Editor’s Note: Post a question in the comment section for Cebollero and Grayson to discuss in an upcoming podcast.
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In this week’s Inside EMS Quick Clip, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson talk about the struggle to recruit volunteer EMS providers.
Cebollero suggests there may be a need for a volunteer EMS certification that’s separate than an EMT certification. In rural areas especially, it’s better to have someone with some level of training respond as opposed to nobody.
“I would rather have somebody take me to the hospital, or take my spouse to the hospital, than her lay on the floor because nobody was available,” Cebollero said.
Grayson said volunteerism is at an all-time high in the U.S., and EMS is “looking for the wrong people.” The industry should reach out to retirees, stay-at-home mothers and people looking for a way to give back to the community.
“We need,” he said, “to start recruiting care takers rather an adrenaline junkies.”
