Teams and Assets
Marine
Marine 2 is 2006 26.5' ridged hull inflatable boat (RHIB). It is powered by twin 200 HP Yamaha outboards and is stationed at the National Park bulkhead. This is our primary marine rescue asset.
The vessel is used for assisting in water rescue and quick response to remote beaches and bays along the shores of St. John. The Marine Rescue Unit has USCG Captain License Captains and fully trained crew. The unit trains monthly to ensure proficiency with all tools and emergency medical supplies on board. St. John Rescue Marine Unit can communicate and be of assistance to any agency in the Virgin Islands, including US Coast Guard, NPS, and VITEMA.
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We offer monthly training for the Marine Unit. If you are knowledgeable in this area or are interested in learning, please consider joining us as a Responding or Supporting Member.
Dive
St. John Rescue's Public Safety Dive Team is designed to provide critical assistance in search and recovery operations for law enforcement agencies and local emergency services. The scope of public safety diving is vast, encompassing evidence preservation and the recovery of deceased individuals. Divers will undergo specialized training in evidence recovery procedures, preservation and documentation of underwater crime scenes, and identification of potential signs of foul play.
The Public Safety Dive Team comprises volunteers with diverse backgrounds and experience levels, including an ER physician, a paramedic, Advanced EMTs, EMTs, EMRs, and multiple Coast Guard licensed captains. As the sole Public Safety Dive Team in the territory, their expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the team's success. Their collective experience will enable them to optimize their efforts in protecting and supporting the local community and the territory at large.
St. John Rescue is a nonprofit organization reliant on donor generosity. Donors have provided specialized equipment, including lift bags and full-face masks with integrated communication systems.
Ropes
With St. John being located on a hilly island with inclines of over 1,500 feet, St John Rescue is often called upon to rappel down these cliffs to assist in medical cases. With no other government agencies equipped or trained in rappelling, St John Rescue is contacted for all incidents.
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The rappelling unit trains in rescue rappelling, rescue rigging, rescue hauls, rescue rappel devices, rescue knots, safety procedures and protocols, rescue gear, and emergency belaying, while also deploying emergency first-aid.
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St. John Rescue offers monthly training for the rappelling unit. If you are knowledgeable in this area, or are interested in learning, please consider joining us as a Responding or Supporting Member.
Extrication
We have Holmatro's "Jaws of Life," which are hydraulic rescue tools used for extrication in crashes, as well as from other confined spaces. There are many different types of attachments that can assist the responding unit with their mission.
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Our specialized Extrication Unit trains under the direction of certified members. ​
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We offer monthly training for the Extrication Unit. If you are knowledgeable in this area, or are interested in learning, please consider joining us as a Responding or Supporting Member.
Vehicles
Squad 1: 2002 Ford F-450
-Holmatro Jaws for Extrication
-Rappelling Equipment
-Stokes Basket and Wheel (trail removal)
-Standard Medical Equipment (First Aid and AED)
Squad 2: 2006 Ford F-350
-Dive Equipment
-Standard Medical Equipment (First Aid and AED)
Squad 3: 2006 Ford EXP
-Patient transport
-Standard Medical Equipment (First Aid and AED)
Squad 4: 2022 Chevy Tahoe, 4WD PPV
-Patient transport
-Standard Medical Equipment (First Aid and AED)
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ATV:
-Used for trail rescues.
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Many responders utilize their personal vehicles when deployed on calls. They all have St. John Rescue plates, small light bars, and will honk their horns. Please treat these as you would an ambulance: slow down or pull over for them to pass.
