by Wendy Jakszta, Rescue 22 President
The Keowee Key Rescue Squad (Rescue 22) began in 2009 as a program of “neighbors helping neighbors” in emergencies. With an adjacent Fire Station and now fully staffed EMS Ambulance available 8 am – 8 pm, the community has a high level of responders available. Rescue 22 is funded by Oconee County for education, uniforms, medical supplies and a truck. All Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) receive 60+ hours of training from Oconee County before being certified.
Our squad’s primary goal is to respond to 911 calls within the Keowee Fire District, via an on-call calendar system, day and night. We respond in a support role to Fire and EMT professionals and also aid the families of our neighbors in an emergency. Our secondary role is to provide community tools and training for home preparedness and safety, including the File of Life, blue reflective address signs, fire lockboxes, and classes.
Rescue 22 members have both a radio and phone app to respond to calls. We find that community members feel very reassured once a familiar face arrives on the scene of an emergency. “We’re in good hands,” is how a family member described seeing Rescue 22 at their home.