THE HACKENSACK FIRST RESPONSE TEAM

(taken from a report by Dawn Peterson, First Responder,
in "Celebrating 1000 Years, 1903-2003, Hackensack, MN")

DURING THE 1970'S, a volunteer group of snowmobilers from the small town of Hackensack began a venture inspiring the birth of first response teams statewide. Merv and Mary Parrish, Jim and Jan Garard, PeeWee and Vonnie Shafer, Sonny and Betty Stephan, Gene and Sue Wolter, and Kurt Kenley, through the local Sno-Bo's Club, started a snowmobile rescue team at the request of Sheriff Louis Chalich. They were sworn in as special deputies, and received badges with photo I.D. cards. Chick Steward of Pleasant Lake donated a rescue sled. They coined the term "First Responders" and were the first independent organization of its kind in the State of Minnesota; that is, they were self-governing, rather than under the supervision of a hospital or fire department.

THEY SOON RECOGNIZED THE NEED to respond to ALL medical emergencies to provide significant aid in the first critical hour after an accident. To become legitimate responders, they took advanced first aid courses and fieldwork training, and eventually took the Department of Health's Emergency Medical Technician Refresher Course to become State-certified EMT's. They went out on their first official call in May, 1978. In 1984, they became a non-profit corporation.

This group, in addition to being on call for medical emergencies of all kinds, is also dedicated to educating the community about precaution and prevention measures. For support, they depend upon donations from local organizations and individuals, as well as a number of community fund-raising events. In 1990, they began to sponsor a summer blood drive.

WITH ENHANCED 911, THE GROUP responds to an average of 130 calls each year. Extensive training and continuing education keeps them abreast of the newest technology, equipment, and procedures. In addition to the initial 110 hours of EMT training, each volunteer must renew his or her certification annually with 28 hours of continuing education, and, every two years, a 24 hour refresher course. They also have monthly training and business meetings.

TEAM MEMBERS USE THEIR OWN CARS, in which they carry a pager; radios; oxygen units; trauma kits; heart defibrillators; medications for allergic reactions, heart attacks, diabetic and asthma related emergencies; cervical spine immobilization devices; and splinting and bandaging supplies. They have dedicated themselves to responding to emergencies, and to providing professional care skillfully with sincere concern to families, friends, and tourists in the Hackensack area.