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Va. Rescue Squad Launches Volunteer Recruitment Campaign
PRESS RELEASE
One local EMS rescue company’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of professionalism and service in the protection of its community is the motivation for its new volunteer recruitment campaign. Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad announced it has launched a new effort aimed at promoting the need for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), and other volunteer members. The goal of the campaign will be to encourage potential volunteers to visit JoinSterlingRescue.org.
As part of its recruitment effort, Sterling Rescue unveiled its new slogan “Empowered to save. Inspired to serve,” which represents the pride volunteers have in helping others and being at their best when assisting those facing some of the worst moments of their lives. They do this by making sure each volunteer receives training and is ready to respond to any emergency immediately. This tagline and new branding will be included in all print and electronic materials sent to the community.
Through this campaign, prospective volunteers will be able to visit JoinSterlingRescue.org to learn about the many ways volunteers play a part in protecting their community. The new website also includes a volunteer inquiry form to begin the application process.
There are several ways Sterling Rescue volunteers can serve:
- EMT – Volunteer EMTs who save lives by providing immediate care to the ill and injured and provide life-saving care to patients while transporting them to the hospital. There are four levels of trained EMT volunteers including EMT, Advanced EMT, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic.
- Rescue Operations – Our volunteers are ready to respond to any rescue emergency. From structural collapses and emergencies involving trenches or confined spaces, to auto accidents and water rescues along the Potomac River and nearby ponds, we have the capabilities to help. Our volunteers also comprise the Northern Virginia Task Force 8 (TF8), who are deployed at the request of the governor or the Office of EMS to provide assistance to parts of Virginia affected by disaster.
- EMS Bike Team – Sterling Rescue’s EMS Bike Team was established in 1996 as a new, innovative method of delivering EMS to a unique population. Within Loudoun County and the surrounding area, there are hundreds of miles of highly populated bike paths, trails and parks that are out of reach to most fire and rescue vehicles. The team is frequently requested to assist surrounding jurisdictions with searches, event stand-bys and public relations events. In addition, the team attends community events, picnics, block parties, and parades.
Training and equipment are provided at no cost.
Sterling Rescue also has a great need for administrative volunteers to handle the business affairs and other managerial responsibilities needed to keep Sterling Rescue running.
Administrative volunteer opportunities include logistics and fleet management, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, vehicle maintenance and information technology, to name a few.
In addition to the new website, the recruitment campaign will also develop content to post on Sterling Rescue’s official social media accounts, in order to gain new followers. Additionally, there will be a dedicated effort to raising public awareness of Sterling Rescue activities through increased public relations, speaking engagements, targeted direct mail, advertising and outreach at community events.
The demand for emergency rescue services in Loudoun County, and with it the need for more volunteer emergency responders, has been steadily growing for decades. In 2018 alone, Sterling Rescue received 7,646 calls for help. That’s over 100 more calls than it received in 2017, over 1,700 more calls than in 2013 and over 2,500 more calls than in 2010.
Currently, Sterling Rescue has about 250 volunteer members operating out of three stations to handle the increasing volume. Yet staying ahead of the rising need for emergency services by expanding membership remains a priority.
“Our community needs to remember that when you call 911 for a medical emergency, we are 911,” said Sterling Rescue President Sam Neglia. “We are the ones who will respond to help. We need people who want to help their neighbors during times of crisis. Our volunteers receive exceptional training at no cost. They are ready to face any situation to ensure citizens receive the very best in emergency rescue and pre-hospital care.”
To assist with its recruitment effort, Sterling Rescue has hired the services of The Communication Solutions Group Inc., a full-service public relations and marketing firm based in Jenkintown, Pa.
The Communication Solutions Group provides recruitment and retention services among volunteer EMS and rescue squads and fire departments in the Mid-Atlantic region. Such clients have included Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad, Lambertville-New Hope Ambulance and Rescue Squad, Narberth Ambulance and Abington Township Fire Department, among others.
“We look forward to working with Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad to raise awareness of the need for volunteers and recruit community members ready to answer the call to help,” said Raffel.
For more information or to fill out a volunteer inquiry form, visit JoinSterlingRescue.org.
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the press release above belong solely to the company/vendor/author and do not necessarily reflect those of EMS World or HMP.
