How do you retain and encourage the volunteers you have, and how do you recruit new people?
When it comes to serving their communities in crises, regional emergency medical technicians noted their frustrations in volunteering as real-life demands with work, family and personal economics press into that service. Maintaining qualifications takes time and money, not always are employers receptive to employees who may leave anytime for medical calls, and the base of upcoming volunteers – if any – is slim. “We’re all in our 70s,” said one representative for Lowell Quick Response Unit, repeating a common concern among EMTs of the “graying” of its volunteers.