Civil Air Patrol?

[Toogoofy317]

It seems like the Orlando area Civil Air Patrol is looking for volunteers esp with EMS experience. Anyone ever do the CAP? Been looking for the right thing to volunteer for and would seem to be an alternate way of serving my country without being in the military.

So thoughts comments?

Mary

[spc]

Momma always tol' me that if ya' don' have nuthin' good ta say, don' say nuthin' 'tall.

[Toogoofy317]

That bad?

[spc]

From my limited observations, they are a bunch of overweight (generally VERY overweight) wannabe's with less discipline than a kindergarten class dropped in a fuching candy store.

[wladziu]

Yup.  Boyscouts. 

How's your Mommy instinct? 

[yamahonkawazuki]

From my limited observations, they are a bunch of overweight (generally VERY overweight) wannabe's with less discipline than a kindergarten class dropped in a fuching candy store.

yup ive done it. i was teh only skinny one there. lol. wanna be's? yeah i guess one could say that

[brickerenator]

I was in it for 3 years (dropped out to play HS football)

Made 2nd Lt. Served as Cadet Commander, Executive officer, and First Sergeant.

I went to the MD Wing Solo School.

I was able to do a bunch of things that I never would have been able to do had I not joined.

Rappelling with Army Rangers, C130 rides, UH-1 rides, search and rescue training (responded to a real emergency--downed plane), parades, a week long simulation of BCT (not nearly as intense, but pretty close I've been told).


There are more opportunities for Cadets than Senior members.

You really get as much out of it as you put in.

[wladziu]

You really get as much out of it as you put in.

- said the Boyscout.

[Toogoofy317]

TBH the EMS aspect seems kinda neat. They invited me out to a meeting. Remember guys I'm looking for something to volunteer with that is worthwhile and can use my skills. Free training seems kinda nice too.

If I could be in the military I would. But, there is this heart thing! They had 91 lives saved last year. Bet those people wouldn't call them wannabes. I'll check out a meeting and see what it is about. what's the worse that could happen  If I don't like it well then I walk away.

Mary

[spc]

Coast guard auxillary??

[shiznizbiz]

My 2 cents......dont. Youd be of more value to your community as an emt working for an ambulance service than going through the motions with the CAP.  Though underpaid, youll still be getting paid for your valuable time and knowledge. But im sure you can volunteer your time to an ambulance service as well if you really dont like money all that much. Good luck and follow your gut.  

[brickerenator]

Do it. Though I don't remember seeing much for an EMT to do, unless you were qualified to be on Ground Team. But with your heart I don't know if you can.

You could however become a spotter or radio operator in a SAR plane.

[yamahonkawazuki]

yeah go for it , some laugh at it, but CAP is invaluable in many situations, even the wannabes

[spc]

I've never in my life uttered the phrase 'Wow, I'm glad CAP was here to save the day'   

[yamahonkawazuki]

What would you say if they actually did?

[Toogoofy317]

Yeah, I was a volunteer with an EMS Auxillary. Only problem it was three hour drive away! That is the closest place where you can volunteer EMS only. Can't get firestandards so I can't really volunteer here in Fl because almost all of the Fire/EMS has been combined! Also, even if I was part-time with say Rural Metro or American Ambulance the shift is 12-24 hours. I can't do that anymore it is hellacious on a healthy person much less a sick one and I'd have to pay to get re-cert.  it only pays $8 an hour I make more at Universal security!

Like I said I'm gonna check it out. I'm not looking to be Mighty Mouse "Here I come to save the day!" routine. But, looking for different ways to serve my community with the skills and talents that I have.

Mary

[yamahonkawazuki]

id go for it. IF your heart can handle it

[08GSSteve]

Go for it......Can't hurt

If you don't like it then give it away and try something else. 

Even if they are fat cats then at least you will be having a blast and least you know the physical side of it isn't that hard.