Training reports, responses, and announcements. For more photos, see the Putnam County Rescue Squad Facebook page.
Posted by Putnam County Rescue Squad · June 16, 2026
Water Safety Awareness at the YMCA Summer Camp
Certified Swift Water Technician - Jon Dukes speaking to campers about water safety
Today, the Putnam County Rescue Squad Swift Water Team had the opportunity to visit the YMCA Summer Camp to talk about water safety.
We covered important safety tips for pools, lakes, rivers, and even the ocean—helping kids understand how to stay safe in and around the water.
The campers also got a hands-on look at some of the specialized equipment we use during water rescue operations, giving them a better understanding of how we respond to emergencies.
We appreciate the YMCA for inviting us out today and giving us the chance to connect with the community and share this important information!
Posted by Putnam County Rescue Squad · May 19, 2024
Official Rescue Squad Week in Tennessee
May 19–25, 2024 is the official Rescue Squad Week in Tennessee. We appreciate all the hard work and long hours that our volunteers put in to help the citizens of Putnam County and the many travelers who pass through our county every day.
Posted by Putnam County Rescue Squad · March 25, 2024
Low-Angle Rope Rescue Training at Cane Creek Park
Today the Putnam County Rescue Squad did some low-angle rope rescue training at Cane Creek Park. Rescue members, along with Putnam County Fire Department members, received a refresher on low-angle rope rescue tactics. We had several seasoned rope technicians along with newer members who wanted a better understanding before they start their rope classes. We appreciate Cane Creek Park for letting us use the area to train, and Team Leader Eddy Haynes for setting up the training. To see more pictures, check out the Putnam County Rescue Squad Facebook page.
Posted by Putnam County Rescue Squad · March 4, 2024
Seven New Members Complete New-Hire Orientation
The Putnam County Rescue Squad recently had 7 new members complete the New Hire Orientation weekend. The new-hire orientation process spans two weekends and involves classroom and field training in Extrication, the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC), Vanessa K. Free (VKF), and Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP). These new members are now certified in the basics to help their community. Some are also already trained in the medical field and will be a great asset to our Medical First Responder Program.
Posted by Putnam County Rescue Squad · January 1, 2024
Drone Unit Locates Missing Persons on Dripping Springs Road
The Putnam County Rescue Squad recently responded to the area of Dripping Springs Rd. for a missing-persons search in a densely wooded area with rugged terrain. The initial 911 caller reported multiple people lost in the woods before the call dropped out, and dispatchers were unable to reconnect.
Members of the Rescue Squad, including the newly formed Drone Unit, responded to the area where the caller's phone last pinged. An aerial unmanned drone was deployed and quickly located a person in the woods using its FLIR camera. A total of 3 subjects were located uninjured after an extended period in the woods.
The Drone Unit was funded by the Putnam County Commission through the Emergency Management Agency budget; the Rescue Squad functions as a sub-agency of EMA. The team currently comprises two FAA-licensed unmanned aircraft pilots, with several other members in the licensing process, and operates two drones with FLIR capabilities, a search light, and a loudspeaker. The drones can also drop a small payload — such as medical supplies, radios, or life jackets — to a located person while rescue teams make access and set up rescue systems.
EMA Director Brandon Smith noted the importance of the technology: the investment allowed the team to locate the missing persons within about five minutes of arriving, and to direct rescue teams safely to their location. "We now have tools that allow us to perform rescues in a fraction of the time we used to, and with safety overwatch of our rescue teams at all times," he said.
