Northwest Connecticut EMS

Why do we have difficulty in obtaining volunteers?

One Important Answer: WE DON'T ASK!!

Its not 1950 or 1960, where we seemed to have an endless supply of volunteers. Back then it was similar to the buffalo that were in the millions over a century ago. We almost eliminated the Buffalo by slaughtering them. We thought that there was no way of destroying them all, but we succeeded. Through programs and care we have brought the buffalo back. A most noble creature.

How did we almost eliminate the volunteer spirit?

By creating attitudes that are not conducive to the society that we live in, by creating the ME not the WE generations, and with some of the ridiculous statutes and regulations which we must conform.

Are there programs and care that will bring back the EMS volunteer the same as the Buffalo? YES

What are some of the reasons for the difficulty of acquiring EMT's?

That's what we intend to do in this website. This will be a continuous and changing work of art that through the efforts and knowledge of many will also bring back the other noble creature: The Volunteer.

There is no reason why I used the Noble Buffalo to prove a point, except to show that it was the same stupidity and brainless acts that also almost eliminated the spirit of the EMS Volunteer.

During the 1940's into the 1970's, there did not appear to be a problem recruiting and retaining volunteers. WHY?

There were servicemen and women who had come back from World War II, and understood what it was to give of yourself for the betterment of the community as well as bettering yourself. There was a spirit of pride which is not prevalent today, though it is on its way back.

There are other reasons such as:

Dual Income Families

Fewer Businesses Locally Controlled

Increased Public Expectations

Changing Social

Values & Attitudes

Pool of Daytime Personnel is smaller; with fewer people working in town

Here are Two Big Ones:

Lack of Management Skills and Lack of Comprehensive leadership and knowledge of the volunteers needs by local aquad and/or Fire Department.

The Squad/Fire Department NOT willing to admit that they have a staffing problem, when they are down to one person on the ambulance.

What this boils down to is that "Many times, WE are our own worst enemies"!!

So what do we need to do to remedy this problem?

The first thing is to realize that "You have a Problem"

When do we have enough staff to carry out our Mission?

YOU DON'T! RECRUITING is a consistent never ending job. You always need people!

We're too busy on the rig. The Squads don't have time to recruit, don't you understand we don't have time for this?

Who ever told you are the only one who can recruit new members, recognize current members, and therefore retain members.