Volunteer Shortages Hit Pa. EMS, Fire Agencies

July 22--LEHMAN TWP. -- Lake Silkworth fire and ambulance officers sent out a call on Sunday: We need your help to continue helping you.

Like a majority of fire and ambulance companies in the state, Lake Silkworth is suffering from a shortage of volunteers. Members reached out to the community in an effort to add to their numbers.

"We are just a small company trying to survive. We don't want to give it up. We like what we do. We just need help doing it," Lake Silkworth Ambulance Capt. Carol White said.

The ambulance company has six emergency medical technicians, but only three can go on runs, White said. She said there are paid EMTs three days a week, but the ambulance company can't really afford it.

White said the fire and ambulance companies have been losing members over the years: people move away, things change, people pass away. Without more volunteers, the companies may have to close their doors.

White said that most of the other fire and ambulance companies in the region are short on volunteers as well. Manning the day shift is particularly difficult, because people work -- and, "With the economy, you have to work two and three jobs," White said.

As a way to combat the manpower problem, many fire companies are looking at consolidation, and state lawmakers are digging up funding to encourage them. The most recent regional example was when in January, Lehman Township emergency responders, located on the other side of the township from Lake Silkworth, combined with neighboring Dallas Borough to form Back Mountain Regional Fire and EMS Inc.

If Lake Silkworth's fire and ambulance companies can't survive, regionalization might be the answer, White said. She said Sweet Valley Fire and Ambulance, which is simultaneously dispatched with Lake Silkworth during the day, has been approached but hasn't responded.

At least two dozen Lake Silkworth residents attended Sunday's special meeting. White said later that several people expressed interest in helping with things like fundraising, and one who would like to train to be an EMT.

White's husband, fire Chief Neal White, said it's easy to volunteer. "Just come to a meeting," he said.

eskrapits@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2072

Lake Silkworth Ambulance meetings are the first Monday of the month and Lake Silkworth volunteer fire department meetings are on the third Monday of the month. Both are at 7 p.m. at the fire hall, 1875 state Route 29, Lehman Township.

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