ROANE COUNTY, Tenn. — Roane County emergency leaders are calling for more volunteers to help meet growing demand for emergency services as volunteer staffing levels continue to decline.
County officials say volunteer responders play a critical role in supporting ambulance crews, particularly when emergency resources are stretched thin and response demands are high.
Roane County Emergency Management Agency Director Tim Suter said many residents may not realize they can contribute to emergency response efforts without becoming firefighters.
“Anything we can do to encourage people to join those departments, volunteer with those departments, add to those departments if they don’t want to fight fire, there’s still an opportunity to respond to medical calls,” Suter said. “Everybody has a place in that volunteer system. Everybody has a place in the EMS system.”
According to Suter, increasing the number of medically trained volunteers would be one of the most effective ways to improve emergency response times across the county.
“What we need to create shorter response time is more volunteers,” Suter said. “That would be a huge step for us. Medically trained first responders that can respond to those calls.”
Volunteers Fill Critical Gaps
Volunteer responders often serve as a vital first line of assistance when ambulances are delayed or unavailable.
Suter said trained volunteers can respond to emergencies and begin providing care even when all county ambulances are occupied.
“Even if the ambulance is at level zero, those folks are coming,” Suter said. “They’re trained medical professionals. They’re coming to provide aid until that ambulance can get there.”
Officials say those additional responders can make a significant difference for patients, especially during complex medical emergencies that require more personnel than a standard ambulance crew can provide.
“There are a tremendous amount of emergency calls where the ambulance crew, a paramedic and an advanced EMT arrive, and they need more than two people,” Suter said. “When those other resources are standing there to help, ready to help and helping, it makes patient care better. It creates a more positive outcome for that patient.”
Training Opportunities Available
County leaders say training opportunities are available for those interested in volunteering, with many classes offered free of charge.
Suter noted that volunteer service can also serve as a pathway into a full-time career in emergency medical services or public safety.
“It’s a great first step. It’s a great career. You’ll always have a job. And you’re able to serve your community. That’s the big thing,” Suter said.
Officials encourage anyone interested in helping their community to contact the Roane County EMA office or reach out directly to their local volunteer fire or rescue department.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, residents can call the Roane County EMA at 865-717-4116.
