WISCONSIN - The Wisconsin EMS Association recently launched its second statewide EMT and First Responder recruitment drive. The first statewide recruitment drive was done in 2002.
The 2006 campaign follows much of the same principles as the successful 2002 campaign, but also includes some new additions.
In 2002, the Wisconsin EMS Association produced a recruitment drive handbook that provided step-by-step instructions and samples to include making a flyer, marketing, working with the media and hosting an open house. The handbook provided helpful tips in how to review applications, conduct interviews and hire candidates as well as bring new recruits through training class, assign a mentor and beyond.
Several departments sent representatives to attend regional training sessions where they were taught key aspects in using the handbook and how to run a successful recruitment drive during EMS Week in May 2002. The Association was also able to obtain over an hour of television news coverage on nearly every station in Wisconsin during a two-week period leading up to EMS Week. In addition, thirty radio station interviews were completed that totaled three hours of continuous coverage and articles found their way into newspapers throughout Wisconsin.
Dozens of volunteer ambulance services, first responder groups and fire departments participated in the 2002 recruitment drive, resulting in well over 500 new volunteers becoming identified. Departments reported seeing 10, 20, even 30 or more new volunteers apply to become EMTs and First Responders. The Association estimates local departments were able to identify one or two new recruits for every 1,000 people in their service area.
Numerous things were learned from Wisconsin’s first statewide recruitment drive. Two of the more interesting ones were the ability to recruit new people into EMS is still there for departments who want to recruit. In addition, several EMS departments reported no need to recruit since their rosters were full.
An important lesson learned is recruitment is an ongoing task.
The 2006 campaign is underway. In February, nearly 50 emergency services leaders attended a one-day in-service program on how to conduct their own recruitment drive using the handbook prepared by the Wisconsin EMS Association. Much of the plan includes use of the same successful elements from the past recruitment drive. However, two aspects have been added. First, the Wisconsin Outdoor Advertising Association and its members will dedicate billboard space valued at over $500,000. Billboards drawing attention to the need for volunteers will be posted throughout the state from March to July in highly traveled, visible locations. Second, the Association will use its 800-line as a central contact point for interested persons to call and then be directed to their nearest ambulance service for local information. The Association will also contact the local ambulance service as well as follow-up directly with the interested person a week or so later to make sure they heard from their local EMS department.
The Wisconsin EMS Association is confident the second statewide recruitment drive will produce favorable results for those departments willing to put the time and effort into the task of finding new volunteers. The 2006 statewide recruitment drive culminates during EMS Week, May 14 to 20. Refer to www.WisconsinEMS.com for all the details or call 1-800-793-6820.