September 10, 2008

MEDIA AND COMMUNITY ADVISORY

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Holds
Annual “Rescue Day” Open House

Saturday, October 4

Click here for a printable pdf flyer.

Click here for photos of last year's Rescue Day. 

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad will hold its free annual Open House, “Rescue Day 2008,” on Saturday, October 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., rain or shine. Rescue Day 2008 is being held in conjunction with the Taste of Bethesda, the outdoor food festival held just two blocks away in Bethesda's restaurant district.

Rescue Day 2008 will feature fire and rescue activities and displays for all ages, including tours of the station; live demonstrations of emergency medical, rescue, and firefighting equipment; free kids’ firefighter hats; and moonbounce. The Rescue Squad’s most advanced firefighting and rescue equipment will be on display, including emergency vehicles and the Squad’s thermal imaging camera that is used to help locate fire victims in blinding smoke. Also scheduled is a special visit by a helicopter used to transport critically injured patients to area hospitals when time is truly of the essence. Visitors will get an up-close view of the helicopter and have the opportunity to meet the flight medics. Visitors can also learn about volunteering with the Squad and receiving free training to become EMTs, Firefighters, and Paramedics.

Another special treat will be “Rescue 15,” the Squad’s sleek 1972 Cadillac ambulance. The last Cadillac to serve in the Squad’s fleet, “Rescue 15” now serves in a ceremonial function at Squad open houses and parades, and has become a favorite of kids and families.

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad is located at 5020 Battery Lane, at the intersection of Old Georgetown Road. Ample parking is available at Montgomery County public parking garages within walking distance of the Rescue Squad. For more information, visit www.bccrs.org, or call 301-652-0077.

For a printable flyer, visit www.bccrs.org. To receive email alerts on this and other Rescue Squad events, sign up for our electronic newsletter at www.bccrs.org. The Rescue Squad requests that community organizations distribute copies of this advisory or publish this information in newsletters, electronic bulletin boards and listservs.

About the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad:

The generous contributions from the public, grants from community organizations, and the efforts of 150 professionally trained volunteers result in an estimated savings to taxpayers of more than $3 million per year.

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad is a community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides professional, no-charge emergency medical, rescue, and fire services to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area and Upper Northwest Washington, D.C. The Rescue Squad raises almost all of its $1.9 million annual operating budget from individual donors, foundations, and businesses. The Rescue Squad’s annual door-to-door Fund Drive is now under way and continues through October. BCCRS is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to BCCRS are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

BCCRS’s fleet includes 4 medic units, 3 ambulances, 2 heavy rescue squads, 2 air support units for refilling firefighters’ breathing apparatus at fire scenes, and various command and utility vehicles. BCCRS responds on all types of emergency incidents, including injuries, illnesses, heart attacks, vehicle collisions, and house fires.

Community leaders are encouraged to publish this information in community papers, electronic bulletin boards and listservs, and to reproduce and distribute copies of this advisory.

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