Check out the new BLOG sponsored by Emergency Medical Products
www.schoolkidshealthcareblog.com
It has a lot of information.
I recently read the following on www.volunteerfd.org. Although it is written in regards to the fire department, it totally relates to EMS as well.
13 Ways to Kill a Volunteer Department, by Jerry Hagen:
1. Don't attend training or meetings, but if you do, arrive late.
2. Be sure to leave before the meeting is over.
3. When at a business meeting, vote yes to everything and then do nothing to help.
4. The next day (or right after the meeting) find fault with your board of directors or officers.
5. Take no part in volunteer company business.
6. Do not pay attention at training. Stay in the back and talk to another member. (Nobody will notice)
7. Show up for the fires, (MVAs) but nothing else.
8. Talk cooperation. Don't cooperate.
9. If you are asked to help, always say you are too busy.
10. Never read anything pertaining to the organization or the fire service (EMS) in general. You might learn too much.
11. Never accept an office; it is much easier to criticize than to actually do the work.
12. If appointed to a committee, never give it time. Let the chairman do all the work.
13. Don't do anything more than the bare minimum. Then when others willingly and unselfishly use their ability to help the cause scream and yell that the VFC is run by a clique.
Bonnie Brown responded to this article with the following:
16 Things You Can Do To Help A Volunteer Fire Company Succeed!
1. Attend meetings, trainings and fundraisers and arrive early and stay late.
2. At meetings when voting yes for something make sure you will be available to commit to helping. Otherwise vote no.
3. After meetings or the next day, say thank you to your directors and officers for their continued service.
4. Take part in company business. Be pro-active instead of re-active.
5. Pay attention at meetings and trainings and ask lots of questions.
6. Show up for all types of calls even the "routine" ones.
7. Co-operate. TEAM players are always required.
8. Help when someone asks and offer help even when they don't.
9. Educate yourself not only in dept. business but in all aspects of business.
10. Accept an officer position. Your ideas are important.
11. If appointed to a committee make it a priority and give it your best. DO something with it!
12. Give more than just what is minimally required.
13. Take pride in your commitment and your accomplishments.
14. Give others their moment to shine.
15. Acknowledge all those who support the dept. both financially and personally.
16. NEVER EVER GIVE UP!!!! If something is not working then find a new approach.
It is my hope that we can all remember to stay positive even in the worst of times because every cloud still has the sunshine behind it.
Well stated Bonnie.
EMT Prayer
Grant me the ability to give emergency care.
With skillful hands, knowledgeable mind, and tender loving care.
Help me with deal with everything, when lives are on the line.
To see the worst, administer aid, and ease a worried mind.
So help me as I go today, accept what fate may be.
Touch these hands, use this mind, help this EMT.
Amen.
