The Outstanding Role of the Volunteer in Vehicle Rescue Blog overview
For the last 7 days I have been in Australia where we have delivered 3 Holmatro Rescue Experience events in 2 states to nearly 300 rescuers. There were multiple agencies represented at the events but the vast majority of attendees were volunteers. They were in their own time, at their own expense and in addition most of them also had to take time off from their primary employment. So from a financial perspective it actually cost some people to attend, even though it was a free event. The level of participation and knowledge was excellent and it was a true event that allowed a free sharing of ideas.
All pictures by Kenu Parker
Same skill level
Emergency response to vehicle extrication differs all over the world and ranges from full-time fire fighters/rescuers (sometimes called career) to part-time (paid for their response but have other primary occupations) to volunteers (who respond for no money despite having another job). Irrespective of what uniform you wear, who you represent or what financial reward you receive for performing vehicle extrication, the public expect the same level of service, skill and professionalism at all times; but is this realistic?
In their own time
It is simple fact that volunteer or part-time rescuers have less allocated time to train and develop themselves than their career colleagues who tend to have training sessions every time they are on duty. It therefore follows that they give up a lot of their own time to ensure they continually maintain and develop their techniques whilst at the same time performing their primary employment.
Sacrifices
It is fair to say that the skills required by all firefighters and rescuers around the world have expanded significantly in the last 25 years and there are now far more legal and moral obligations placed on the shoulders of operational responders when they arrive at a scene. For this reason it constantly amazes me how people working in this industry are prepared to give up so much of their free time in order to expand their knowledge and share what they know with others. Even when I was a firefighter there simply were not enough hours in my shift for me to maintain what I needed to know so very often my learning was done in my own time. The difference with me is that I didn’t have to fit that in between another job!
Often no reward
I think that we all need to remember 2 things here. Firstly, no matter if you are career, part-time paid or voluntary, the level of skill and knowledge required to operate safely and effectively is sometimes beyond comprehension. And secondly, many people who perform this role around the world do so for no reward whatsoever. I find this truly incredible.
Thank you
My recent week in Australia has reminded me of something I really shouldn’t have forgotten. So to everyone I met, paid, not paid, on duty, off duty, thanks for making the events so worthwhile by sharing what you know and absorbing some new ideas and concepts.
As ever I welcome your feedback.
Ian Dunbar