I always find the stories about how people get started in EMS to be interesting and worthy of more than the precursory glance they usually get.
My own story is a relatively simple one actually, I joined a volunteer ambulance corps in 1994 simply because I had nothing better to do with a pile of credit card bills and the inability to pay for my third year in college. The corps “paid” for me to go to EMT school (really signed off on my membership for grant money from the state) and I graduated in January of 1995. I promptly found a job in the private sector, you know the kind you work for 6 months to pay off the still high piles of credit card bills and save up for your next semester in school… and 16 years later here I am. I could take the time to blame Kevin Smith, but that would be an entirely different post.
One of the things I am a strong believer in is remembering where you come from and giving back more than you were given, which is why I am still a volunteer. In fact over the last 16 years I’ve served in a variety of roles and positions as both my professional and volunteer career has progressed, and right now I have reprised my position (through a Democratic election) as the Captain of the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The Captain at the FHVAC is the chief operating officer of the agency, so I am responsible for the day to day ambulance operations. It’s a role I’m relatively familiar with both on the volunteer and professional level.
But why, after 16 years, continue to do for free what I already get paid for? This is a question I get asked quite a bit, so as part of my “Captain’s Log” category, allow me to explain some important aspects about volunteerism.
The Rewards Of Volunteerism
Everything has its rewards in one way or another and being a volunteer is no different. The exception being that the rewards as a volunteer tend to be more ethereal than material.
- The opportunity to have new experiences sooner rather than later – For me, this was a true reward because I got to respond to 911 jobs where I saw quite a bit of trauma and gained a lot of experience in what is essentially a teaching environment before I actually had to
- The opportunity to network both professionally and socially – This is an invaluable opportunity (especially for people new to EMS) because the people I met and rode with yesterday are the leaders of today and the people I meet and ride with today will undoubtedly be the leaders of tomorrow
- Witnessing what happens when you truly give of yourself – There are a lot of charities and organizations that are out there trying to fulfill humanitarian missions and there are probably plenty that you support, but how many of them let you witness what your act of unselfish kindness and generosity actually does? There aren’t that many out there that don’t have something to do with providing care to patients
The Responsibilities of Volunteerism
Now just because you are a volunteer doesn’t mean that there aren’t rules that still need to be followed. Just because you are a volunteer doesn’t mean you should be any less an EMS professional than someone who is getting paid to provide the service.
- To follow and adhere to the same rules and regulations as the paid personnel – Just because you are a volunteer or volunteer organization does not mean that you are exempt of the regulatory rules that govern the paid entities and their personnel, especially if you are collecting reimbursement from Medicare/Medicaid. To act as if you are exempt of those standards would indicate a lack of meeting the professional bar. Don’t just meet it… exceed it
- Be a good neighbor and adhere to the laws as any other person would be required to – Yes you are a volunteer and the service you provide is undoubtedly important but that does not give you the right to be un-neighborly. I would be wrong if I did not point out that I have been guilty of this very thing (most notably idling the ambulance on a corner where the fumes went up into a hair salon) but this is something that I learned from and advise you all to do the same when it comes to things like parking on sidewalks, idling your truck, and blocking driveways or pedestrian crosswalks
- Volunteer because you want to and expect nothing in return – EMS can be an ungrateful job even for volunteers. The vast majority of volunteer agencies will offer perks in one form or another as best they can, but the truth is that if you go in expecting nothing you won’t be disappointed with what you do get
The Right of Volunteerism
There is one undeniable right that every volunteer has. It is the type of right that you need when you feel misunderstood, under appreciated, or annoyed with the organization. It is a right that perhaps more people should exercise more often, and while I possibly might be one of those who should have used it at least I know that this is a right I definitely have…
- The mortgage payment, food on the table, and your livelihood does not depend on you being there – So you can always just quit
In The End It’s All About Heart
One of the reasons I like working with other volunteers is because the vast majority have (like myself) a true love and passion for EMS. To have the ability to change another person’s life for the better in what could be their absolute worst moment requires someone with heart for the task, and volunteers come through with that heart time after time.
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