Assessment of current and proposed volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition strategies for a rural first responder unit in Western Wisconsin
Abstract
Emergency medical services members such as First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics provide essential life-saving and injury-reducing services to urban and rural communities in the United States and around the globe. Many of these emergency service groups experience difficulty with recruitment of new members, as well as retention of existing group members. There are several reasons for difficulty with recruitment and retention of EMS personnel. The purpose of this project was to review the organizational processes and external influences of one rural First Responder agency in Western Wisconsin, to identify and strengthen opportunities to recruit and provide training for new members, as well as retain and recognize current First Responder members. A needs and capacity assessment was performed to gather information about the recruitment, retention, and recognition (3 R's) experienced by the members. Extensive key informant interviews were conducted with 9 of the 10 current members. Information and key insights derived from the qualitative analysis of the key informant interview data were utilized to develop 10 Key Recommendations for strengthening the current practices for recruitment, retention, and recognition, as well as to develop future strategies to augment the 3 R's. An Executive Report was prepared for presentation to the First Responder group for discussion and strategic planning purposes.
Subject
Public health
First responders
Emergency medical technicians -- Evaluation