Henderson County Rescue Squad
Since 1957, the purpose of the Henderson County Rescue Squad has been to serve at any time, upon proper request, on any mission of mercy; to aid and assist in case of disaster or accident, within the capacity and mission of the Rescue Squad, where human life is or has been endangered.
Annual Fundraiser
Each year, the Squad sends out letters to the citizens of Henderson County requesting donations to help fund the organization. Letters were sent out on November 1, 2023. This letter is valid from November 1, 2023 to October 31, 2024. A copy of the letter is available here.
New Volunteers - Application process is closed
The application process for new volunteers is currently closed. Please check our website and social media pages in early fall of 2024 for the opening of the next application period.
Our Teams
We operate a combination department made up of volunteers and paid personnel to ensure the services are provided in an efficient and cost effective manner for the community. Our team was founded by volunteers in 1957 and volunteerism is still strong today. Each of these teams are comprised of volunteer members. If you are interested in becoming a part of our team, we encourage you to learn more about our organization.
Swift Water
Since our beginnings the Rescue Squad has provided a variety of water rescue services. With a wide variety of boats and rescue equipment, the Squad is equipped to handle most any surface water or ice rescue emergency. Members undergo several levels of training for preparing for water emergencies. Many members are trained to the technician level and awareness level training is part of the initial training required for new members.
Vehicle Rescue
The Rescue Squad operates three rescue trucks to assist the local fire and rescue departments with extrication when needed. These trucks carry a wide variety of tools and equipment to handle vehicle and machinery entrapments. Many members are trained to the technician level of NFPA 1006 for Vehicle and Machinery Rescue.
Dive Team
The drag hooks and racks of yesterday have been supplemented with divers, cameras, and sonar. But the task remains the same. Since 1957 the Rescue Squad has been proud of our capabilities in underwater search and recovery. Interested members undergo SCUBA and Underwater Search and Recovery training from our in house SDI/ERDI instructors.
Confined Space
The Rescue Squad conducts regular training for confined space rescue and maintains equipment for rescues and recoveries from confined spaces such as manholes, industrial facilities and agricultural facilities. All training and operations are in accordance with OSHA standards.
Rope Rescue
Foundational to many other specialties, rope rescue is a key component to trainings. Members undergo the NC TR Rope certification and continue learning with other specialty classes and training.
Search And Rescue
In the event of a missing or lost person the Rescue Squad is able to perform searches in the wilderness and urban setting.
EMS
The Henderson County Rescue Squad currently operates six state certified ambulances. The Rescue Squad is a certified Advanced EMT provider through the North Carolina Office of EMS. Ambulances are staffed by the Rescue Squad part time staff and volunteers. Volunteers are provided the opportunity to obtain certification as an NC EMT Basic or Advanced.
State Medical Assistance Team
In 2004, Henderson County was one of 28 counties selected to receive a Type III Statewide Medical Assistance Teams (SMAT) team. These teams were formed to provide a rapid victim decontamination and mass casualty medical management service at the local, regional, or state level to assist with disaster management.
Community
Each year members of the Rescue Squad spend over 1000 hours of their time serving the community at events such as the NC Apple Festival, Farm City Day, football games and numerous other community events.
Volunteer
Thanks for your interest in volunteer and career opportunities with the Henderson County Rescue Squad. The Henderson County Rescue Squad is a Not-For-Profit IRS 501(c)(3) providing services 24 hours a day seven days a week to the citizens and visitors of Henderson County, NC. Our team was founded by volunteers in 1957 and volunteerism is still strong today. Without the dedication of our personnel we would not be able to provide the wide variety of services to our community.
We operate a combination department made up of volunteers and paid personnel to ensure the services are provided in an efficient and cost effective manner for the community. If you are interested in becoming a part of our team we encourage you to learn more about our organization.
HCRS onboards new volunteers once a year starting in January. The 2024 onboarding is now closed to new applicants. Please check our website and social media pages in early fall of 2024 for the opening of the next application period.
Employment
In addition to our highly trained volunteers, the Henderson County Rescue Squad employs over 40 part-time and 8 full-time paid professionals that operate two Advanced Life Support Ambulances and one Heavy Rescue Truck providing EMS and Rescue Services 24/7.
We are not currently hiring at this time but please continue to check our website and social media pages for any future opportunities.
Donate
How you can help
The Henderson County Rescue Squad is an IRS Recognized 501 (c)(3) tax deductible organization. Any donations made will be used by our organization to improve the services we provide to the citizens and visitors of Henderson County. Remember 100% of your donation is tax-deductible (as within the limits of the law). There are a number of ways that you can help us serve our mission.
Annual Fundraiser
Each year, the Squad sends out letters to the citizens of Henderson County requesting donations to help fund the organization. Letters were sent out on November 1, 2023. This letter is valid from November 1, 2023 to October 31, 2024. A copy of the letter is available here.
Donate by Mail
You can mail your check to us at 2529 Asheville Hwy Hendersonville NC 28791.
Donate Online
For your convenience we have set up an online account with PayPal, a widely used secure online payment system. From their website you may donate by credit card or bank draft. All PayPal transactions are 100% secure.
Donate In Person
You can drop your check off at our station between the hours of 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week. Please remember from time to time we may not be at the station due to emergency calls for service. Our station is located at 2529 Asheville Highway, in the Emergency Services Building across from Hunter Power Sports.
Apparatus
Rescue 24
A Heavy Rescue rated truck, Rescue 24 has the equipment to respond to confined space, trench, and motor vehicle accidents.
Rescue 24-2
Rescue 24-2 is a Medium Rescue rated vehicle. This truck responds to swiftwater rescues, search, and rope rescues. This vehicle also serves to tow inflatable rafts and boats to swiftwater events.
Truck 24-3
This is the prime mover of the fleet. It has auxilary fuel tanks to keep the boats and generators running.
Truck 24
Truck 24 serves as a quick response vehicle that can bring rescuers and other equipment closer to the rescue events.
Medic 24
This 4x4 ambulance is actually setup for decontamination scenarios. It has equipment to keep rescuers safe from biological pathogens.
Medic 24-2
Also a 4-wheel drive ambulance, this is setup for vehicle extrication.
SMAT Trailer
This trailer is used to support the Type III Statewide Medical Assistance Teams (SMAT) team. These teams are deployed for rapid victim decontamination and mass casualty medical management services.
Dive Trailer
Dedicated to Sam Morgan, the dive trailer has equipment to support up to six divers. It also houses sonar equipment and surface supplied air.
Incident Response
This trailer can be deployed on incidents that require a mobile command post and radio communications.
Standby Form
The Henderson County Rescue Squad provides contracted medical standby services for events in addition to our community events like N.C. Apple Festival. Interested parties should complete an Event Medical Standby Services form allowing two weeks’ notice before the start of your event. If you have any questions, you may call our station during business hours at 828-692-3487 or email your questions to events@hendersoncountyrescue.org.
Rates
A minimum 2-hour charge will apply to any Ambulance.
- BLS (Basic Life Support) Ambulance staffed with 2 EMTs
- $200.00 first 2 hours
- $100.00/hour for each additional hour
- ATV staffed with 2 EMTs
- $85.00/hour
- Emergency Medical Technicians
- $37.50/hour per EMT
- Specialized Rescue Standby (Confined Space, Dive, etc.)
- $200.00/hour plus the appropriate number of technicians
- Rescue Technicians
- $37.50/hour per technicians
Please fill out the HCRS Standby Form and submit via email at events@hendersoncountyrescue.org, fax to 828-692-1642, or mail to Henderson County Rescue Squad, 2529 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28791. If approved, you will be notified by email along with an invoice.
Calendar
Contact Us
2529 Asheville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Phone: 828-692-3487
Fax: 828-692-1642