The EMS Reserve is a unique volunteer unit of the Pasadena Fire Department, founded to provide emergency medical services to the citizens and visitors of Pasadena, California, and to provide an opportunity for EMTs to gain important experience within one of Los Angeles County's première EMS providers.

Founded in 1981, this 28 year old organization operates as a self-governed volunteer unit within the Pasadena Fire Department, which is itself a non-volunteer department.

The EMS Reserve exists to augment emergency medical and disaster services provided by the Pasadena Fire Department’s paid staff with EMT-I certified volunteers.

Members of the EMS Reserve carry out the three main missions of the EMS Reserve by:

• Operating as a third-person on the Department’s five front-line Advanced Life Support Rescue Ambulances;
• Providing emergency medical services at large Pasadena-area public events; and,
• Providing a ready reserve of trained and experienced EMS personnel in case of major catastrophes.

• Rescue Ambulance Duty
• Special Event Duty
• Disaster Response
• Training

Members of the E.M.S.R represent a broad segment of the community. Members vary in age, gender, education, and employment just to name a few. Many of our members are not employed in emergency services or even in the health care field. All members are EMT-I certified.