Rescue Rangers

Harrisonburg Rescue Squad gives students hands-on experience in emergency situations

By Katie Thisdell, staff writer
Posted on November 12, 2007

As the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad truck pulled up to the scene, senior Katie O’Keefe saw a man on the ground.

His chest was gray and ashen, but his skin was still warm. The volunteers immediately swarmed to his side and began to work. They revived his breathing, supplied fluids and administered shocks. His face and chest showed red spots. Blood was flowing through his capillaries again; he was alive.

“It’s a unique experience watching and helping to bring someone back,” O’Keefe said. “It’s miraculous.”

While scenarios such as this are rare for volunteers on Harrisonburg’s Rescue Squad, the all-volunteer rescue squad responds to more than 6,000 calls each year.

“There are nail-biter stories, but our larger focus is doing small things every day for the citizens in the community,” O’Keefe said.

For almost 60 years, the squad has relied on volunteers, including many JMU students. Approximately 60 percent are students, according to Erin Smoke, a former student who has been volunteering with the rescue squad for four years.

“They help make this work,” Smoke said.

O’Keefe, a nursing major, joined in April 2006 after hearing her roommate’s stories.

“I don’t like to just sit in class and be bored, and I needed a place where I could apply the skills I’ve learned,” O’Keefe said. “And a 911 emergency is a good place not to be bored.”

Beginners go through an intensive six-month training process following two observation periods. The Board of Directors then votes on who should become senior members. Being a volunteer requires a two-year commitment.

Freshman Dan Carrier hopes to start volunteering with the squad next month, after receiving CPR certification.

“I’d like to be able to help out people in need,” Carrier said. “There’s something exciting about rushing out to the scene. I’m in pre-med as well, so I want to get more comfortable in the field, too.”

Smoke and O’Keefe said most calls are non-emergency so there are few life-threatening situations.

“A typical call is a precaution more than a true emergency,” O’Keefe said. “People are on the safe side when they call 9-1-1, which is what they should be.”

Since the rescue squad is a volunteer agency, its operations rely on donations from citizens and businesses. The squad needs over $400,000 each year to maintain its services and much of its financial needs are for ambulances and response vehicles.

Smoke said each year members hold a 5K and a golf tournament to raise money, as well as solicit donations in their newsletters.

“We have some good support from our local community,” Smoke said.

By spending time together they form friendships, and by working together in stressful situations, they form tight bonds, Smoke said.

“Most people here will say that they have never been in a position that they’ve individually saved a life,” O’Keefe said. “I’d say that no one here saves lives. All of us do.”

O’Keefe also said that she never thought she would do something like this.

“You never know until you try,” she said.  “This is a great thing to be involved in.”

Smoke agreed.

“If it’s right for you, you just get hooked.”