Cave City Fire Department

RESCUE SERVICES

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Vehicle--Rope--Medical--Basic Water

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.....In 1988 the department decided that they would try to form a rescue unit. A rescue unit could provide extrication to victims of serious automobile accidents in South Sharp County. The unit would also carry equipment to assist with other emergencies when requested.

.....The problem would be funding the unit. On July 24, 1989 a fund raising drive was started for the rescue unit. With help from county and city government, and many contributions from the citizens of South Sharp County, the money was raised.

.....A used ambulance was purchased from Independnce County EMS. This was a shortwheel base van. The van was in very good condition and was purchased for a fair price. The Cave City firefighters began to work on the unit . Many changes needed to be made, the unit was completely remodeled to fit the departments needs. Jimmy Bristow, a firefighter at the time, voluntered to paint the unit. After many hours of work the unit was finished, and placed in service November 1989. The fire station had no room for expansion so the unit was stored outside at a firefighter's house, where it had to be pluged up to charge portable equipment inside.

.....The equipment included a tool known as the "jaws of life", which is a hydralic spreader. The unit also carries a hydralic ram and cutter, special high strenght chians, portable lighting, and medical emergencies.

.....Prior to the formation of this unit, rescue units had to come from Batesville or Cherokee Village(30-40min). Many lives were lost due to the amount of time it took to travel from either city.

.....The rescue unit covers a very large area encompassing approxamately 450 square miles in four counties: Sharp, Northern Independence, Eastern Lawrence,Western Izard. With the help from other emergency agencies, many lives have been saved.

.....1994 we started a fund raising drive to replace this unit with a new one. Life Care Emergency Medical Services Inc. donated a used ambulance box for the project. With help from county and city government, United Way and many contributions from the citizens of South Sharp County, the money was raised.

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Click here to see the new unit, and read more about it.

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click me to return to main page......E-Mail William"Billy" Penn Training Officer