In the volunteer fire and EMS world, traditional open houses have long been a go-to strategy for passive recruitment. Open houses bring community members into the station, offer a glimpse into our operations, and hopefully, the recruitment gods provide us with someone interested in joining our ranks. But as times change, so must our approach. The key to drawing in recruits is transforming these events from simple tours into immersive, hands-on experiences that showcase volunteer firefighting and EMS’s excitement, impact, and camaraderie.
Interactive Demonstrations: Let Them Feel the Heat
We need to move beyond passive tours. To truly capture the interest of potential recruits, our open houses must become interactive experiences. Imagine setting up live demonstrations where attendees can participate—handling hoses, using fire extinguishers, or performing basic first aid. Picture a controlled burn where recruits can observe and actively take part in extinguishing the fire under close supervision. These hands-on experiences offer a taste of what it’s like to be on the front lines, sparking the passion we want to ignite.
Virtual Reality (VR) Stations: Stepping Into the Action
Virtual reality isn’t just for gamers; it’s a powerful tool for recruitment. By setting up VR stations, we can allow attendees to put on a headset and step directly into a firefighter’s or EMT’s shoes. They can experience scenarios like entering a burning building, performing a rescue, or responding to a medical emergency—all from the safety of our firehouse. This immersive technology leaves a lasting impression on potential recruits, especially those who might not have considered volunteering.
Check out this article on how the town of Vernon, CT is using VR Training in IRL (In Real Life).
Real-Life Stories: Meet the Heroes Behind the Helmets
Nothing connects with people more than real stories. We should create spaces at our open houses where current volunteers can share their personal experiences—the challenges, the rewards, the moments that make it all worthwhile. A “Volunteer Wall,” featuring photos and stories of our members, can highlight their contributions to the community.
I’ve seen departments host a panel discussion where volunteers answer questions and offer insights that can make the work relatable and inspire attendees to see themselves as part of the team.
Challenge Courses: Test Their Skills
Let’s bring in some physical challenges to our open houses. We can set up courses that mimic firefighting and EMS work’s physical and mental demands. Picture timed obstacle courses with activities like dragging a dummy, climbing ladders, or navigating confined spaces. We can offer different levels of difficulty to accommodate everyone. These challenges are engaging and allow attendees to test their abilities and build confidence in what they can achieve.
Here are two videos where departments created obstacle courses:
https://www.facebook.com/maryvillefire/videos/555497201929653/?rdid=XYpRuiRqQqarjn2f
https://www.facebook.com/JGMFD/videos/1424571621681301/
Recruitment Stations: Sign Up On the Spot
We must make it easy for interested individuals to take the next step. By setting up dedicated recruitment stations at our open houses, we can have recruitment officers ready to answer questions, provide application information, and conduct preliminary interviews. On-the-spot sign-ups or applications can capitalize on the event’s excitement, and we should follow up with these leads promptly to keep the momentum going.
Tech Integration: QR Codes and Social Media
Technology can enhance our open houses in simple but effective ways. By placing QR codes around the event, we can link attendees to videos, recruitment information, or sign-up forms, making it easy for them to engage with us digitally. Encouraging attendees to share their experiences on social media with a unique event hashtag and offering a photo booth with gear can extend our reach far beyond those who physically attend.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Beyond the Apparatus Floor
Let’s take our tours up a notch. Instead of just showing the apparatus floor, we can offer behind-the-scenes tours that give a complete picture of life in the station. Showing where we eat, sleep, train, and unwind gives a more personal view of what being part of the department is like. Highlighting these aspects helps potential recruits see the camaraderie and teamwork that come with the job.
Impact Displays: Highlight the Difference We Make
We should proudly showcase the impact we’ve had on our community. Visual displays using statistics, infographics, and testimonials can illustrate the lives we’ve saved and the emergencies we’ve responded to. It’s about reinforcing the importance of what we do and appealing to those motivated by making a positive difference in their community.
Post-Event Engagement: Keeping the Momentum Going
The open house shouldn’t end when the doors close. It’s crucial to follow up with attendees through personalized emails, thank-you notes, or even phone calls. Inviting them to a training session or another event can keep them engaged and interested. Continued engagement is key to turning interest into action, ensuring that our open houses are the first step in bringing new recruits into the fold.
By rethinking your traditional open houses and incorporating these innovative ideas, you can create events that attract potential recruits and leave them excited about the possibility of joining your volunteer fire or EMS department. In a world where everyone’s time is at a premium, offering an engaging, hands-on experience is the best way to show them that volunteering isn’t just a commitment—it’s an opportunity to be part of something extraordinary.
Until next time, Recruit – Retain – Repeat.
By Walter Campbell, Recruitment & Retention Strategist
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