I think I share similar feedback that the training is really important to be able to have the fill-ins, and multiple people fill the number of positions you need within that incident command structure, so they need to understand the roles and responsibilities in all the functions.
Similarly here, we have had the volunteer fire department involved in both pieces, and again, very few people who already do other things in the community.... I think there's the immediate issue. I also anticipate that a number of people, when we come through the pandemic, may start stepping aside and taking a break from this kind of work, so we need to cultivate that next generation of our community members to step in and fill these roles.
I think it's not only a COVID need but an opportunity to continue to build the capacity in emergency response of paramedics and first responders. It also creates economic opportunities going forward for our membership.
There's an immediate need but also an opportunity to look forward. Also, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, look at what services we are outsourcing now and how we can put in training, mentoring, and education plans to get young people to fill those positions and know what those opportunities are to be supporting the community and picking up the roles and filling the shoes of those who are going to be burnt out and want to take a break and spend time with family. Some are retiring and moving on as well.