Rescue squads are here to help: Rescue squad covers Ravenwood, Parnell area

Local rescue squads play an important part as first responders in Nodaway County. There are six of these squads. The fifth article in this series is about the Ravenwood/Parnell Rescue Squad.

Members of the Ravenwood/Parnell Rescue Squad are, front: Kacey Smyser, Julie Schmitz, Andrew Wiederholt; back: Captain Cliff Wiederholt, Ron Sobotka, Curtis Sybert, Ethan Schmitz and Tyler Schmitz. Not pictured: Kim Suvanto, Jerry Lager, Brian Sobotka and Dan Miller.

• Responsibilities:

The squad covers Jackson and Independence townships. Members provide first responder medical assistance and extrication for vehicle and farm accidents.

• Training:

Training is provided by NCAD. The squad also does occasional extrication training. Meetings are at the Ravenwood Fire Station and depend on member schedules.

• Volunteers:

To join, contact the Nodaway County Ambulance District or a member of the rescue squad. Members must have completed Emergency Medical Responder or higher training.

• Community Involvement:

The Ravenwood/Parnell Rescue is always willing to assist any other squad in Nodaway, Gentry and Worth counties.

“We have several good people who do a lot for the community,” Captain Cliff Wiederholt said. “This is done at all hours of the day and night, with little or no recognition. I want to thank them for their devotion and hard work.

“We are always looking for individuals to join the Ravenwood/Parnell Rescue Squad and fire department. We’re very short staffed.”