Standardize Policies Procedures and Guidelines for ESO Personnel

Many Emergency Service Organizations (ESO’s) are supported and staffed by completely volunteer members.  However, due to modern demands several ESO’s have experienced the need to have full or part time staff members to continue the mission of the organization.  Various staffing delivery systems are used that include pay per call, dedicated station standby crews, regular shift personnel and traditional volunteers.

Federal and State guidelines do not make a distinction based on compensation models as it relates to employees or agents of the ESO.  Volunteer members and paid members are viewed as identical and equal members of the organization as it relates to legal matters involving the agency.  Historical precedents have shown allegations of negligence and assignment of liability is not determined based on whether or not the employee is compensated.

During a recent Risk Survey of your organization it was noted that Policies/Procedures/SOG/s) for department personnel are different for the volunteers and the paid staff.  VFIS recommends your organization standardize all (Policies/Procedures/SOG’s) for all personnel of the ESO.  This practice will reduce the risk of members being trained differently to complete the same tasks.  When all individuals are held to the same standards the ESO environment of professionalism is also enhanced.