The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on first responders. Not only has it created a new normal that’s changed the way fire and EMS agencies operate, but it’s also left agencies short on volunteers as people take time off to quarantine or recover from illness. Many past volunteers are now unavailable: some are caring for sick family members; some are minimizing exposure to protect their health or that of loved ones who are at higher risk; and some have full-time jobs that currently prohibit them from doing volunteer work in order to minimize the exposure of other staff members. In the face of the volunteer shortage, what can agencies do to ensure they continue meeting public safety needs? 

In a year of on-the-job dangers posed by a viral pandemic and civil unrest, public safety agencies nationwide are going through massive change. With officers, firefighters and EMS personnel working in extremely volatile situations, many agencies have the added stress of staffing shortages. Some vacancies are caused by the fatigue of managing civil acts of violence. Others are due to employees testing positive for or being exposed to COVID-19.

The inability to back fill vacancies with qualified personnel and equipment is not an option. Scheduling and managing a workforce with these concerns in mind is tough using Excel spreadsheets. Many agencies have adjusted their practices and are relying on technology to effectively manage the safety of their personnel.

When emergency situations strike, the world relies on first responders to help. But what happens when the Fire and Rescue workforce is adapting to the unknown? Global issues like the COVID-19 pandemic have shone a light on workforce challenges that won't be going away anytime soon.  It's crucial to understand what to look for and how to plan for the road ahead. 

When a natural disaster strikes, it's common for first responders to cooperate with personnel from other departments, rushing aid to where it's most needed. For example, the recent response to Hurricane Florence drew specialized assistance from EMS crews from up and down the East Coast.

AT&T's FirstNet communication network for first responders has the potential to drastically improve connectivity and communication in the field. With this secure, high-capacity network at their fingertips, emergency personnel can share video and other information more easily than ever before.

The role of emergency medical professionals in active shooter incidents is critical - but also dangerous. The National Fire Protection Association recently unveiled a nationwide standard to help all first responders safely execute their roles in such a situation.

If EMS clinicians are performing their tasks while fatigued, they are at risk of suffering terrible consequences. Problems such as lack of sleep, heavy workloads and long working hours can wear EMS personnel out, putting them in danger.

Emergency medical services supervisors have to handle their employees effectively in demanding, life-or-death situations. One way to improve accountability and overall effectiveness in EMS settings involves adopting company officer culture, a mainstay in fire departments. Each individual must know what he or she is responsible for and who to report to.

Police, Fire, EMS: The divisions between first responder departments are distinct in most communities. In small-town settings, however, combining duties could increase the percentage of full-time emergency personnel on staff and reduce response times.