It's that time of year, again, when the Recruit NY campaign rolls around. Normally, there's lots of coverage in the newspapers, on Facebook, and on every fire department sign. Now, don't get me wrong, I am ever grateful for the work that firemen do and the danger they put themselves in. However, this year, to get a flyer encouraging me to sign up at a fire station got me a little agitated. You see, there are many agencies where there are volunteer EMTs but no firemen. That is, not all fire is EMS and not all EMS is fire. In addition, I have spent 8 years as a volunteer in EMS. I also teach in the community in which I live and volunteer as the historian for a small, local cemetery. I love my work and feel very strongly about giving back to the community. So, instead of the usual "keep it within the department" chatter, I wrote a letter to my representatives.
Those of us in volunteer EMS are often forgotten, and the population of volunteers is quickly dwindling.
And so, I sent my letters off yesterday evening. It's not likely that there will be any large change, but I have hope that those who have gone before me and dedicated their lives to volunteer EMS will get some recognition. As I always tell my students, if you don't like something - do something about it!
To whom it may concern,
I have recently received a flyer in the mail regarding becoming a “true hero” during the NY Recruit campaign. As a community member, I deeply appreciate the amazing work done by firefighters. They spend long hours on fire scenes, extricate individuals from vehicles, and respond to dozens of fire alarm activations. These men and women who volunteer in fire service are dedicated individuals. Indeed, they are heroes to many.
I would like to draw to your attention another volunteer area in need. There are several agencies in New York State that have separate volunteer EMS and fire departments. In fact, while there are great recruitment tools and incentives for fire departments, there is little to none for EMS agencies. This may be, perhaps, because many towns are not required to supply an ambulance service - only fire. In some instances, municipalities are more willing to spend funds for fire apparatus than on ambulances.
For the last eight years, I have volunteered with two Emergency Medical Service agencies. A little over two of those years has been as an officer with a local emergency squad. Both agencies are not part of a fire department. In fact, while we work hard with our brethren in bunker gear, we often do not get the same recognition that they do. There are many other individuals who do much more that I and have many more years of volunteer service with an EMS agency under their belts. My mentors in the field have dedicated their lives to serving their community for longer than I have been alive.
Moreover, the programs and benefits listed on the back of the flyer are limited to those in fire service. For example, the tuition reimbursement – it’s through FASNY and clearly states that individuals must be “in one of New York’s volunteer fire companies” This excludes those who are volunteering in EMS. In fact, one of the only loan forgiveness programs that apply to EMTs is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. However, this program requires that you work at least 30 hours for an organization - not volunteer.
Difficulties also arise when volunteer EMS agencies look for grants or funding. For example, the SAFER grants allow for fire departments to apply for funding. However, this, again, excludes volunteer agencies. In fact, there are little or no grants available for volunteer EMS agencies. It becomes almost impossible to to purchase new equipment required by continuous New York State Department of Health protocols. As apparatus and equipment becomes quickly outdated, volunteer agencies struggle to provide current technological equipment for the care of the community without becoming financially strained. Agencies around the state are lacking funds for newer & more efficient stretchers, safer airway management tools, and more accurate cardiac diagnostic equipment.
Furthermore, in my district so far this year, there were 54 events that the fire department was called to. This includes car accidents, fire alarm activations, chimney fires, trees & wires down, etc. EMS is required to respond or be on standby for all of these events. At this time, EMS was called to 243 events. This includes CPRs, sick individuals, diabetic emergencies, traumatic injuries, breathing problems, pregnancy & labor emergencies, etc. This is approx. 350% more events that EMS was called to than the fire department.
In closing, Assemblyman, it is my hope that as much attention is spent on recruiting & incentives for volunteers in EMS as is paid to firemen. For local volunteer EMS agencies need more volunteers than fire departments in order to meet the needs of the community. Certainly, if you heard the NYS DOH inspector relate that he believes all Emergency Medical Services will soon be done by career staff, you’d be scared for the future of volunteer EMS too.
Thank you for your time and dedication to volunteers in the region. Without dedicated representatives, volunteers would go unnoticed.
