Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad

Special Section: Combined Federal Campaign 2009

Answering the call:
Alex Hebert and the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad

By Ellen McBride
EMT-B, Secretary, Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad

He remembers pulling into the parking lot in the ambulance, responding to a breathing difficulty call. Suddenly, the patient went into cardiac arrest. Alex Hebert and two other members of the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad went to work, bringing the patient back to life.

“I was hooked,” Herbert said. “The realization that I could do something that could affect the rest of someone’s life was amazing.”

Today, Senior Chief Master at Arms Alex Hebert is safely home with his family in Virginia Beach, having just returned from Afghanistan. Herbert, an MP and firearms instructor, was a police mentor and helped train the Afghan National Police. “We were a provincial reconstruction team,” Herbert explained. “Our job was building the infrastructure, government and police force in a particular area of the country.”

He is also a medic. He was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic through the Navy in 2005 and has volunteered at the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad for two years to keep up his skills.

“I took the city’s Enhanced class and had just finished it before I had to leave for training to go to Afghanistan last year. In fact, I got my test results that I had passed just four days before I left.” Alex laughs, “I’m not released by the city yet, but I am state-certified.”

In Afghanistan, he told them he could help beyond his firearms and training duties.

“In every unit there is a four-man medical staff,” Herbert continued. “I told them, ‘This is what I bring to the table.’ They said I could jump in and help them anytime.”

And he did. When they went out on convoy, senior officers were comfortable adding the role of medic to Herbert’s responsibilities. He also helped on base.

“We had a forward surgical team like in the show M*A*S*H, though not nearly as big,” Herbert said. “Any cases that came in from other bases, I would help with the triage. Because of my Enhanced skills, I could do IVs, intubations and administer drugs.”

Now back in the States, Herbert feels just as strongly about what he “brings to the table” by continuing to offer his skills to the people of Virginia Beach.

“The community gives to us as military members – we don’t have to pay the taxes, but we use the school system, and we use the roadways.” Herbert pauses. “This is a great way to give back, by volunteering or giving donations to the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad.”

Established in 1952, the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad provides premier pre-hospital emergency medical care 24 hours a day, every day of the year, at no cost to the citizens and visitors of the City of Virginia Beach. Volunteers use eight Advanced Life Support (ALS)-certified ambulances, an ALS-certified heavy rescue/squad truck, and other equipment to provide effective care. More than 125 operational members staff both the Oceanfront and the newly opened Great Neck stations. Last year, the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad responded to more than 10,800 emergency calls.

“I feel I can give back to the community with a skill set I‘m glad I’m able to share,” Herbert said. “Virginia Beach has the largest volunteer rescue squad system in the world. And it works. It works because of the professionals who volunteer their time and service to this city. It works because of the military and non-military people who are volunteering and supporting it. I encourage everyone to support it.”

To support the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, designate CFC #82014.