Mastering EMS Recruitment and Retention: Unveiling the Key to Understanding, Engaging, and Succeeding with Your Audience
Organizations are constantly looking to recruit top talent and keep their current staff. However, when it comes to recruitment and retention in the world of EMS, things can get complicated. First responders do not fall neatly into a single category. Instead, they straddle the worlds of healthcare and public safety, so EMS marketing has to carve out its own niche.
The Complex World of EMS Recruitment
EMS providers hold a distinct position in the world of public safety. On any shift, they may participate in a rescue mission and then immediately provide advanced clinical care. This dual role comes with its own challenges and responsibilities, creating a distinct dynamic for EMS that separates them from other public services. Each type of EMS has its own characteristics, making it crucial to tailor your recruitment strategies to specific EMS provider types.
- Four Shades of Emergency Medical Response
EMS delivery isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. There are four primary types of EMS delivery, each with its own nuances:
Fire-Based EMS: Firefighters often make up the first responders to emergencies, and EMS calls frequently account for a significant portion of their 911 call volume.
Hospital-Based EMS: These agencies often act as bridges between prehospital care and treatment.
Private Ambulance: Privately operated ambulance services may be more interested in flexible payment models like monthly subscriptions, making them an ideal target for specific EMS solutions.
Third-Service EMS: Third-service EMS providers are funded and run by local governments. They focus on patient care and pioneer new technologies and clinical interventions.
Understanding these distinctions is the first step in tailoring your recruitment strategies to the specific needs of each provider.
- Mobile-First Marketing
EMS responders spend most of their shifts in ambulances, relying on their mobile devices for critical tasks. That means you have to consider the mobile nature of the field when designing your EMS marketing plan. Make it easy for EMS personnel to access and interact with your content with responsive page design and mobile-optimized sites. Keep contact forms short and easy to navigate, focusing on only essential questions to determine communication methods.
- Influence of Medical Directors
Medical directors often play a role in EMS purchasing decisions, especially when products, services, or technologies impact patient care. Thousands of physicians serve as EMS medical directors, so building relationships and speaking from an evidence-based, data-driven standpoint is vital.
- Data-Driven EMS Marketing
EMS providers rely heavily on data. Capturing their interest is more complicated than a catchy slogan. Your marketing pitch should be evidence-based and authoritative, dealing with real, impactful numbers that provide helpful information.
Peer referrals and word of mouth are your most valuable marketing tool. Building relationships and presenting evidence-backed solutions are essential components of a successful strategy.
Modern Recruitment
Recruitment in EMS is evolving rapidly, thanks to advances in technology. Recruitment, in general, has been struggling to relate to younger generations and use social media effectively. Many departments lack the time, resources, and funding to make significant strides in their retention strategies. Others have simply missed the mark, focusing on employee “perks” rather than incentives to remain with an organization for the long term.
Build a culture that incentivizes and recognizes the members of your department. Modern EMS recruitment involves personalized recruitment plans, a combination of traditional and digital marketing strategies, and a strong online presence.
Rescue Plan for Retention and Recruitment
Recruitment and retention in EMS involves an understanding and appreciation of the challenges and intricacies facing EMS providers. At 9-ONE-1 Marketing, we specialize in crafting creative marketing strategies customized to address and resolve these challenges. Our approach integrates traditional and digital marketing techniques to engage younger generations and drive successful campaigns.
Marketing, especially for emergency services, requires an in-depth understanding of your target audience and the ability to showcase your department. Our strategies capture the essence of your department’s culture while offering personalized recruitment plans. By combining these strategies and insights, 9-ONE-1 Marketing helps you successfully navigate the world of EMS recruitment and retention, ensuring you can continue to serve your community with dedication and excellence.