In a move to bolster volunteerism in emergency medical services (EMS), Steuben County legislators have greenlit a stipend program designed to counterbalance the steep training expenses for potential volunteers.
Under the new initiative, current members of volunteer EMS agencies will be awarded $1,800 upon completing their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification. Additionally, those renewing their certification are eligible for a $400 stipend, provided they stay affiliated with a volunteer emergency service provider.
Participants are mandated to offer their skills to the community by joining a volunteer EMS agency after finishing their course to qualify for the stipend. This compensation also encompasses the volunteers’ logged time, travel expenses, and other related costs during their EMT training. To access the stipend, volunteers must submit a request endorsed by the Chief of the volunteer management agency and provide an IRS form W-9.
County representatives highlight that this scheme draws inspiration from other counties’ recruitment blueprints and is anticipated to elevate the count of emergency responders. These EMS personnel are instrumental in serving their locales and the initiative assists in absorbing the escalating state-mandated training expenditures. The blueprint is grounded in a state-sponsored program that allocates stipends to volunteers undergoing specific firefighting training.
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