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Regional ambulance services struggle for volunteers

Author
Jacqui Stanford,
Publish Date
Sun, 1 May 2016, 3:23PM
(Photo / Edward Swift).
(Photo / Edward Swift).

Regional ambulance services struggle for volunteers

Author
Jacqui Stanford,
Publish Date
Sun, 1 May 2016, 3:23PM

UPDATED: 3.48PM Regional ambulance services are struggling to get enough volunteers.

The Ambulance Association said they're being hampered by the commitment it requires as long gone are the days where someone can just be a driver, for example, and not provide medical care.

It says the training required takes money and time, and there are increased health and safety compliance requirements too.

The Association's Chair Mark Quin said some areas are only operational due to super-committed volunteers.

"For instance, Eketahuna only has two volunteers but they basically man that ambulance 24/7, pretty much."

Mr Quin said in other areas ambulances are at times not able to respond because there are simply no volunteers available, or a single crew member is sent out, which obviously impacts on the care which can be delivered.

Mr Quin said people just don't have the time they used to be able to put in.

"The public demand a certain level of care and obviously responsiveness and at times, because we have to rely upon volunteers, the reliability is not always there."

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