Shortly before 7:30 p.m. July 21, phones crackled around the kitchen table at the Surf City Volunteer Fire Co. and EMS firehouse, and at once a volunteer ambulance driver along with volunteer emergency medical technicians excused themselves from the discussion to answer the call – a common, everyday scene.

DRILL BABY, DRILL: Surf City emergency medical technicians train on the KED device to be ready when a call comes. (Supplied Photos)

“I have left my family, Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving dinner, birthdays, church and any number of other events to answer the ‘call,’” said Donna McDowell, a volunteer EMT.