EMSKY

EMS Tool Kits

Community Engagement Toolkit for EMS Agency Directors

Building strong community relationships is essential for the success of EMS agencies. Community engagement enhances public trust, raises awareness about EMS services, and fosters partnerships that support operational and financial goals. This toolkit provides practical strategies, templates, and resources to help EMS directors engage effectively with their communities.

1. Developing a Community Engagement Plan

Steps to Create an Engagement Plan:

  • Raise awareness about EMS services.
  • Educate the public on emergency preparedness and health topics.
  • Build partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders.
  • Segment the community by age, profession, or specific needs (e.g., schools, senior centers).
  • Conduct surveys to identify community priorities.

Examples:

  • Conduct 10 CPR training sessions annually.
  • Increase social media engagement by 20% in six months.
  • Establish partnerships with three local organizations.
  • Public events, educational programs, media campaigns, or partnerships.
  • Collect feedback and analyze participation metrics to refine strategies.

2. Public Education Programs

Health and Safety Workshops:

  • Offer free or low-cost training sessions for community members.
  • Partner with schools, workplaces, and faith-based organizations.
  • Teach bystanders how to control severe bleeding in emergencies.

Examples:

  • Provide education on recognizing and responding to opioid overdoses.
  • Topics include creating emergency kits, family evacuation plans, and understanding 911 protocols.
  • Distribute resources such as checklists and brochures.
  • Host career days at schools to introduce students to EMS professions.
  • Create a Junior EMS Academy to teach basic first aid and emergency response skills.

3. Community Events and Visibility

Participate in Community Events:

  • Set up booths with interactive activities and giveaways.
  • Offer free blood pressure checks and health screenings.

Examples:

  • Provide tours of your EMS station.
  • Demonstrate equipment and emergency response procedures.
  • Offer refreshments and interactive activities for families.
  • Organize a week of activities to celebrate EMS professionals and educate the public.
  • Include ride-alongs, meet-and-greets, and community awards ceremonies.

4. Building Partnerships

  • Healthcare Providers: Partner with hospitals, clinics, and public health departments for joint initiatives.
  • Local Businesses: Engage sponsors for events and educational programs.
  • Schools: Work with educators to include EMS topics in health and science curricula.
  • Nonprofits: Collaborate on health campaigns and disaster response preparedness.
  • Develop agreements where partners provide resources, funding, or promotional support in exchange for EMS involvement in their initiatives.

5. Leveraging Social Media and Technology

  • Share success stories, safety tips, and event updates on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  • Use live video for Q&A sessions or demonstrations.
  • Respond promptly to comments and messages to foster community trust.
  • Distribute newsletters monthly or quarterly via email or print.
  • Include agency updates, event announcements, and health tips.
  • Implement apps to provide real-time alerts and information.
  • Use text messaging systems to notify residents of upcoming events or emergencies.

6. Evaluating Community Engagement Efforts

  • Event attendance and participation rates.
  • Social media engagement (likes, shares, comments).
  • Website traffic for community resource pages.
  • Feedback surveys from event attendees.
  • Regularly review metrics and adjust strategies.
  • Host post-event debriefs to gather insights from staff and volunteers.

7. Tools and Resources

  • Event Planning Checklist: Ensure all logistics are covered for community events.
  • CPR Training Flyer Template: Promote training sessions effectively.
  • Feedback Survey Template: Gather valuable input from participants.
  • Canva for creating engaging promotional materials.
  • Constant Contact or Mailchimp for managing newsletters.
  • Eventbrite for event registrations.
  • Stop the Bleed Campaign Resources
  • Ready.gov Emergency Preparedness Resources