Recruiting and retaining volunteer EMTs: from motivation to practical solutions

Abstract

Purpose

Most rescue squad members, both in the city and in rural areas, serve on a volunteer (unpaid) basis. It has been widely reported and observed that the number of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) volunteers is falling in communities across the USA. Meanwhile, internationally, the need for emergency services volunteers is increasing as government support dwindles in these uncertain economic times. The purpose of this paper is to determine how to keep EMT volunteerism at desired levels and provide recommendations for increasing recruitment and retention.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines what motivates people and why people volunteer in general, beginning with a discussion of citizenship participation and international EMS, then reviewing general and volunteer motivation theories, and finally focusing on volunteer EMT motivation/retention theories in particular. Research studies in two diverse locations (one urban, one rural) are then implemented to survey volunteer EMT motivations and priorities, to find what stimulates EMTs to join and continue to participate in rescue squad operations.

Findings

Theoretical explanations and research results are analyzed to determine the implications for both recruitment and retention of volunteer EMTs.

Originality/value

Based on these findings, the remainder of the article is dedicated to the practical application of strategies which are easily implemented and cost‐effective for any volunteer EMT organization, regardless of locale or country of origin. Utilization of these strategies is both timely and relevant, because few communities' operational budgets can absorb the costs of hiring additional professional EMTs.

Citation

Haug, J.C. and Gaskins, J.N. (2012), "Recruiting and retaining volunteer EMTs: from motivation to practical solutions", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 32 No. 3/4, pp. 197-213. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443331211214767