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Volunteer/Rural EMS

The challenges of volunteer and rural EMS departments are well-known to those who practice in or manage them: funding, staffing, recruitment and retention, access to specialty care, equipment, training and so many more. Despite the challenges, providers are forced to do more with less, enabling them to mature their skills in several different ways.

The volunteer/rural EMS topic features an array of resources to help volunteer and rural first responders to hone their skills, identify grant funding and training opportunities, growing membership and bridging the gap between patients and definitive care through technology advancements, like telemedicine, and models like treat in place.

“As a volunteer agency, I want to make sure when someone calls 911 in our district, that our ambulances are ready to roll out the door when the tones go off.”
Our cohosts discuss EMS funding, volunteerism and what’s needed to make way for growth
KG shares his motivation in making a career change and how to avoid burning bridges
A vacuum truck was used to help rescue a man almost completely buried in corn inside the Henryville grain bin
If passed, the bill would establish a pilot grant program for EMS preparedness and workforce retention, allocating 20% of the grants to rural EMS agencies
The City of Palmview will pay the county $10 a month for the use of the ambulance, which will be added to three already in the city’s inventory
Volunteers across the state continue to answer calls and work on recruitment
Chester County commissioners approved a property tax rebate for members of fire and EMS departments
Lancaster County commissioners hope municipalities do the same to support first responders
Buchanan County first responders conducted a search after the farmer’s wife was unable to find him
Mercer County officials are challenged to find a service before the contract expires at the end of the year
Quick Response Unit volunteers work on recruitment as call volume increases
Erie County has purchased five ambulances to backup existing services in five towns
Aviators worked with local first responders in two daring rescues inside Box Elder Canyon
Proposed legislation and discussions take on funding, recruitment and making EMS an essential service