June 30, 2010

For immediate release

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Assistant Chief Jason Hershcopf

301-652-0077
media@bccrs.org

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Members Honored

in Graduation Ceremonies 

Members of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, one of the nation's most advanced and best-trained rescue squads, were honored in graduation ceremonies at the Montgomery County (Md.) Fire and Rescue Training Academy on June 25. Eighteen Rescue Squad volunteers were recognized for completing training programs to become emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters.

Volunteers Hilary Gates, Dean Ho, and Mario Weber completed the grueling Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate (EMT-I) class. Dean Ho carried on the Rescue Squad tradition of academic excellence by receiving the prestigious Richard Myers Award for top clinical performance in his EMT-I class. EMT-I certification requires 540 hours of classroom time (over and above that required for EMT-B certification) plus 300 hours riding medic units and participating in hospital rotations. Students are trained to treat life-threatening conditions and to administer specialized drugs to patients experiencing health emergencies. Skills include cardiac monitoring, 12-lead EKG interpretation, and administering IVs.

Rescue Squad Volunteer Alicia Clugh completed the Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate to Paramedic (EMT-P) Bridge class, which leads to the highest level of medical training for pre-hospital care providers at the Rescue Squad. This EMT-P bridge program requires 442 classroom hours plus 200 hours of riding medic units and participating in hospital rotations. EMT-P students learn additional skills over and above those learned in the EMT-I program.

Thirteen Rescue Squad volunteers – Anna Britton, John d’Alelio, Dominic Della, Benjamin Goldberg, Anna Hall, James Mai, Tomas Montecino, Alixandra Sebrechts, William Seeley, Kevin Wagman, Anne Willis, Scott Wormer, and Derek Yee – completed the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic program. EMT-B is the first level of formalized medical training required for all Rescue Squad volunteers. The training program consists of 131 hours of classroom time, in-hospital clinical requirements, and testing, in addition to countless hours spent riding Rescue Squad ambulances on actual emergency calls. EMT-Bs perform a variety of skills, including patient assessment, basic life support, and use of automated external defibrillators.

Rescue Squad volunteer Tyrone Tyson and daystaff member Rajesh Samaroo completed Montgomery County’s rigorous Firefighting Class. The 162-hour course consists of extensive classroom instruction as well as physically demanding practical training, including live firefighting exercises. Training includes not only extinguishing fires, search and rescue techniques, and incident command, but also skills needed to address a variety of emergency situations involving hazardous materials, electrical equipment, fire alarm and sprinkler systems, and many others.

All Rescue Squad volunteers and staff receive professional training and exceed state standards, in addition to completing our rigorous in-house training programs.

The Rescue Squad welcomes new members year-round. No experience is necessary, and volunteers receive free professional training, annual physicals, and other benefits. For information on volunteering with the B-CC Rescue Squad, call the membership hotline at 301-657-5557, email us at membership@bccrs.org , or visit www.bccrs.org.

About the B-CC Rescue Squad

Now in its 70th year, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad is a community-supported non-profit organization that provides professional fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Maryland area, as well as Upper Northwest Washington, D.C. The Squad responds to all types of emergency incidents, including injuries, illnesses, heart attacks, vehicle collisions, house fires, and many others. Its fleet includes 7 ambulance/medic units, 1 paramedic “chase” car, 2 heavy rescue squads, 2 air support units for refilling firefighters’ breathing apparatus at fire scenes, and various command and utility vehicles.

The spirit, commitment, dedication, and operational skills of its members are the defining characteristics of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. The Squad provides the community with the security and peace of mind that comes with emergency services that are among the best in the United States.

The B-CC Rescue Squad is registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to the Squad are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

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