Volunteer EMT question

[Gabe0725]

I'm a new EMT that currently works a part time job & I just got accepted to work for 1 volunteer service that requires about 16 hours a month. Tonight I'm going to another volunteer service orientation to see if I could join as a new member. I also have 1 other volunteer company that I'm REALLY hoping to join because of their location. I'm sure these other 2 companies are somewhat the same in the number of hours they require. Now my question is, do you think volunteering for 2/3 EMT companies is a little bit too much or is it good to work as much as you can to get the experience since you are indeed a brand new EMT?

 

[mgr22]

I don't think anyone can tell you what's right for you. If it were me, I'd consider what competes for that time I'd be spending as a volunteer for a second or third agency, e.g. family, work, education, rest.

When I started in EMS, I probably spent an average of 25-30 hours a week answering calls and providing administrative support for a volunteer agency. Sometimes that was too much. I needed a couple of years to find a better balance.

I think volunteering is inherently good, but I wouldn't compromise my family's needs, postpone school, or risk losing my job in favor of volunteering.

 

[jjesusfreak01]

There is nothing inherently wrong with volunteering for three services, but I have to ask, why? Is it not possible to get more volunteer hours with the most preferred of the three. Each service is going to have other requirement such as meetings and CE, and these will compound if you are working for 3 services.

If all you are doing right now is EMS volunteering, then sure, you probably could work for 3 services at once, but why not find the best one and give them more of your time. You can build better relationships with the people there and get your foot in the door for a paid position if thats what you are looking for eventually.

 

[adamjh3]

The poster above me got it about right, this begs the question "why?"

That said, my partner works full time with my company, part time at a casino, volunteers with a fire squad, and goes to school part time. While I would find that overwhelming, he seems to have no problems handling it all.

You have to take into account how much time you have, how much time you need for your job, and how much time you want for yourself. For some people, the latter may be enough to sleep, get dressed and get back at it, for me it's at least one day a week to myself.

 

[abckidsmom]

I would dig into the agency that provided me with the most mentorship. There will be a person or a couple of peopel who really take an interest in you, and teach you through the calls you run, or the down time you have.

When I didn't have anything better to do (18-22 yo), I spent almost all of my free time on an ambulance, and much of that time with my husband, who was at work during that time. We were together, doing what we loved to do, and enjoying life. At times, we got sick of it, and sick of the togetherness, so I branched out.

I have found that I only got truly happy in life when I found more than just the rescue squad to live for. Now, I'm working at church, raising our family, homeschooling, working EMS part time. My life is richer for the diversity.

Volunteering on the rescue squad is a valuable way to spend your time, but it's easy to become a deeply cynical person if the majority of your interaction with people is in or around an EMS agency.

 

[dixie_flatline]

It's my understanding that a lot of the volunteer companies (in MD anyway) have a requirement that you not ride with anyone else as a volly.

 

[EMS49393]

It's my understanding that a lot of the volunteer companies (in MD anyway) have a requirement that you not ride with anyone else as a volly.

Really? I volunteered in three different counties in Maryland for 15 years and I have never heard of that. Most of the guys that were heavily into fire belonged at both their home station and at Kentland (which I still don't get). I'm not so sure that requirement holds true unless things have greatly changed in the past five years.

 

[dixie_flatline]

Really? I volunteered in three different counties in Maryland for 15 years and I have never heard of that. Most of the guys that were heavily into fire belonged at both their home station and at Kentland (which I still don't get). I'm not so sure that requirement holds true unless things have greatly changed in the past five years.

I think it's a fairly recent development, and maybe it's more localized than I thought. Here is a clipping from SOPs of a local organization.

1.Members of the ******** Fire Company are prohibited from maintaining membership with any another emergency services organization, unless a waiver is received from the Chief of the Department. Examples for the request of such a waiver may include:

a.Students who reside out of state during breaks from schooling and who continue to maintain membership at their original organization.
b.Members who maintain additional certifications in disciplines that are not provided by the Company, i.e. – dive rescue, swift water rescue, etc.
​

2.If a waiver is approved by the Chief of the Department, the Member will be required to submit in writing the contact information of the secondary emergency services organization, including an immediate point of contact such as a Chief Officer or President.

3.Members who are discovered to be maintaining membership at any other emergency services organization, and who are not operating under a waiver as listed above, will be subject to disciplinary action up to, and including, termination of membership.

 

[EMS49393]

I think it's a fairly recent development, and maybe it's more localized than I thought. Here is a clipping from SOPs of a local organization.

1.Members of the ******** Fire Company are prohibited from maintaining membership with any another emergency services organization, unless a waiver is received from the Chief of the Department. Examples for the request of such a waiver may include:

a.Students who reside out of state during breaks from schooling and who continue to maintain membership at their original organization.
b.Members who maintain additional certifications in disciplines that are not provided by the Company, i.e. – dive rescue, swift water rescue, etc.
​

2.If a waiver is approved by the Chief of the Department, the Member will be required to submit in writing the contact information of the secondary emergency services organization, including an immediate point of contact such as a Chief Officer or President.

3.Members who are discovered to be maintaining membership at any other emergency services organization, and who are not operating under a waiver as listed above, will be subject to disciplinary action up to, and including, termination of membership.

So they can take away your paycheck if they catch you playing in other playpen? I don't recall any such policies to that effect anywhere I have volunteered in Maryland, and I have to say, I probably would seriously consider whether they wanted me or not if they dictate where else I go.