The Rescue Competition is a timed event where a 6 person team is given a problem to complete that is judged based on current Rescue Technician training standards.

This year’s problem was based on a actual call that occurred in October 1974.  Charlotte Life Saving Crew responded to an accident where a county police car and struck a pile of rebar and a piece penetrated the vehicle thru the left front headlight, went thru the firewall, only to go thru the driver into the back seat. This competition problem added two additional elements:  a second victim under the car and the presence of an ammonia odor that could represent a mobile methamphetamine lab.

The teams had to recognize the odor and call for hazmat/law enforcement and then lift the car and rescue the trapped victim.  Then the doors and roof had to be removed, rebar stabilized and cut, and the victim removed from the vehicle.  The problem was narrated by Ed Hampton, a former member of Charlotte Life Saving who ran the original call in 1974.  The teams faced an even greater challenge this year as Mother Nature dealt a wildcard of 90 degree temperatures and high humidity as well.

Squads represented in the competition were first time entrants Maiden Rescue and Gastonia Fire, along with prior competition teams from Claremont Rescue Squad, Sherrills Ford Fire & Rescue, Alexander Rescue Squad, Hickory Rescue