
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 28, 1994                   TAG: 9408050055
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

VINTON GETS VOLUNTEER, EMS FUNDS

Vinton's volunteer rescue squad got two much-needed infusions last week - a $1,500 grant from the state to recruit and retain more volunteers, and the promise from Town Council of at least two paid lifesaving technicians.

The squad, a strictly volunteer organization until now, had dwindled to about 15 members before its latest membership drive. With only a handful of volunteers to handle calls 24 hours a day, Chris Stull, Emergency Medical Services chief, needed help.

Town Manager Clay Goodman first offered the services of other town employees with emergency medical training. For about a year, police officers, utility workers and other town employees have been permitted to leave their regular jobs to answer first-aid calls, as needed. Although the measure was temporary, it allowed Vinton to handle its own emergency calls.

Goodman also pushed for the hiring of three advanced life-support technicians, the town's first paid rescue squad personnel. Those positions were approved in the town's 1994-95 operating budget. Two of the positions are being advertised; the third may be added later.

The state also provided help. Personnel from the Office of Emergency Medical Services visited Vinton several times and encouraged the first-aid crew to apply for state funds available to increase volunteer rescue squads' membership.

Vinton applied for a grant in late spring and learned only last week that $1,500 had been awarded for recruitment and retention activities.

``I figured it would end up coming through,'' Stull said. ``I think it is part of the state's efforts to help volunteer crews.'' He said the money will be used primarily for a brochure and for mailings. Any remaining funds may be used for a slide presentation.

``This will give us something to take around for talks to show people how great it is being involved with EMS,'' Stull said.

Goodman personally tackled the grant application and wore the smile of victory when announcing to Town Council that the grant had been awarded.

``We're very appreciative that the state was able to provide these funds,'' he said.

Goodman said that even though Vinton's first-aid crew recently had a successful membership drive, the money still will be used for recruitment and retention purposes. ``We can use the money now to meet future recruitment and retention needs.''

Stull said even though membership has risen to more 40 in recent weeks, "We'll take as many as we can get."

The marriage of volunteer and paid rescue squads across the state has not always been successful. Stull said he is approaching the appearance of Vinton's first paid EMS workers with an open mind.

by CNB