March 15, 2007

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Year End Report - 2006

Emergency Call Volume Remains High, Number of Serious Calls Increases

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS), one of the nation's most advanced and best-trained rescue squads, wrapped up 2006 having responded to almost 11,000 calls for help. While overall call volume eased modestly in 2006, the number of responses to many serious emergencies increased significantly. The complete 2006 call statistics, which include responses to 97 types of incidents, are at http://www.bccrs.org/about/response/index.html .

Total Calls

The Rescue Squad responded to 10,875 calls in 2006, an average of almost 30 calls a day. Motor vehicle collisions accounted for 1,535 calls in 2006, a 6% increase from 1,442 in 2005. “Most of these incidents could have been prevented if drivers slowed down and exercised more caution,” said BCCRS Fire/Rescue Chief Edward G. Sherburne. The State of Maryland now classifies these incidents as “personal injury collisions,” rather than “accidents” to emphasize the point that most, if not all, are preventable. The five highest-volume call types in 2006 were:

Most Serious Emergencies

While overall calls decreased slightly in 2006, several categories of the most serious emergencies increased. The Rescue Squad responded to 89 incidents involving pedestrians hit by motor vehicles, a 31% increase over 2005. “Several factors are contributing to the increase in pedestrian incidents, including increased traffic and driver and pedestrian inattention,” said Chief Sherburne. “This is a serious problem in the Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Upper Northwest Washington areas, and we urge drivers and pedestrians to exercise more caution.” 

Among the categories of serious emergencies that increased in 2006:

The Rescue Squad’s Critical Role in the Community

Call statistics can fluctuate from year to year, based upon the public’s inclination to call for help, changes in dispatch policies, and other factors, so conclusions about the overall health of the region or public safety threats cannot be readily drawn from these statistics. However, the 2006 call statistics highlight the important role that the Rescue Squad plays in responding to serious emergencies and in protecting the public’s health and safety. The call statistics also illustrate the wide range of incidents to which the Rescue Squad responds each year, including life-threatening illnesses and injuries, house fires, stuck elevators, and calls involving hazardous materials. “The Rescue Squad continues to ‘answer the call’ when the public has an emergency and needs help immediately,” stated Chief Sherburne. He added that “we wouldn’t be able to provide this service without the efforts of 150 professionally trained volunteers, a daytime staff, and the generous contributions of the community.”

About the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS)

Now in its 67th year, BCCRS is a community-supported non-profit organization that provides free emergency medical, ambulance, rescue, and fire services to Bethesda and Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Upper Northwest Washington, D.C. With 150 professionally trained volunteers, a daytime staff, and two Montgomery County Paramedics responding to almost 11,000 calls per year, BCCRS is one of the busiest and most advanced fire/rescue departments in Maryland. The Rescue Squad’s fleet includes 7 medic/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, house fires, and many others.

Unlike local fire departments, the Rescue Squad does not receive an appropriated budget from any government. The Squad’s $1.4 million annual operating budget is raised from contributions from individuals, foundations, businesses, and occasional state and federal grants. Contributions to BCCRS are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

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