A flier was distributed to Catlins residents asking them to put their name forward for the volunteer emergency service in Owaka, which was in need of more volunteers to drive its ambulance, team leader Karen Bradfield said.
She said the Owaka team had about eight rostered crew members but needed at least 12 to manage.
''Ideally we'd like more than that.''
The more people who volunteered meant the less duty each person had to do.
The Owaka service could cover night shifts only, as it did not have enough crew to operate during the day.
The Balclutha St John service covered the Owaka and Catlins area during these times.
''Everybody is busy or working and we don't have the people on the ground [during the day].''
While it was generally unable to cover shifts during the weekend as well, it rostered people at events such as the Papatowai Challenge.
There was no age limit for volunteers but they were expected to be reasonably fit and have the spare time necessary.
''It is quite a commitment for people but it is worthwhile for people to do if they are able to.''
Owaka St John emergency medical technician Tania Walker said the good thing about Owaka was that volunteers did not necessarily have to be at the station when they were on call, as pagers were given to members.
While some people were put off because they did not like to see blood, Mrs Walker said she had only been to two jobs where she had seen blood herself.
The Otago Daily Times reported last year that the Balclutha branch of the service was also in need of more members.
Since then eight people had signed up, Balclutha St John operations manager Mel Kibblewhite said.
''It's pretty impressive. It's the biggest intake that we've ever had.''
While it was a significant intake and ''close to being perfect'', the Balclutha branch was still in need of more volunteers, as well.
The Owaka St John members will hold an information evening for those interested in joining on May 1 at 7.30pm, at the Owaka St John station.
