Rescue on Wheels: Davidson County Rescue Squad unveils a new Emergency Response Vehicle
{Photo: Public Use}
Medical rescue and public safety are always just a drive away, but there is one more vehicle in the house these days.
A new emergency response vehicle should be operational by end of February according to the Davidson County Rescue Squad (DCRS). The vehicle will be able to attend to victims in need of emergency medical care as well as assist with traffic, technical and general needs.
The new unit is expected to respond to anywhere between three and ten calls a day, depending on the workload. The rescue team is excited about the addition of the fuel efficiency of vehicle because that will, in turn, save money that can go back into rescue services for the community.
The DCRS is one of the oldest rescue squads in the state of North Carolina. Founded in 1941, the Davidson County Rescue Squad’s emergency response team responds to an estimated 2,500 calls annually. The DCRS has a wide territory which includes south-western Davidson County.
Besides performing life saving services, DCRS also serves the public by being on stand-by during special events such as large community walks/runs, the Special Olympics, and high school sporting events, where crews provide an extra layer of support in case of a potential injury.
The DCRS responds to calls from the regional 911 dispatcher. There is always a rescue squad member at the rescue station during the daytime, ready to respond when 911 is called and the ambulance is dispatched.
The 2024 Funding Campaign has also begun for the DCR but contributions are welcome any time during the year. Anyone interested in volunteering or donating to the DCRS, please feel free to attend one of their bi-monthly meetings, held at their facility at 115 W. 9th Avenue, on the second and fourth Thursday of each month..
The DCRS is funded exclusively by private donations, fundraisers, grants from the state of North Carolina and through the Davidson County government. The organization’s annual operating budget is $300,000 per year, and members have said in their letters to residents that they are thankful that the residents of Davidson County are “exceptionally generous with their donations and response to the rescue squad’s request for support.” The annual donation request letters began to be mailed in mid-January.
“We are honored by your support, which is the backbone of our mission. Together, we cultivate a safer, stronger Davidson County,” said Director Derrick Barcombe.
The DCRS is a volunteer-based organization that is constantly looking for local residents with emergency medical training (EMT) certification to join the team. Applicants are asked to apply in person at the W 9th Ave office.
