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What does your agency social media presence convey?
Visiting an EMS company page gives you an immediate glimpse into the inherent values and beliefs of the organization. Much of what's happening internally is revealed.
When approaching a social media image from a recruitment lens, the law of attraction is paramount. If the social media content is low level and unprofessional you will attract more of that energy through job applications and followers.
Like attracts like.
When we convey an EMS image publicly, it's so very important to highlight the professionalism of our personnel, the need for EMS advocacy and funding, and the inspiring stories our personnel encounter everyday.
When curating agency social media content for social media posts we should ask ourselves: 1. Will this attract top talent? 2. What messaging would a legislator or mayor get from the content about EMS and your agency? 3. Is this responsible and thoughtful? 4. Would this help our community understand our work on a deeper level and inspire support?
Here are a few things to avoid that often generate a negative response or image:
Dirty job shirts and uniforms in photos
Unkept/unbuttoned shirts
Unmasked personnel in groups (today) Disclaimer: This could vary across the country.
Morbid images (humorous or not)
Goofing off
Celebrating junk food (you already know how we feel about pizza)
Celebrating and rewarding overtime
Photos with unkept ambulances/office spaces/crew lounges
Conveying a sense of foolishness clinically or operationally
With all of that said, it's okay to have fun, keeping in mind there is a fine line between fun and unprofessional. Especially to the general public. Crew fun can be kept internally through an internal Facebook page.
The image we convey is so very important. Let's paint the picture of our profession as a profession.
About the author: Andrea is the owner and author of The EMS Professional. With over 20 years of EMS industry experience in various leadership roles including Field Training Officer, Supervisor, Quality Assurance & Compliance Manager, EMS Director, and Programs Management Andrea is skilled in system management, training, education, administration, and project management. She has work experience in frontier, rural, suburban, and urban EMS systems. In addition to her leadership experience, she brings years of experience working in the ambulance and emergency department. Andrea holds her National Registry Paramedic license, Community Paramedic certification and Instructor Coordinator license in addition to her formal education and degree’s. Her unique consulting approach is detailed, honest and highly personalized. Andrea offers a variety of EMS leadership courses to EMS agencies and departments. She’s an avid blogger, national speaker, podcaster, and consultant.
Today, Andrea also holds the position of EMS Programs Manager with the Michigan Center for Rural Health (State Office of Rural Health) and continues to work part-time as a paramedic locally.