On Saturday, April 27th, approximately 14 firefighters from Lineboro, as well as other departments in Carroll and Baltimore Counties, came together at River Valley Ranch on Grave Run Road in support of their annual trail half marathon running event. This is River Valley Ranch’s 4th year hosting their trail half marathon event, which saw 321 runners according to race officials, and both the Lineboro Volunteer Fire Department and River Valley Ranch were prepared.

A total of 12 automated external defibrillators, or AED’s, were placed strategically throughout the 13.1-mile long course, much of which was located in remote wooded areas with limited access. AED’s play a pivotal role in reviving a person who collapses due to cardiac arrest, a condition in which the person’s heart is no longer beating effectively or at all. In addition to the AED’s, there were also two mechanical CPR devices located throughout the course, allowing for the automation of the vitally important chest compressions.

Specialized all-terrain vehicles from the Upperco Volunteer Fire Company in Baltimore County and the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department; each equipped to move personnel, equipment, and patients through remote areas where conventional vehicles can’t go, were on hand to assist. There were also two ambulances staged at the event from the Lineboro Volunteer Fire Department and Westminster Volunteer Fire Department. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office had two deputies assigned to assist with law enforcement activities, and additional support for the event also came from the Carroll County Department of Public Safety. Units reported to River Valley Ranch at 7:00 AM and operated at the event for nearly six hours, ensuring no runner was left without adequate protection. Although no one was transported by ambulance from the event, Fire/Rescue personnel assisted on-site medical staff members with the evaluation of several runner-related illnesses and injuries.