Effective January 1, 2022, BCCRS will no longer provide direct EMS service to Upper Northwest Washington, DC, or operate its emergency line. DC residents should call 9-1-1 for all medical emergencies requiring EMS.

Learn more about this decision, why it was made and what it means for residents of NW DC.

After this date, BCCRS will continue to respond to any requests for service that are dispatched through the Montgomery County Public Safety Communications Center as part of the Council of Governments mutual aid process.

THE EMERGENCY SERVICE
WE PROVIDE

BCCRS provides basic life support (BLS) service, which is provided by trained emergency medical technicians (EMTs).   This includes basic splinting, and the administration of oxygen, naloxone for opioid overdoses, and epinephrine for allergic reactions.  We operate state-of-the-art ambulances, and all of our units are equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs).   See below for a description of our response area.

BCCRS units generally will transport to the hospital of a patient’s choice (unless our protocol dictates that the patient be taken to another facility).

HOW TO CONTACT US

DC residents who call our dedicated emergency line — 301-652-1000 — are connected directly to the Rescue Squad’s dispatcher.   This individual is an EMT who will ask a series of questions which include address, telephone phone number, and nature of the problem.   It’s important that callers stay on the line until the dispatcher confirms he/she has the information needed and an ambulance is dispatched.

Rain or shine … BCCRS responds

COORDINATION WITH DC FIRE AND EMS

BCCRS provides its service pursuant to an agreement the DC government.   Under that agreement, when we dispatch a unit to a call in Upper Northwest DC, and after ensuring a BCCRS ambulance is enroute, our dispatcher notifies the DC Fire and EMS department  (DC-FEMS).  If the DC-FEMS dispatcher determines the call may require advanced life support (paramedic) or other resources, the DC dispatcher may send DC-FEMS units (in addition to the BCCRS ambulance).

BCCRS’ service is an addition to the service provided by DC-FEMS.   Residents who wish to call DC-FEMS directly can simply call 9-1-1.

OUR RESPONSE AREA

To the West:   5000 MacArthur Blvd., NW (Chain Bridge Road); 2600 Foxhall Road, NW;  and 2800 New Mexico Avenue, NW (42^nd Street at Tunlaw Road).

To the South:   2900 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (Garfield Street); 2900 block of 34^th Street NW (Massachusetts Avenue);  3100 Connecticut Avenue, NW (Cathedral Avenue).

To the East:   Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park northerly to the boundary with Montgomery County, MD.