Albemarle Rescue Squad, 1953

Stanly County history hit. The Albemarle Rescue and First Aid Company was using this truck in February 1953, reported the Stanley News and Press on February 27. The new truck had “already answered several calls” after having “just received the final touches, as far as equipment was concerned.” The truck was purchased as a result …

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Sanford and Lee County Rescue and Ambulance History

Research notes on Sanford and Lee County rescue and ambulance history. See Google Drive of source articles.  1950s 1952, Apr – Visiting civil defense rescue truck was displayed in Sanford, and viewed by members of the Sanford Municipal Civil Defense Council and other local officials. The town, however, planned no purchase of such a truck. …

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The History of Cecil’s Rig – Rescue Pull and Lift Frame

This is a blog version of a Facebook posting from June 8, 2025. For today’s rescue history, let’s take a trip to Stanly County (NC) . The date is October 15, 1965. On that Friday night at 10:26 p.m., a 1963 Chevy Impala lost control on the curve at Pee Dee Avenue and Tenth Street …

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Goldsboro and Wayne County Rescue and EMS History

Presenting a timeline of rescue history in Goldsboro, surrounding communities, and Wayne County.  Read detailed research notes (pdf) View newspaper clippings in Google Drive folder. Short Version 1950 to 1969 1952 – After two years of trying to sell the idea of a rescue squad to local civic clubs, fire chief found interest at local …

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Medical Helicopter Crashes in North Carolina

Research notes on medical helicopter crashes and accidents in North Carolina, both fatal and non-fatal. Pictured is the Life Force crash in Macon County in March 2023. The four crew members all survived with minor to moderate injuries. Photo credit TBD.  1980s Duke Life Flight, Duke University Hospital, Durham 7/21/1986 Crashed near NC 751 and …

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Goldsboro Rescue Squad – Line of Duty Deaths in 1976

LODD rescue history. In 1976, two members of the Goldsboro Rescue Squad died on duty in two separate incidents. On March 28, 1976, James Hickman drowned during a water rescue/recovery. On November 7, 1976, Kenneth Davis died in a vehicle collision. Here are those stories. James Madison Hickman March 28, 1976 – On a Sunday …

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North Carolina Ambulance, Rescue, and EMS Line of Duty Deaths

Change Log: Added Paul Boyer, Fort Bragg, who died on 10/22/09. (May 5, 2025) Added Duke Life Flight members who died on 9/8/17. (May 4, 2025) Presenting a list of ambulance driver, rescue squad member, and EMS agency member line of duty deaths, but excludes fire-based EMS agency members (for now). Most of these names …

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Old Salisbury Road Shootings – July 18, 1988

View Google Drive folder of clippings.    Early on the night of Sunday, July 18, 1988, gunshots were heard in the vicinity of the shop, at 7:00 p.m. and again at 10:20 p.m. No calls were placed to law enforcement. Witnesses also saw a man walking around his front yard with his rifle at 8:30 …

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Winston-Salem and Forsyth County Ambulance and Rescue History

Presenting research notes on ambulance, rescue, and EMS history in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. See Google drive of source articles. See web page with assorted research notes.  1930 to 1949 1937 – Winston-Salem Rescue Squad organized. First rescue squad in the state. They performed rescue functions but no transport services. 1950 to 1959 1958 – …

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Greensboro and Guilford County Ambulance and Rescue History

Presenting research notes on ambulance, rescue, and EMS history in Greensboro and Guilford County. See Google drive of source articles. Read research notes. Timeline Pre-History 1910 – First ambulance was a horse-drawn unit, operated from 1910 to 1915. Sold to a woman’s group, likely the Greensboro Ambulance Association. They mounted the carriage on a truck …

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