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Our History Swansboro EMS/Rescue was formed on September 2, 1961. Before this day all of the sick and injured were transported by a hearse that was sent from either Jacksonville or Maysville. On this day in September, three people were killed on Highway 24 and one on Belgrade-Swansboro Road, which prompted several concerned citizens to pursue the need for a rescue squad in this area. The idea was conceived during a trip to an American Legion meeting in Burgaw, NC by Linwood Williams, Shelton Kellum, Bob Hokum and Jimmy Killian. No one remembers exactly how the conversation began, but those four came back to Swansboro and presented the idea to the local American Legion Post. The membership was receptive to the idea and each member donated $5.00, and Swansboro EMS/Rescue Squad was born. The first ambulance was a Packard Hearse, donated by Clark's Funeral Home (now Sayland Funeral Home) of Maysville, NC. This ambulance along with Swansboro's fire truck was housed at the old community building near Licko's insurance. The training at the time was a basic first aid course. The first Emergency Medical Technician requirements did not come along until 1973. The first EMT class was taught by doctors at Onslow Memorial and Naval Hospital's. Swansboro Rescue held their first EMT class at the Episcopal Church and was then moved to the Methodist Church. Present day training consists of a 190 hour classroom training to become a North Carolina State Emergency Medical Technician. To remain certified each person must maintain a minimum of 36 training hours a year and must re-certify every 4 years. Mr. Bill Kay was the first patient transported by the rescue squad. This transport was made by Gaither Jones and Leary Stanley to Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital. The first baby was delivered en-route to the hospital by Betsy Yentzer and C.B. Phillips. The rescue squad and fire department remained together in the same building until 1972. On November 27, 1972, a special meeting was held by the American Legion to discuss the donating of land to the Swansboro EMS/Rescue Squad. The land that the squad now occupies was donated by the Swansboro American Legion Post. The squad now has 33 active members not including associate and life time members. The squad now owns 2 Quick Response Vehicles, 1 boat and 1 ambulance. The squad has come a long way since 1961 and their 1 hearse ambulance. The community has something to be very proud of in the Swansboro EMS/Rescue Squad, which was born out of concern for the sick and injured in our community. |
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