Women Build the Foundation for OWL VFD’s Emergency Medical Services

Women Build the Foundation for OWL VFD’s Emergency Medical Services

In the early 1970s, Cardiac Techs were assigned to stations in Prince William County, but during daytime hours, they needed a driver. At the time, OWL VFD’s members were all men and they worked during the day. Several members of OWL VFD’s Women’s Auxiliary, who were available during daytime hours, answered the call for help. According to our historical records,  several OWL VFD Auxiliary Members were becoming First Aid Certified. Meeting minutes dated, July 4, 1972, state, “The women were put to a test with a surprise fake accident and did a very good job. The Chief (Roger T. Furr) stated that he is in favor of the women 100%. After a lengthy discussion, a motion made by Mr. Harding, second by Mr. Wilder, vote carried. Women will run rescue in O.W.L.” On October 6, 1972, women were welcomed to serve as operational members. They attended an American Red Cross basic first aid class and served as Ambulance drivers for the Cardiac Techs. While on-call, they took the ambulance home and a dispatcher would reach them by calling their home phone number when help was needed.

Artie Frederick was among the first group of women to become operational members of OWL VFD. She explained, “It was a community effort. If you were still on a call when your children came home from school, a neighbor would provide care until you got home.”

The ladies were referred to as Aides. When Fort Belvoir’s DeWitt Army Hospital began offering EMT classes, the ladies became some of OWL VFD’s first EMTs.