Answering the Call

What began as a one-ambulance

department operating out of a tiny garage has evolved into one of the most advanced and best trained rescue squads in the nation. The 150 professionally trained volunteers of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad–men and women who respond to more than 10,000 incidents per year–have gained recognition for providing no-charge, compassionate lifesaving services. Along with a daytime staff, the Squad’s volunteers respond to illnesses, injuries, heart attacks, vehicle collisions, house fires, and many other emergencies in Montgomery County, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

The Rescue Squad has a diverse membership of all ages and professions that include research scientists, lawyers, college students, government workers, and many others. Volunteers–who stand duty one night a week–make a minimum time commitment of 600 hours a year, in addition to time spent receiving extensive professional training, and undergo a rigorous probationary period before being accepted as full members.

“Firefighters achieved mythic status in 2001, but Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, and Rescuers have no less a difficult job–one that has been compared to a combat medic’s,” says President David Chaconas, a volunteer who joined during his college days and has held almost every rank in the department. “Although two thirds of those who join end up quitting, those who stay are extremely devoted to the organization and to serving the public. Many members join while in high school or college and go on to graduate school and successful careers, while still maintaining membership and running calls.”

The community is equally loyal to the Squad. The Rescue Squad does not receive regular budgeted funds from any government. Instead, it raises more than half of its $1.5 million annual operating budget through a door-to-door campaign every fall, in which its volunteer members visit every house in the Squad’s service area. Its 2006 campaign collected $890,000. The remainder of its funding comes from contributions from grateful patients, special events, foundation and government grants, sales of Christmas trees, and rental of a banquet hall.