Last week, Hato Hone St John said volunteer numbers in Owaka had become critically low, and the station would hold a public meeting on Monday this week in an effort to discuss solutions and recruit volunteers.
St John coastal Otago operations manager Doug Third told the Otago Daily Times yesterday the meeting had a "great turnout", and five possible volunteers had put their names forward.
"Volunteering is a big commitment, though, so we’ll now follow up with those people to make sure they’re aware of what it involves."
St John gave all volunteers full professional training.
"Our ambulance volunteers get full training to handle all sorts of emergency medical situations, ensuring they can provide excellent care and support throughout a patient’s journey from the initial 111 call to their destination.
"They make a real difference in the lives of the people they treat, especially in rural locations, and they’re helping deliver an essential health service in the communities they work and live in."
During the appeal last week, St John revealed a full staff complement for the station was 15.
Due to retirement and attrition, that had dropped recently to five active volunteers, meaning patient outcomes could be compromised by a lack of available emergency staff.
The situation was exacerbated by stations supporting adjoining areas, meaning Owaka often responded to Balclutha callouts.
St John welcomed further expressions of interest during this recruitment window.
