It s a tough business, however, and the improvements do not come without a price. First, there is the obvious stress. This is one of the few types of businesses where work performance is measured in life and death. Quality performance begins with quality employees, and many of Menter s have lengthy experience with volunteer ambulance services. Every new employee has a probationary period when they serve as an extra, riding along with other OCAS staff until they become familiar with the job and OCAS is confident in their abilities.
Proper training is also essential to the quality of the staff.
Menter then checks on the performance of his employees through frequent reviews, including evaluations of pre-hospital care reports, which are filed after each ambulance call. Menter uses the reports to identify any areas where employees may need further training. Planning ahead also helps to alleviate the stress. The extra vehicles are used not only to cover additional calls in OCAS s primary service area of Fulton, Granby and Volney, but to provide mutual aid to neighboring ambulance services who may be overwhelmed. Even complete confidence in his staff and the best laid plans would not be enough to let Menter sleep at night.