FXBG Rescue Squad responds to calls with help from UMW

by ONNOLEE SLATEN

Staff Writer

By day, they have their jobs, families and education. That is, until they clock in and receive a call, until someone needs them. Then, the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad comes running. 

The Fredericksburg Rescue Squad is a non-profit volunteer organization that provides safety and medical services to the city of Fredericksburg. Beyond emergencies, they also provide safety education to the public, professional training to members and medical standby for Fredericksburg events. 

Founded in 1940, this squad has maintained a reputation of dedication and trust for over eight decades. Jacob Parcell, chief and president of the organization, is responsible for all operational and administrative functions of the agency. 

“Our first ambulance was a converted laundry van,” says Parcell. “All of the members had to bring their own equipment. From there, it’s been the same iteration of dedication toward what is right for our patients.”

The FRS has continuously played a role in maintaining safety on UMW grounds, Parcell states. Providing extra support at events like commencement. 

“We support the UMW commencement every year and go through all kinds of emergency planning for their athletic events,” says Parcell. 

Along with preventative measures, the organization responds to medical emergencies from common to life-threatening. 

“We see everything from broken bones and lacerations, all the way to cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies,” Parcell states. 

Beyond what the organization has done for UMW as a whole, many students have joined the Rescue Squad as members. 

“UMW has been a core part of our history and a core part of our membership over the years, with past chiefs, assistant chiefs and EMTs being UMW alumni,” Parcell said.

For UMW alumnus Eric Haas, his path to the Rescue Squad began while he was still a student. 

After hearing about the opportunity from a friend, all it took was one ride-along with the squad for him to realize that this was the kind of work he wanted to pursue in the future. 

“I was blown away. I immediately signed up and filled out my application,” he said.

Now nearly 25 years later, Haas made his way back to the squad, now serving as Operations Captain. 

“It’s kind of fulfilling because I’ve come back to my roots where I started as a provider, and now I’m the one who is helping to train the next generation of volunteers for the community,” said Haas.

A handful of UMW students currently serve as members, including sophomore biomedical sciences major Corinne Supon, an EMT student who has recently joined the Rescue Squad. Some of her duties include supply management, participating in ride-alongs and assisting when extra hands are needed. 

“Hopefully, I pass my exam in about two weeks. Then I will be able to take vitals and help more, you know?” 

Supon is training to be an EMT, but the Rescue Squad provides a diverse array of opportunities for anyone willing to volunteer. 

“We can get them set up for an EVOC class, which is a class that teaches them to drive the ambulance,” says Parcell. “We also have opportunities to help out on the administrative side. This is more for accounting, marketing and business students.” 

Supon decided to join the squad in part to gain experience and help others. 

“My mother had a very bad emergency where she needed first responders and their quick decision-making was what definitely saved her life,” she said. “Knowing I can help people in the way that others can’t feels like I’m putting something back into the world.” 

When asked what she likes most about being a member, Supon says the relationships she’s built are one of the biggest perks.

“I personally love the friendships that I’ve made,” Supon continued. “Everyone truly has the biggest heart there, like they’re choosing to give up a lot of time to be a part of it.” 

However, friendship is not the only thing the Rescue Squad offers its members.  

“The biggest thing I get from this is helping out those who wouldn’t get aid or are really struggling,” Parcell said. “We’re able to be there in their darkest moments when they need help the most.” 

Still, despite its upsides, Supon expresses anxiety about the emotional toll of the job. 

“My teacher is always saying the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do is rescue a kid. So hopefully, that never happens. I will be prepared for it still.”

In regard to the mental strain that may come with difficult calls, members can go to peer specialists for help. 

“We partner with the Fredericksburg Fire Department, who have mental health specialists. They help us process tough calls and go back to normal life,” states Parcell. 

This organization understands and is willing to accommodate anyone with a busy lifestyle, Parcell says. 

“I’ve gone to school, gotten my undergraduate and master’s degree, all while volunteering here.” 

Students interested in joining the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad can find application information at https://fxbgrescue.org/.