Tennessee students, a Knoxville organization is asking for help.

Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad will hold an annual recruitment meeting

this Thursday at 7 p.m. in the University Center room 223.

The purpose for this meeting is to introduce interested students to basic

fundamentals skills required of the volunteer rescue squad, and learn more

about the many challenges that require technical knowledge.

Kevin Burns, a volunteer rescue member, wants students to understand

the benefits of being a part of the volunteer rescue squad.

“We want to introduce students to the volunteer rescue squad and

the several life-saving techniques required that will aid distressed persons

in case of any emergency situation,” Burns said.

Burns, who is an alumnus of UT, said students will gain required valuable

knowledge within two months of training. Hands-on training is the key for

new recruits.

“New volunteers will be trained for approximately two months, after

which they will be called upon to assist in actual on-call emergencies,”

Burns said.

The primary service for KVRS is to assist in vehicle extrication. This

involves using hydraulic equipment like the “Jaws of Life,” used

to help free individuals involved in car collisions.

Gina Knapp, a sophomore and volunteer squad member for more than a year,

found out about the program through a friend. “A friend of mine told

me about it, and I was very interested,” Knapp said.

Knapp, who is a full-time nursing student, said if some students are

concerned about their school schedule, they can rest assured there will

be time available to resolve academic scheduling conflicts.

“The biggest misconception is students don’t feel they will have

time to volunteer. I am a full-time student at UT, and I am also attending

Roane State Community College,” Knapp said.

“I pull a night shift schedule with KVRS, but like in my situation,

time can be made available to work around student schedules,” she said.

Knapp is currently taking a medical class which will help further her

knowledge required for emergency situations.

“Students should definitely get involved and learn more about volunteer

rescue squad, because it is not widely known. I am a nursing major, but

when I heard about the volunteer rescue squad, my eyes were open to new

things,” Knapp said.

Before applications can be accepted, there are certain prerequisites

for interested students. First and foremost, there can be no felony convictions

within the last 10 years or any DUI convictions.

Interested students should also have references that can give beneficial

testimony.

“We are looking for committed individuals who can volunteer their

time and effort,” Burns said.

Not only is the KVRS called to assist in vehicle accidents, but they

also have training skills that focus on cave rescue, structural collapse

and search and rescue missions.

For 24 hours a day, seven days a week, KVRS is available to assist in

emergency situations in Knox County or the surrounding area. “Our main

concern is the Knox County area, but we are also available to assist outside

the county limits,” Burns said.

Students who are interested in more detailed information about the KVRS

should call 546-4824. Burns can be reached at his e-mail address:

\”mailto:[email protected]\”>[email protected]

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