HISTORY AND TRADITION Organized in 1970, the Albany Dougherty County Rescue Team (ADCRT) is an all volunteer, non profit community service organization that operates under, and in conjunction with, the Albany Dougherty County Emergency Management Agency. The purpose of the team is to aid and assist any government agency with emergency communications, emergency care, rescue and recovery services. When requested, emergency medical care and communications are provided at local charity events. Team members are dedicated, well trained men and women from all walks of life and occupations who are on call 24 hours a day seven days a week - to serve their fellow man. Members of the ADCRT are not paid or reimbursed for any of their services, whether they are teaching classes (to the public, fraternal or civic organizations), attending training sessions or exercises, or participating in actual search, rescue, or recovery operations. These dedicated individuals give freely of their time, equipment, and themselves to serve their community.

TRAINING Training is an integral part of the membership. Training activities provide new members an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for certification in Basic Rescue, CPR, and First Aid. It also allows the more experienced team members a chance to sharpen their skills and maintain the level of training required for a basic rescuer. Many members have continued their training to become certified First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, and Registered Nurses. The ADCRT has certified instructors who teach Rescue, First Aid, First Responder, CPR, Crash Victim Extrication, Communications, Diving, Rope Rescue, Hazardous Materials, and Radiological Monitoring.

SEARCH AND RESCUE The ADCRT is called out to conduct land or water searches for missing persons or items. The ADCRT has one of the best known and respected Underwater Search and Recovery Teams in South Georgia. Members of this team specialize in "black water" (zero visibility) diving operations. Working under Emergency Management and local authorities, the team divers (with a support crew made up of other team members) have been responsible for recovering objects of evidence and numerous victims of water accidents from the many ponds, creeks, rivers and lakes of South Georgia.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT Emergency medical treatment and communications are provided by the ADCRT during several annual events, including the Exchange Club Fair, Christmas Parade, Memorial Day Parade, Cancer Walk, March of Dimes Walk, Alzheimer's Walk, YMCA activities, Chehaw Park events, BMX bike races, Autumn Classic Charity Horse Show, and Cystic Fibrosis Walk. All first aid is provided free of charge to the public at these events. Blood pressure screenings and CPR demonstrations are also a part of their service to the community.

DEDICATION Why would anyone want to volunteer to be a member of the Albany Dougherty County Rescue Team? Rescue work is neither glamorous nor glorious, requires long hours and hard work, many times is dangerous, and usually involves working in less than favorable conditions. In spite of all the adverse aspects of rescue work, it is very rewarding especially when you feel the gratitude of someone whose life you have helped or saved, or feel the relief and joy when a loved one is safely returned.

MEETINGS Monthly meetings of the ADCRT are held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Palmyra Park Hospital, 2000 Palmyra Rd., Albany, Georgia.

If you would like more information about the Albany Dougherty County Rescue Team or would like them to present a program to your group, contact Commander Chuck Mitchell: charles.mitchell@hcahealthcare.com