Emergency Services at the Races CATOOSA COUNTY, GA – Saturday, June 09, 2007 – Every Friday evening during the summer people from far and near gather at Boyds Racetrack in Catoosa County, Georgia to enjoy a night of dirt track racing.  For a group of emergency services personnel, however, it is far more than just a night out.  This dedicated group of people show up every Friday night to ensure the safety of those who race.  Emergency Services people from Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue Squad, firefighters from Fort Oglethorpe Fire & Rescue and medics from Lifeguard EMS spend their night standing in the middle of the track waiting for something to occur.   These emergency services personnel are equipped to handle just about any emergency that arises.  They have a full set of “jaws” just in case they are needed.  Several of those present are EMT’s as well as the paramedics on the ambulance.  One of those in rescue also doubles as a wrecker driver so cars can be removed quickly from the track so that they don’t present a hazard longer than necessary. Assistant Chief Frank Pate from Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue, who heads up this group, explained that they know most of the regular drivers very well and are aware of most of their medical backgrounds.  He cited one example where a certain driver has broken both of his legs very badly before.  Now, if he gets in an accident, they know to ask about his legs right away.  Firefighter Bo Hammontree from Fort Oglethorpe Fire & Rescue explained how they all know most of the spots where drivers can get into trouble while racing and what to expect if something happens in that particular area.  He cited one area where it is possible for a car to go into a small water area and another where a large hole looms close by should they go off the track. On one recent Friday night, one of the race cars rolled over while racing.  Emergency Services personnel were on top of the car within seconds.  Within a minute or two the driver was assessed, removed from the vehicle and the vehicle was removed from the track so that racing could continue. This small group of men and women enjoy what they are doing and provide a very valuable service for those who enjoy racing.