BCCRS Responds to more than 8,100 Calls in 2022
Call Volume Jumped 16% Over 2021 Levels
Most Frequent Calls Include Auto Accidents, Cardiac Emergencies
The EMTs, paramedics and firefighters of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad responded to 8,113 calls in 2022 – an average of more than 22 responses per day and a 16% increase over 2021.
As with fire/rescue departments throughout the country, more than 80% of the Rescue Squad’s calls in 2022 were for emergency medical calls, while 141 of incidents involved a report of a fire in a home, high-rise or other building.
Once again, automobile crashes topped the list of types of medical emergencies, with BCCRS ambulances, heavy rescue trucks and command vehicles responding to 930 such incidents last year. Eighty-four of these crashes were dispatched with a report of a person trapped or otherwise seriously injured. A significant number resulted in less serious injuries but still required emergency care and transport to a local hospital.
Among the most common type of other calls to which BCCRS units responded in 2022 included:
- Unconscious or decreased level of consciousness (741)
- Cardiac and stroke emergencies (568)
- Pedestrian/cyclist struck by a vehicle (58)
These numbers reflect the commitment of BCCRS’s highly-trained emergency services personnel as well as the need for increased community safety and health efforts to reduce the number of crashes, fires and medical emergencies.
“We are proud to be a key partner in Montgomery County’s integrated fire/rescue system, providing the highest quality emergency services in Bethesda, Chevy Chase and surrounding communities,” said BCCRS Chief Edward G. (“Ned”) Sherburne. “Our 100-plus active volunteer paramedics, firefighters, and EMTs, along with our paid daytime personnel, continue to serve our neighbors and visitors to our community with compassion and dedication.”
* * * * *
Founded in 1937, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad provides state of the art emergency medical, fire, and rescue services to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area and surrounding Maryland communities. BCCRS is managed entirely and staffed primarily by more than 100 active volunteer paramedics, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. BCCRS is fully integrated into the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) department. To speak to one of our volunteers, take a station tour, or get more information about volunteering at BCCRS, visit our new-and-improved website at www.bccrs.org.