Proud To Be Of Service On Game Day

By Beth Roy

On a beautiful fall Saturday with the sun shining brightly and rust colored leaves dotting the pavement, a crowd begins to walk toward Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. It’s game day for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and as the football team enters the stadium to the sounds of the marching band, there is another team gearing up to go. Each and every game day, the American Red Cross provides medical services to assist the 85,000 fans attending this sporting event. With first aid stations located in the southeast corner, upper concourse, northwest concourse and at club level, it is a big job.

FAST volunteers at a University of Nebraska-Lincoln football game.

The American Red Cross First Aid Services Team (FAST) has been providing medical services in Lincoln, Nebraska, since 1937.  What is truly unique is that FAST is completely led and staffed by a contingent of volunteers. These dedicated individuals provide first aid services and are there to ensure a safe experience for all attendees. The FAST volunteers not only support the University of Nebraska Memorial Stadium events but also have a presence at these venues in Lincoln: Bob Devaney Sports Center, Pinnacle Bank Arena, Pinewood Bowl Theater, Haymarket Park, Lincoln Saltdogs baseball club and the Lincoln Stars Hockey team home.

The volunteer contingent is led by Todd Shapland, who is himself a volunteer. The team comprises a roster of over 100 dedicated individuals. Each one must have certifications that are current in CPR/AED training, basic life support training and bloodborne pathogens. When the FAST volunteers arrive at an event, they are ready and willing to help. Their efforts may include providing bandages, ice packs or the lifesaving act of CPR until the medical team arrives. The crew ranges in age from 18 to 70+. Each contact they have during their shift is documented. Some of the volunteers come from the campus Red Cross program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This volunteer experience for students provides them with a unique opportunity.

FAST volunteers providing first aid services at a Lincoln Air Show.

Krystal Steward, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Serving Southeast Nebraska, described the significant scope of this volunteer-led initiative. “In one year, the FAST team of volunteers participated in 355 events. This included 110 volunteers contributing 7,023 hours to support the community.”

Steward noted the camaraderie of the team and that they “choose to spend free time doing this work.” One volunteer has been part of FAST for over 30 years. Certainly, friends and neighbors living in Lincoln see the work of the American Red Cross each time they attend one of these events.

To recruit new FAST volunteers, cards are distributed to interested individuals during events. Additionally, each year, one FAST volunteer is recognized at halftime of one of the game. During that same game, a “pass the bucket” fundraiser for the Red Cross is held to generate donations. All funds collected support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services.

Steward noted her pride in seeing this team work seamlessly together, and she acknowledged they are a “band of people that gel together.” The team is always looking for new volunteer recruits. Learn more at redcross.org/volunteer!