Embedded Files
During the early 70’s the squad operated with two pieces of equipment. A van that was converted into a squad and a Cadillac that had the appearance of a hearse, except it was red and white and had one large red light on top. Basic first aid and CPR were the only medical training that was required, and the units carried only one stretcher, bandages, oxygen and a few board splints. Training was almost non-existent. The thought process was that experience was the best teacher. The members were a very proud group of men and women, displaying their pride by always wearing some type of uniform, jacket, coveralls or shirt with a rescue logo on it.
The Stanley Volunteer Rescue Squad(better known as SVRS) was formed in 1969 after years of planning. Citizens realized the need for emergency care in Stanley. Prior to 1969, citizens relied on assistance from other rescue squads in the county and Bradley’s Funeral Home. SVRS was the only one in the county that was organized under the town fire department. The Luray and Shenandoah Rescue Squads were separate organizations. During the 70’s, SVRS consisted of about ten men (all of whom were members of the fire department) and about fifteen women (at that time, women were not allowed to be members of the Fire Department). Most of the female members were housewives and frequently provided daytime coverage Monday thru Friday; the men usually covered the night shifts and weekends. During the day, the female members stayed home to take care of household chores and to be close to the phone in the event of a call. There were no cell phones or pagers in the 70’s; all calls came in either through home phone or station phone. Evening crews stayed at the station. The Page County Sheriff’s Department took all emergency calls for the county and would contact the duty crew by phone. On the rare occasion when there was no crew scheduled, the sheriff’s department would call members until a full crew was available to take the call.
Today we have 3 ambulances and a response vehicle. All of our EMTs are Virginia Certified and are required to attend on-going continuing education in order to maintain their skills and keep current on improved methods and protocols. We have a combination of men and women who provide coverage whenever their schedule permits. Our members are parents, grandparents, students, workers and retirees. We come from all walks of life but when that radio sounds, Rescue 4 responds with one mission in mind, to provide the best emergency care possible to our community.
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