David Podruchney

            Mr. David Podruchney, a native of Roanoke, first began volunteering at the rescue squad when a friend invited him to try it out. For the next 24 years, Mr. Podruchney actively volunteered as an EMT at the Cave Spring Rescue Squad, and he hasn’t looked back since.  He eventually became a team captain. As a captain, he ensures that the vehicles are fully stocked and acts primarily as an emergency driver. The rescue squad responds to a wide variety of emergencies throughout Southwest Roanoke County, and sometimes into Salem and Roanoke City when necessary. Mr. Podruchney has managed to continue his volunteering, even while balancing time with a wife, two children, and a full time job.  

            Mr. Podruchney’s influential team works 12 to 18 hour shifts every six days. The team is continuously training to improve their skills so that they can provide quality support to those who are in need of medical assistance. But, some skills are just learned naturally through their job. Mr. Podruchney said, “[It has taught me] patience. You know, on calls you run, you can’t go in ‘guns ablaze’. You have to be controlled, thoughtful, and patient.”

            Rescue squad volunteers have an important job that requires courage and dedication. According to Mr. Podruchney, “In our line of work, we see people… when they’re at their possibly worst point – they’re injured, they’re not feeling good. We see people that need help, and we provide help.” Even through their tough job, Mr. Podruchney and his team enjoy each other, as well as the work they do. “Rescue squad becomes a second family”, says Mr. Podruchney, “It’s just like any firefighter or police officer will tell you: it’s family.” After all that time working and growing with them, and watching the program grow and change, the thought of leaving never even crossed his mind. Because of Mr. Podruchney’s continued volunteer work with the rescue squad, he’s been awarded the title of “life member,” which is given to any who volunteer for over ten years. He’s the second longest active running volunteer at the Cave Spring Rescue Squad.

            Many times, when someone is injured badly and needs medical help, the first people to respond EMTs. These EMTs are often volunteers who have humbly given up their time to serve the public. Mr. Podruchney is an inspirational and humble volunteer who has dedicated much of his life to helping those who are in dire circumstances. For Mr. Podruchney, the number one benefit of volunteering is genuinely just helping those who need it, and he doesn’t ask for anything else in return for the opportunity to do so. As he said, “It all boils down to helping others.”