Call Volume Increases 1% Over 2022, Stays Above Pre-Pandemic Levels

The EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS) responded to 8,190calls in 2023 – an average of more than 22 responses per day and a 1% increase over 2022. This is the most calls since 2018 and well above the five-year average of 7,400 per year.

Once again, automobile crashes were the second most common emergency for BCCRS, with BCCRS ambulances, heavy rescue trucks, and command vehicles responding to 914 such incidents last year. Seventy-four of these crashes were dispatched with a report of a person trapped or otherwise seriously injured. A significant number resulted in less serious injuries, but still required emergency care and transport to a local hospital.

As with fire/rescue departments throughout the country, more than 80% of the Rescue Squad’s calls in 2023 were for emergency medical calls, while 128 of incidents involved a report of a fire in a home, high-rise or other building.

Among the most common type of other calls to which BCCRS units responded in 2023 included:

• Unconscious or decreased level of consciousness (753)
• Cardiac, chest pain, and stroke emergencies (685)
• Pedestrian/cyclist struck by a vehicle (55)

These numbers reflect the commitment of BCCRS’s highly trained emergency services personnel, as well as the need for increased community safety and health efforts to reduce the number of crashes, fires, and medical emergencies. “Many of our most serious calls, including car crashes and pedestrians struck by vehicles, are preventable,” said BCCRS Chief Edward G. (“Ned”) Sherburne. “We all want our community to be safe, so we urge residents and visitors to avoid distracted driving, slow down when weather conditions are dangerous, and look out for pedestrians.”

“We are proud to be a key partner in Montgomery County’s integrated fire/rescue system, providing the highest quality emergency services in Bethesda, Chevy Chase and surrounding communities,” said BCCRS President Christopher Jennison. “Our 100-plus active volunteer paramedics, firefighters, and EMTs, along with our paid daytime personnel, continue to serve our neighbors and visitors to our community with compassion and dedication.”

* * * * *

Founded in 1937, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad provides state-of-the-art emergency medical, fire, and rescue services to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area and surrounding Maryland communities. BCCRS is managed entirely and staffed primarily by more than 100 active volunteer paramedics, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. BCCRS is fully integrated into the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) department. To speak to one of our volunteers, take a station tour, or get more information about volunteering at BCCRS, visit our new-and-improved website at www.bccrs.org or send an email to feedback@bccrs.org.

Download PDF