The idea was concieved during a trip to an American Legion meeting in Burgaw by Linwood Williams, Shelton Kellum, Bob Hokum and Jimmy Killian. No one remembers on how the conversation began, but these four came back to Swansboro and presented the idea to the local American Legion Post.

The membership was receptive to the idea, each member donated $5.00, and Swansboro EMS/Rescue Squad was born.

The first ambulance was a Packard Hearse, doinated to the Squad by Clark's Funeral Home of Maysville, now Sayland Funeral Home. This ambulance along with Swansboro's fire truck, was housed at the old community building near Licko's insurance.

Tne Training at the time was, the basic first aid course. The first Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) requirement began in 1973. The first EMT course was taught by doctors from both Onslow Memorial Hospital and Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital. Swansboro's first EMT course began at the Episcopal Church and was moved to the Methodist Church.

Present day training consists of a 166 hour classroom training and 12 hours in service training at the emergency room and with Onslow County EMS, to become a EMT. To remain certified, a minimum of 36 hours in service training is required each year and members have to recertify every four years.

The first Officers of the rescue Squad were, Walter Keagy, Chief; Gaither Jones, Secretary; and Leary Stanley, Captain.

Mrs. Bill Kay was the first patient transported by the Rescue Squad. This transport was made by Gaither Jones and Leary Stanley to Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital. The first baby delivered enroute to the hospital was delivered by Betsy Yentzer and C.B. Phillips.

The Rescue Squad and Fire Dept remained together in teh same building until 1972. On November 27, 1972, a special meeting was held by the American Legion, to discuss the donating of land to the Swansboro Rescue Squad. The property that the Squad now occupies was donated by the Swansboro Post of the American Legion.

The Swansboro EMS/Rescue Squad now has 27 members, 2 ambulances, 1 mass casuality vehicle, 1 heavy rescue crash truck, 1 quick response vehicle, 2 water rescue boats, and 1 jet ski for water rescue. The squad has come a long way since 1961 and 1 ambulance.