immobilization. The class offers Virginia certification as an EMT-B once the student has completed the course. Both students of Virginia Tech and members of the community are encouraged to attend the course if they are interested in emergency medicine or first aid. The course is equivalent to a 3-credit university class and is one semester long.

National Collegiate EMS Foundation
The National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation is an organization of campus-based EMS systems that promotes the sharing of knowledge and experience between those institutions. The Virginia Tech Rescue Squad is a member of NCEMSF and provides a wealth of knowledge to the organization. VTRS is one of the few organizations that provide ALS transport with a completely volunteer membership. This unique level of care is a lofty goal of other collegiate EMS organizations and many look to VTRS for advice or support.