Pickup truck to carry deceased is all volunteers have

This is being written in reference to the Our Readers Write letter in the Dec 21, 2011, edition of the Roane County News.

The letter being referred to was titled “Pickup Sent to Drive Away Dead Man Not Appreciated.”

First, being members of the Roane County Rescue Squad, we would like to extend our sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

Never in the past, present, or future will any member of our organization say or do anything intentionally to disgrace or shame anyone, whether they be rich or poor.

Evidently in this situation, there were feelings of shame and disgrace so the Rescue Squad offers an apology to those affected.

We are a group of volunteers who strive to assist our community in a time of need and truly felt what we were doing would be appreciated.

As to the reason this duty has been placed on the Rescue Squad is not clear.

The residents of Roane County can rest assured that if the Rescue Squad indeed ends up transporting every deceased person to the hospital, then a more appropriate vehicle will be utilized. At the present time, a pickup truck is all we have available.

As stated in the letter to the editor, it is a pickup with a camper; however, the windows are dark tinted so the ability to see in is greatly reduced and it is equipped with a stretcher and locking mechanism to secure the stretcher.

There are no extrication tools or supplies carried on this vehicle.

It has always been utilized for transporting deceased victims, although before it was just in special circumstances.

Now with the county’s new policy taking place, we are being asked to do more such pickups.

Truthfully, we were not ready as there are many legal issues to be addressed before a commitment can be made.

In the meantime, when called upon to assist a family in our community, the Rescue Squad will respond.

Our members have in the past and will continue to handle the victims in a respectful manner.

Our conduct and attitude has and will be of such to convey sympathies and respect to family members.

This has been our method throughout the years and will continue.

As stated earlier, we offer to help the entire community both rich and poor in a time of need and wish to continue doing so.

Once again we offer our sympathies and condolences not only to this family and their friends, but to all that we have assisted prior to and since this incident.

Eddie Jones, captain
Roane County Rescue Squad