The Northwest Fire District allows members of the community, 18 years of age and older, to participate in a Ride-Along Program with on-duty emergency crews at our various fire stations in the Northwest Fire District communities. This programis intended as an educational endeavor to acquaint community members with the Fire and Emergency Medical Servicesprovided by the Fire District, and to better understand the duties and responsibilities of today's firefighters.

This program allows for our community to experience responding to emergency calls in a fire truck or in a command vehicle while observing Northwest Fire District operations in a variety of emergency situations. Observers will also experience firsthand what life in the fire house is all about, and to get to know your community firefighters on a more personable basis.

The Ride-Along Program may not be feasible for everyone. Riders, (aka Ride-Alongs and Ride-Along Applicants) must have the physical ability to rapidly get on fire apparatus to prevent delays in emergency response. Riders must also be able to withstand the weather variations common to Arizona for a significant period of time, as necessary to deal with different emergency events. The Fire District will attempt reasonable accommodations to allow the ride-along to occur. However, if unable to allow the ride-along due to physical limitations, NWFD will then strive to accommodate informational station tours or other appropriate substitutes, if so desired.

Please go through the following steps to complete the Ride-Along Program Packet:

STEP 1 . . . . . Read the Overview
Details: A glimpse into fire station life

STEP 2 . . . . . Review the GUIDELINES and POLICIES
Use of Telephones/Pagers and Cell Phones
Use of Internet and Electronic Mail
Social Media
Details: Who to report to, what to expect, where to report, how to dress, and roles and responsibilities on the day of the Ride-Along

STEP 3 . . . . . Complete the REQUEST FORM
Details: Enter contact information and desired dates for Ride-Along

STEP 4 . . . . . Complete the LIABILITY WAIVER
Details: Release for injury, illness, or loss

STEP 5 . . . . . Go through the HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA) TRAINING SELF-STUDY PRESENTATION
Details: Protection of health information and respect for patient privacy before, during and after the applicant completes the Ride-Along Program

STEP 6 . . . . . Take the HIPAA TRAINING POST TEST
Details: Based on the HIPAA Training Self Study Presentation, the test passing score is 85% getting 12/14 questions correct

STEP 7 . . . . . Read and sign the RIDE-ALONG APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of HIPAA Obligations OR if you are a Medical Professional or EMT Student read and sign the MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL or STUDENT HIPAA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Details: The applicant agrees to maintaining confidentiality of patient health information and respecting patient privacy

Once these forms are mailed in or dropped off at Northwest Fire District Administration, 5225 W. Massingale Rd., Tucson, AZ 85743, a Chief Officer or his designee will contact you with further information.