Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 2, 1994 TAG: 9404040150
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Recent shortages of rescue squad volunteers in Vinton might have more to do with the town's not taking advantage of state recruitment and retention services than with rumors of tougher training requirements, says Mark Whiting of the state's Office of Emergency Medical Services.
Whiting was in Vinton recently to review proposed changes in state training requirements for EMS workers - and to introduce resources available for recruiting and keeping volunteers.
In a meeting with Vinton officials, Whiting said it is a misconception that government mandates are driving away volunteers. To the contrary, training programs for EMS volunteers are becoming more user-friendly, he said.
As early as next year Virginia will implement a training program that Whiting thinks will be less of a burden on volunteers than the one now used.
"Increased hours? It's not definite," he said. "The hours needed for certification could be reduced, could stay the same, or may increase some.
"Virginia has one of the most flexible certification programs in the country."
The curriculum also is expected to be simplified.
"With the new system, it's enough to know the bone is broken. You don't need to know the name of the bone," Whiting said.
Since 1989, five Virginia rescue squads have disbanded, and only one of those was a volunteer squad, according to the Office of Emergency Medical Services. In the same period, 110 EMS agencies were formed.
But in Vinton, where volunteers once signed waiting lists to join the rescue squad, the number of people coming forward to help sharply declined last year. Town employees - police officers, utility workers and firefighters - have been helping answer emergency calls when volunteers are scarce.
While calling Vinton's solution to its EMS crisis "innovative," Whiting said the town might have avoided a shortage of volunteers if recruitment and retention tools offered by the state had been used.
For example, the Vinton squad could have received up to $5,000 in state funds by applying for mini-grants. Virginia offers $100,000 through grants each year to volunteer EMS agencies.
"We've funded everything from recruitment video productions to day-care programs at squad buildings to help with daytime coverage," Whiting said.
Volunteer rescue squads also can apply for funds to purchase equipment through the state's Rescue Squad Assistance Fund.
Whiting said that in addition to the offer of financial assistance, the Office of Emergency Medical Services bombards volunteer rescue squads with videotapes, media kits, posters and other recruitment and retention tools each year.
"It's frustrating that more squads don't take advantage of these materials."
Anywhere in Virginia, Whiting said, a resident placing an EMS call reaches at least an emergency medical technician. EMT is the basic classification - the minimum training level allowed to work alone in the back of an ambulance.
Virginia EMTs now receive 110 hours of training. Further training is required to become a shock trauma or cardiac technician. More than 300 hours are needed to be classified as a paramedic.
To lure more volunteers to high-level EMS work, Whiting said, Virginia is aggressively recruiting military and hospital personnel.
Meanwhile, Vinton's town manager, Clay Goodman, is preparing to ask for three paid positions for the Vinton Rescue Squad.
"My council very strongly supports more aggressive participation with the rescue squad," Goodman said. "We want to help them with recruitment or whatever they need."
Vinton already offers incentives most Virginia communities do not. Volunteers with 20 years' service receive retirement benefits under Roanoke County's plan. Active members also receive free motor vehicle decals.
Volunteers get reduced rates at a fitness club, enjoy a summer picnic paid for by the town and are provided $25 gift certificates at Christmas.
Vinton EMS volunteers are provided uniforms, turn-out gear, two-way radios, pagers and paid training, which some communities ask volunteers to pay for themselves.
Even though a recent drive netted 13 new members, Vinton's rescue captain, Chris Stull, is eager to continue recruiting.
At the end of last year, the Vinton Rescue Squad had 23 members. "We never have enough volunteers," he said.
The Office of Emergency Services has planned an Aug. 27 visit to the Roanoke Valley to help recruitment and retention efforts. Information will be supplied to squads interested in attracting new members.
"But we can't help it if they don't use it," Whiting said.
\ STATE EMS PROGRAMS\ \ Since 1989, 110 new EMS agencies have been formed in Virginia. Only five, most of them private, have disbanded.
\ Since 1981, there have been no increases in required hours for EMT certification. Although slight increases may be in place by 1995, the curriculum in general will be more "user-friendly."
\ Since 1989, direct state grant funding has increased for EMS equipment, training, recruitment and retention.
\ Virginia is one of the few states that provide certification at all levels at no cost to the volunteer.
\ During 1994, recruitment campaigns for military and nursing personnel and for high school and college students will be aggressively pursued.\ \ Source: Office of Emergency Medical Services, 1994.
by CNB