December 13, 2005
For immediate release

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:Capt. Kendall Sanderson, 240-447-7028
kendall.sanderson@bccrs.org
or:
Kumar Vaswani, 301-326-7883
kumar.vaswani@bccrs.org

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Acquires New Ambulances

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS), one of the nation's most advanced and best-trained rescue squads, recently placed into service two new state-of-the art ambulance/medic units to serve the community’s emergency needs.

At a cost of over $185,000 each, and purchased using donated funds, the vehicles were specially built to provide for the public’s comfort and safety and to facilitate patient care. They contain improvements such as electric warmers for intravenous fluids, an improved stretcher for patients, and an innovative “stair chair” for moving sick or injured patients to an ambulance from the second story of a home. The vehicles include safety netting for personnel, more space for emergency medical technicians and paramedics to provide care, and updated audible and visual warning devices. As BCCRS replaces its remaining ambulances and medic units, the new vehicles will incorporate these features. The vehicles are also equipped with cardiac defibrillators and an array of equipment for treating patients with fractures, respiratory problems, and injuries resulting from vehicle collisions.

One vehicle has been placed in service as a Basic Life Support ambulance; the other is serving as an Advanced Life Support unit–or “medic unit”–which is specially equipped and staffed by personnel to treat critical conditions such as diabetic illnesses, heart attacks, allergic reactions, and traumatic injuries.

BCCRS’s fleet includes 4 medic units, 3 ambulances, 2 heavy rescue trucks, an air support unit 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.

Now in its 66th year, BCCRS is a community-supported non-profit organization that provides free emergency fire, rescue, and ambulance services to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Maryland area, as well as upper Northwest Washington, D.C. Thanks to the generous donations of the community, the efforts of 150 professionally-trained volunteers, and a staff of daytime employees, BCCRS has evolved into one of the nation's most advanced rescue squads, providing compassionate, life-saving services to the community. BCCRS does not receive direct tax funds. Instead, BCCRS raises almost all of its $1.5 million operating budget from individual donors, foundations, and businesses. Contributions to BCCRS are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

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