Virginia State Emergency Medical Services Museum

"To the Rescue"

Roanoke, Virginia

Adopted in 1994

To the Rescue, the only permanent national museum dedicated to volunteer lifesaving, brings an international spotlight to Roanoke as the birthplace of the rescue squad movement. It was adopted as Virginia's State Emergency Medical Services Museum.

Julian Stanley Wise never forgot when, as a 9-year-old Roanoker, he stood helplessly by as two men drowned when their canoe capsized on the Roanoke River. He vowed then that he would organize a group of volunteers who could be trained in lifesaving. He did.

In 1928 he and his crew of N&W Railway workers became the first volunteer rescue squad in America to use lifesaving, rescue and first aid techniques on victims. Later, they were the first to use iron lungs during the polio epidemics that struck the country. They pioneered the Nielson method of lifesaving and modern-day cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Famous museum expert Conover Hunt, a Virginia native whose major project was The Sixth Floor, the JFK Museum in Dallas, oversaw the creation of the exhibit, which includes dramatic hands-on interactive videos and displays. The quality and brilliance shows. The exhibit includes artifacts from 31 states and three countries. To the Rescue also houses the VA Hall of Fame. Additionally, exhibits include the National EMS Memorial, recognizing 99 men and women from 30 states who gave their lives while saving others. Hours of operation are 10 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday and 1 to 6 PM Sunday. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for
 

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