We have been proudly serving the citizens of McDowell County since 1959. McDowell Rescue responds to a variety of different emergency calls. The McDowell County Rescue Squad, Station 97, was established after a large scale medical incident in the county raised awareness for the need for a department to assist with emergency situations. In June 1958, at the end of the school year, more than 200 students, faculty, and staff at the Cross Mill School became ill due to food poisoning. The shear number of patients quickly overwhelmed local resources. Surrounding counties provided assistance, including Burke County, whose newly formed Rescue Squad helped provide first aid and transported patients to the hospital. After the incident, some concerned and dedicated local citizens spoke with members of the Burke County Rescue Squad about starting a similar department in McDowell. Soon thereafter plans were underway to start McDowell County Rescue Squad. The first meeting interested individuals was held in August 1958. The original members received Standard and Advanced First Aid training. In January 1959 the state of North Carolina granted a charter to the McDowell County Rescue Squad. Today, over half a century later, Station 97 has grown from its humble beginnings. The majority of members hold at least EMT-Basic certification, while many hold certifications of EMT-Intermediate, EMT-Paramedic, or higher. Multiple members are certified Technical Rescuers. Many have extra training and certifications in specialty areas such as Diving, high angle rescue, ropes rescue, swift water rescue, agricultural rescue, confined space rescue, and trench rescue. Station 97 is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by paid employees, and assisted by volunteers. McDowell County Rescue Squad and Ambulance Inc. is certified to the level of Heavy Rescue, and the department functions to the level of EMT-Intermediate. We are deeply indebted to those citizens who saw the need for a Rescue Squad in our county and worked diligently to establish one. As members of McDowell County Rescue Squad and Ambulance Inc., we hope our own dedication to serving the people of McDowell County, as well as those who may travel through, will continue the proud legacy of our predecessors and those who worked to bring about a positive change after an adverse situation.
