By SORS Volunteer Margot Lester
When the community needs us the most, our volunteers show up ready to serve. You see our ambulances zipping around the County to provide emergency medical services or maybe you’ve been to one of our free CPR or Stop the Bleed classes.
One division you may not be familiar with is our Technical Rescue Team (TRT). Like all our divisions, this group of 40 volunteers is highly trained, participating in monthly skill-building, continuing medical education and simulations. TRT provides specialized services such as swiftwater and land search and rescue, plus high-angle and large animal rescues. These volunteers work primarily here in Orange County — including playing a crucial role in our community’s response to Tropical Depression Chantal, working at several sites to evacuate residents and locate missing persons. The team is also frequently called in to assist other emergency services providers across the state.
Earlier this year, long-time Assistant Chief Josh Asbill stepped down from leading this elite crew. We, as squad members and community residents, are so grateful for Josh’s leadership and service. This month, we introduce you to the TRT’s new leader, Assistant Chief Scott Laster. In addition to being a six-year TRT volunteer, he’s a partner at a lobbying firm in Raleigh that provides government relations services.
SORS Assistant Chief Scott Laster during a recent training session.
Meet more SORS volunteers!
What’s the most rewarding thing about serving on TRT and why?
I think the most rewarding thing about serving on TRT is working alongside such dedicated people who are giving of their time and energy serving our community. We train extensively because serving our community is our passion. It’s an incredible honor to be chosen by the team to serve as Assistant Chief. I am so very proud of them and love that I get to be their AC!
The TRT is highly regarded by emergency response organizations across the state. Why do you think that’s so?
We are an all-volunteer team that dedicates hundreds of hours a year to training so that we are ready to answer the call. Our team has earned the trust of the community through years of service and response, showing the level of training we put in every month. We take pride in being ready to serve at any time — day or night, 24/7 — alongside our local public safety partners whenever specialized rescue capabilities are needed.
Read more about how we collaborate with other agencies.
What’s the most common local-area situation TRT responds to?
The most common call for our team is land search and rescue, which can happen in both urban and rural settings. Folks can lower the likelihood of needing us by telling someone when you head out for a walk and letting them know your route and how long you may be out. If it doesn’t feel right and you are not comfortable about a situation, then turn around! And if you get lost, stay put! Someone will find you before you get deeper into the woods.
TRT is most frequently called out for land search and rescue operations. Photo by SORS Chief Matthew Mauzy
Get more tips to help you avoid needing to call 9-1-1.
Sadly, there have been some drownings this summer. What are your top water safety tips?
Never swim alone, know your capabilities and always wear a lifejacket if you are in a boat! And since we’ve had some recent flooding, also please be careful and remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”.
What should people interested in joining TRT know?
Serving on TRT requires commitment, teamwork, and a willingness to continually train and learn. Anyone interested should visit sors.us/TRT!
Your donations help support the work of TRT and our other divisions. Please consider making a gift today. Thank you
All photos courtesy South Orange Rescue Squad.
The South Orange Dispatch is a monthly column on Chapelboro by the South Orange Rescue Squad: an all volunteer, 501c3 non-profit providing EMS and technical rescue services in the Carrboro-Chapel Hill area of Orange County since 1971.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.
The South Orange Dispatch: Meet Our New Technical Rescue Team Leader, Scott Laster Chapelboro.com.
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