3rd Quarter LIFELINE

Virginia

LIFELINE

3rd Quarter 2017 The Official Publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads

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From the VAVRS Vice President Scott Davis Hello fellow members of the VAVRS. WOW…it’s that time of year again, that we will meet at Virginia Beach for our annual Conference, it feels like we just left.

I would first like to thank you, the members of the VAVRS for allowing me to serve you the last 2 years as the Vice President of your Association. The last 2 years have been great and I think that we have come a long way as an Association. We were able to make the needed adjustments to the membership status and help expand our membership base. We have embraced the future and started moving the Association to electronic world that we live in. Some of the challenges we have faced have been hard, some have been painful but I have always been able to count on you to do the right thing and keep the Association moving toward the future and not be afraid of progress.

It has been my pleasure to serve you over the years and I look forward to the future. I remember starting as a junior member and the mentors I had as a junior always pointing me in the right direction. I then moved to helping train at the district level at which point I was asked to join the Rescue College Committee which I served on for 8 years. Joining the Rescue College Committee sparked my interest and helped lead me down the path to being an officer. I was excited to serve as the Alternate District Vice President for 2 years then move right to the District Vice President. The real eye opener and position that has fueled the fire for me to move forward in office was my 2 years as Training Officer. Being Training Officer gave me the drive and passion to want to lead your Association into the future. I then spent my 2 years as Secretary trying to learn as much about all the offices of the Association and began developing ideas and plans for the future.

These last 2 years as your Vice President we have tried to start implementing some of those improvements such as with the membership status and our progress with current technologies.

Last year I was humbled by receiving Life Membership of this Association. I thank you and am grateful for the honor.

We still have work to do, and as your President and with your help, I know we can accomplish great things in the future.

I will be seeking the office of President of the VAVRS, and ask for your support to keep moving your Association forward.

Thank you– Scott Page

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2016-2017 VAVRS Officers President Kim Craig Vice President Scott Davis Secretary Connie Moore Treasurer Tarry Pribble Training Officer Greg Burton Chaplain Gary Dalton Chaplain Emeritus Page Entsminger Historian Frank Smith Immediate Past President Rickey Hodge Chief Rescue Officer Bubby Bish Editor Karen Wagner Parliamentarian Steve Southworth Facilities Manager George Langford Legal Advisor Mary Malone Medical Advisor James R. Dudley, MD, MBA

District 1 Vice President Patrick Scott District 2 Vice President Carolyn White District 3 Vice President Chris Snyder District 5 Vice President Jason Morgan District 6 Vice President Scottie Adams District 7 Vice President Curtis Crawford District 8 Vice President Thomas Tomlin District 9 Vice President Ruth Johnson District 10 Vice President Wesley Melson Training Coordinator Kathy Eubank Office Assistant Cindy Bailey Bookkeeper Cynthia Babb Lobbyist Ed Rhodes

2016-2017 VAVRS Committee Chairs Membership Scott Davis Human Resources Scott Davis Bylaws Bruce Stratton Life Membership Steve Davis Publication Karen Wagner Conference Tarry Pribble Conference Co Chair Bubby Bish Finance Tarry Pribble Future Vision Ken Morgan Future Vision Co Chair Mac McGuire EMS Advisory Board Valeta Daniels EMS Advisory Board Dreama Chandler

Rescue College Wayne Myers New Course Development Cecil Leach Scholarship Greg Burton Public Relations Social Media Wesley Melson Recruitment & Retention Wesley Melson Rescue Hall of Fame Lin Matthews EMS Exchange Kevin Dillard Legislative Bubby Bish Information Technology Steve Ayers Volunteer Management Chair David Tesh Volunteer Management Co Chair Walter Stephens Nominating Kevin Dillard

2016-2017 VAJVRS Officers President Bradley Hancock Vice President Adarah Williams Secretary/Treasurer Cara Beasley Historian Brandon Propst Chaplain Makayla McMahan Advisor Chair Alfred Smith Advisor Brandon Baugus Advisor Kim Melson Advisor Emily Pittman

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District 1 Vice President District 3 Vice President District 5 Vice President District 6 Vice President District 6 Vice President District 7 Vice President District 9 Vice President District 10 Vice President

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Kalee Stevenson Cara Beasley Tyler McGaughey Bradley Hancock Toby Akers Jr. Adarah Williams Alice Becker Emily Laveroni

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2016-2017 AVAVRS Officers President - Harry Householder Vice President - Ailease Short Secretary - Marie Householder Treasurer - Fay Browning Chaplain - Linda Berkstresser Historian - Valarie Becker Parliamentarian - Nancy Winner

Immediate Past President - Fern Puckett Midwestern Vice President Dolores Hudson Northeastern Vice President Maxine Kerns Southcentral Vice President Vicki Arnold Southeastern Vice President Elsie Butler Southwestern Vice President Diane Haga Western Vice President Debbie Rohr

2016-2017 AVAVRS Committee Chairs Conference Fern Puckett Conference Ruth Swicegood Nominating Donna Porter Life Membership Jean Garrett Emergency Care John Dimino Resolutions Nancy Winner

From your Editor...

Karen D. Wagner

Membership Ailease Short Finance Fay Browning Roll Call Laura Booze Roll Call Clara Craig Fundraising Stacey Frame Fundraising Tracey Frame

Deadline for the Upcoming Issues of the VIRGINIA LIFELINE

Welcome to the pages of the LIFELINE, the Official Publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads.

Articles may be submitted by any member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS and VAJVRS. Feature articles are encouraged. Photos and/or graphics are acceptable and can be returned if requested.

As summer winds down and school days are just ahead, it is a special time of year for the VAVRS. IT IS CONFERENCE TIME!

Contact the VAVRS Editor at editor@vavrs.com if you need assistance submitting to the publication.

Make sure you pick up a copy of the Conference Issue of the LIFELINE at the registration booth when you arrive at conference. The issue will include a listing of the conference activities, educational opportunities, locations and times as well as special coupons for discounts around the beach. Please take advantage of early registration for CE classes. See Page 11 of this issue for a complete listing.

Deadline for future issues are as follows: Oct 1, 2017 for the 4th Quarter 2017 Issue Jan 1, 2018 for the 1st Quarter 2018 Issue April 1, 2018 for the 2nd Quarter 2018 Issue July 1, 2018 for the 3rd Quarter 2018 Issue Aug 1, 2018 for the Conference 2018 Issue Oct 1, 2018 for the 4th Quarter 2018 Issue Advertising Rates:

Remember, thousands browse the pages of this publication on-line from around the world.

You can too, by opening the LIFELINE link at www.vavrs.com.

Member Squads…,…......no charge

“The VAVRS is your LIFELINE to EMS”

Quarter Page……………....$100.00

Full Page…………………..$ 275.00 Half Page………………..…$150.00 Business Card……………..$ 50.00

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Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad Submitted by Jim Cromer On April 20, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce presented three Squad members with Unit Citations for “unusual judgment, zeal, ingenuity and bravery.”

On one call, EMTs Lauren Hunt and Christopher Ritz were dispatched to assist Round Hill on the Appalachian Trail with the Gator. Because of the terrain, the Gator was not able to reach the patient’s location. Instead they gathered up gear, walked with the Round Hill ambulance crew and assisted with patient care. The crew had to carry the patient two and a half miles to an awaiting ambulance. EMT Ritz said to a reporter at the Chamber of Commerce event: “I’m ecstatic. I actually got the award before I was even a member of my company for a year.”

Paramedic Michael Shivik also received a Unit Citation, for another call on the Appalachian Trail. While running as the Western Loudoun County regional ALS provider, he was dispatched for a patient experiencing heatstroke and actively seizing. Mike and an assistant carried all the ALS equipment they needed to provide care. Using a Stokes basket and ropes, the patient was lifted to a hovering helicopter and transported to the appropriate care facility. The patient made a full recovery and expressed his appreciation to Mike at the ceremony.

Valuable lessons were learned from both calls. The Squad is now looking into purchasing a chainsaw and rope rescue equipment for the Gator to help extricate victims in difficult terrain.

In other news, at long last the lot next to the building is ours. We will now have the ability to provide more parking for our members. It took two years to get this transaction done, but it will be worth it. The Building and Expansion committee, led by Past President Glenn Kaupin, is working on hiring a contractor specializing in fire and EMS stations to conduct proper site work and possibly expand the station building to meet the needs of the Squad for many more years.

The Squad’s annual Open House was held May 20, kicking off EMS week. A prize wheel, a 911 simulator, face painting, kids’ games, ambulance tours and a magic show focusing on EMS and fire safety were some of the exhibits the Squad staffed. We even staffed a membership drive table. The members were kept busy with the many families that attended our event that day. Special thanks to the members of the Open House Committee for another wonderful event.

To cap off a busy month, during the Memorial Day weekend the squad provided tickets and dinner for members and their families to attend a Frederick Keys baseball game at Nymeo Field in Frederick, Maryland. After the game, those that attended got to see fireworks. As we have done for many years, this event provided members with good food and fellowship. Our members continue to show the community we serve – and each other – that they are important to us.

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ODEMSA Agency of the Year Southside VA Emergency Crew Submitted by Bee Betts The Southside Virginia Emergency Crew (SVEC) was honored to receive an award for Outstanding EMS Agency in the Old Dominion Emergency Medical Service Alliance (ODEMSA) region. This award was voted on and bestowed upon SVEC by members of other EMS organizations in the ODEMSA region.

ODEMSA is one of 11 Regional EMS Councils established within the Code of Virginia to coordinate EMS. Created in 1980, ODEMSA is charged by law "with the development and implementation of an efficient and effective regional emergency medical services delivery system" to include the regional coordination of emergency medical disaster planning and response.

The Old Dominion EMS Alliance is defined as the 9,000-square-mile region made up of Virginia Planning Districts 13, 14, 15 and 19. The region involves 17 acute care hospitals and the counties of: Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charles City, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Halifax, Hanover, Henrico, Goochland, Greensville, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, New Kent, Nottoway, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Surry, Sussex; the cities of Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell, Petersburg, Richmond, and South Boston; and the towns of Ashland, Farmville and South Hill.

When Southside Virginia Emergency Crew (SVEC) was formed in May 1945 it provided first aid and emergency care to the citizens of the City of Petersburg, Virginia as well as the surrounding localities (Prince (Continued on page 9)

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George County, Dinwiddie County, Chesterfield County, and Cities of Colonial Heights and Hopewell). Over the ensuing 75 years those localities formed their own EMS systems. Currently SVEC primarily responds to 911 emergency calls in the City of Petersburg but continues to assist other jurisdictions when our services are requested.

Since 1989, SVEC combined career personnel and volunteers to serve as a primary EMS agency for the City of Petersburg answering over 3000 EMS calls for service that year. Today 16 full time Advanced and Basic Life support personnel staff two advanced life support units 24/7. Volunteer members augment the career staff by staffing extra units, covering public safety events, and covering vacancies on the primary units. This unique combination of career staff and volunteer members allows experienced providers to train and support new providers ensuring quality EMS providers for the future.

When the idea of forming SVEC was conceived, the highest level of training available was first aid. Through the subsequent years, training has advanced and so has the certification levels of our providers. Currently SVEC has 23 providers certified at the paramedic level, 7 certified as intermediate level providers, and 18 certified as EMTs. For many years SVEC relied on private donations as a primary source of income but as times changed so did the ability to rely heavily on donations. The City of Petersburg budgeted SVEC with money to provide 911 service to its citizens but in recent years the amount of funding had decreased by 40%. In 1996, SVEC began billing for service. Revenue from transportation became our primary source of income.

In July 2016 the City of Petersburg was struggling financially and with its leadership. Although SVEC, had been and continued to be an integral part of the city’s emergency response plan, discussion regarding the continued financial funding of SVEC and its role in the daily response to emergency situations ensued. Due to visions and hopes of a past city manager and the Petersburg Fire Administration personnel, Petersburg Fire and Emergency Services (PFES) had begun responding to about 40% of the emergency calls for service two year earlier. This sudden decrease in call volume and number of transports adversely affected the financial stability of SVEC. The future of SVEC was in jeopardy.

During the next year, dedicated SVEC volunteers, career staff, administration, and Board of Trustees members rallied to support one another, formulate a Memorandum of Understanding with PFES, inform the public of the important role SVEC plays in the community, and continued business as usual responding to over 5000 calls for service. The unfaltering positive attitude of staff and volunteers kept moral high and interaction with citizens professional. The trust employees and volunteers placed in the Board of Trustees and the administration to work for the best possible future for SVEC bonded the members and formed a more cohesive group of providers.

It was that dedication and unwavering devotion to SVEC and the citizens of the City of Petersburg by the members and Board of Trustees that merits the recognition of Outstanding EMS Agency in the ODEMSA region. Without the countless hours campaigning to the city government for recognition and financial support for the essential service SVEC provides the City of Petersburg, the guidance provided by the leaders of the organization, the numerous hours providers spent covering trucks when staffing dwindled, and the enthusiasm of new volunteers a future for SVEC would not have existed. Today SVEC is an organization that continues to evolve into but 21st century buts looks to our past to for examples of dedication, perseverance, and ways service to the community it serves.

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Do you need CE? Are you Coming to the 2017 VAVRS Conference?

Well STOP RIGHT HERE Here’s what you’ve been looking for our 2017 Conference Educational Events and Seminar Offerings.

Every year at the annual VAVRS Conference 100’s of providers take advantage of the educational opportunities offered as a part of our conference package to all registered attendees.

Were you aware that certification classes like PHTLS, DICO, Farm Machinery Extrication, Mental Health Awareness, just to name a few, are offered at conference? Maybe you want to expand your certifications, need an alphabet class, need to renew or secure a certification to meet compliance, then you want to sign up to attend this conference and get your education on!

Here’s what you do…. The grid below provides you with a basic listing of the classes being offered.

All you need to do is go online to www.vavrs.com, click on the link marked 2017 Educational Program Conference Final . When the document opens you will see a full listing of the classes being offered, this will include the description of the course, dates offered, times, and location, everything is right at your fingertips. Once you choose the classes you would like to take, open the registration page and complete it.

It Can’t be any Easier Than This.

Some classes are limited for attendance and the word is out so don’t wait around SIGN UP TODAY

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VAVRS Adds Mental Health Awareness To Cadre of Training Programs July 2017...The first offering of Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety will take place at the 2017 VAVRS Conference. The class will be taught by Scott Davis and Steve Southworth. Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training helps you identify, understand and respond to the signs of addiction and mental illnesses. With suicide increasing at an alarming rate among EMS personal in the past 5 years, the VAVRS wanted to take action to help prevent these needless tragedies. By attending this training providers will learn to recognize the most common signs of those in trouble. The training will also help the provider recognize their own health status and how and where to turn for assistance. See registration form for dates and times the course will be offered.

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AVAVRS Nominating Committee Report Submitted by Donna S. Porter, 2017 AVAVRS Nominating Committee Chair This is a 2017 AVAVRS Slate of Officers: President - Ailease Short - Bensley-Bermuda Auxiliary – Southeastern District Vice President - Fay Browning - Henrico Auxiliary - Southeastern District Treasurer - Elsie Butler – Henrico Auxiliary – Southeastern District Chaplain - Clara Craig – Bassett Auxiliary – Southcentral District Historian - Linda Berkstresser – Lexington Auxiliary – Western District Reminder: If you would like to nominate someone from the floor to run for an office, read the following rules from the AVAVRS Constitution-Section 1, D. 3.

Nominations from the floor shall be accepted at the first Business Meeting (Friday) and will be voted on at the final Business Meeting (Saturday). A resume of the nominee's work on local, district and state levels shall be presented in writing to the State Nominating Committee Chair prior to the first Business Meeting, with a statement of willingness to run for that office, signed by the nominee.

I mailed the 2017 Slate of Officers along with their resumes and nomination letters to my Committee members who are the District Secretaries. I emailed State Secretary, Marie Householder, the Slate of Officers and she emailed out to all Officers and Auxiliaries.

Thank you to my mentor, Ruth Swicegood, for her guidance in helping me in this position as Nominating Committee Chair. Also, thanks to Marie and others that have helped me along the way. See you at the Conference. Take care & God bless you

VAVRS CALENDAR OF EVENTS VAVRS Conference - September 27 - 30, 2017—Virginia Beach Virginia EMS Symposium - November 8-12, 2017-Norfolk

2017 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS August 19, 2017 - VA Beach Resort—Executive Meeting & Convention Meeting September 28, 2017 - VA Beach Convention Center 10:00 am November 4, 2017 - Location TBD

VAVRS Nominating Committee Report Submitted by Kevin Dillard, 2017 VAVRS Nominating Committee Chair The VAVRS Nominating Committee brings forth the following individuals for the positions listed: President - Cecil Leach Vice President - Connie Moore Secretary - Wesley Melson Treasurer - Wayne Rapp Training Officer - Curtis Crawford Chaplain - Gary Dalton

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The Chaplain Connection Corner Submitted by Gary Dalton, VAVRS Chaplain Agencies and Members, please send information regarding VAVRS members that have passed away between September 1, 2016 and August 31, 2017 to the VAVRS Chaplain - chaplain@vavrs.com.

Below is a list of the names that have been submitted to date: (Names are listed in alphabetical order)

It is my belief that we all need inspiration and reinforcement for what we do.

Ronald Wayne Alsup – St Charles VRS Larry K. Brie – Clifton Forge RS

Whether we are volunteering for the local rescue squad or fire department or serving our communities as a public service employees, we need to be reminded about what the Word says about what we do.

Nicholas James Briganti – LifeCare MT and Chancellor VF&R Ferdinando “Fred” Broccolo – Chancellor VF&R Russell Charles Brungard – Greater Manassas RS Aux Virginia Wharton Coppedge – Madison County RS Ruth P. Vtipil Dalton – Hopewell Emergency Crew

Here are two of my favorite bible verses that speak to God’s purpose and expectation for us to serve others. Enjoy!

Eugene Tildon Edmonds Sr. - Renan VFD Dennis Lee Edwards – Brunswick VRS Thomas Ackie Gwaltney – Surry VRS Edward Raymond “Eddie” Hall – Westmoreland County VRS

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10

Ian Thomas Johns – LifeCare MT Elva Ray “Ray” Johnson – Forest View RS Aux Carol Kenney - West Hanover VRS Aux Georgia Ann Coffelt Kerns – Shawnee FD

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Constance “Connie” Klopsis – Colonial Beach VRS Henri G. Moore Jr. – Hanover Fire and EMS Madeline T Spain Moore – Chase City RS Auxiliary James Wallace “Jimmy” Musselman IV – Colonial Beach VRS Charles Kenton Nicely – Lexington LS & FAC / FD Deacon Louis I. Pettigrew Jr. – Concord RS Larry Francis Rhodes – Southside Virginia EC Elsie Lee Rinker – Millwood Station F&R Aux John Jerry Robertson - Renan VFD Betty Jo “BJ” Rohr – Staunton-Augusta FA & RS James Eugene Sowder – Blacksburg RS Christine English Spicer – Fredericksburg RS Aux Ruth Guffey Steadman – Bristol LSC Aux Sherri Strader – Stuarts Draft RS Herman Eugene “Gene” Wells – Southside Virginia EC Charles K. “Chuck” White – Henrico VRS

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District 3—Cindy Swann, District Historian Our last district Meeting was held at Southside Virginia Emergency Crew. We had a pretty good turnout.

We had a very special recognition for Carroll Hawkes. Virginia Delegate Kirk Cox presented Elsie Hawkes with a framed copy of a resolution passed by the Virginia Legislature recognizing the late Carroll Hawkes for his over fifty years of service to the Southside Virginia Emergency Crew and the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Carroll joined Southside Emergency Crew in Petersburg in 1961. During his time with the squad he served as Captain, Second Lt. of Training and Equipment. He also served on the Junior Squad’s Board of Directors and the Senior Squad’s Board of Trustees. Carroll was District 3 Vice President and Secretary. He also served as VAVRS Vice President and President. He was president for two years from 1987 to 1989. While president, Carroll served on the committee which helped establish the “To the Rescue” Museum In Roanoke, Virginia and the Rescue Hall of Fame. Carroll was appointed to the Governor’s EMS Advisory Board by Governor Chuck Robb and served for 5 years.

It was great to have Kim Craig, VAVRS President, attend our meeting. Thank you Kim for joining us. Cindy Bailey, VAVRS Office Assistant and member of Manchester Rescue Squad was able to join us. Valeta Daniels did training on Cardiac STEMI As always had a great class.

EVOC Competition- Andy Neagle had enough people to have competition. Kathy Eubank took third place, Anneta Baxley took second place and Bubby Bish took first place. Congratulations to the three of you.

Lara Baker has been District 3 Secretary for 20 years and needed a break. Lara has done a great job and we thank her for the great job she has done as our secretary and for all of the other help she has given us. We welcomed our new secretary, Ryan Scarbrough. Ryan is with Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Congratulation to Tina Neagle, who won the 50 – 50 raffle.

We want t to thank Southside Emergency Crew for their hospitality and a great meal.

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National EMS Memorial Bike Ride Submitted by Sue Connors LifeCare PIO Twenty-eight honorees were added to the list of line of duty deaths in EMS at this year’s National EMS Memorial Service.

This weekend of honor also included two legs of the east coast route of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride (NEMSMBR) which serves to memorialize those EMS providers who died in the line of duty, as well as celebrate the lives of those who serve every day and those who have become sick or injured while performing their duties. Their NEMSMBR’s vision is to “see recognition of EMS as a profession, a reduction in debilitating injuries and Line of Duty Death (LODD) in EMS and a national EMS accountability system.” Additionally, it is their hope that “these events will focus attention on the accomplishments of all EMS personnel, and educate the community at large about the need for improved safety standards, injury prevention, disability tracking and death benefits for EMS personnel and their families.

The east coast route of the NEMSMBR began in Boston, Massachusetts on May 13th and arrived in Arlington, Virginia on May 19th to attend the National EMS Memorial Service the following day. On May 21st, they bicyclists continued their trip south and completing the southern tour in Richmond, Virginia on May 23rd.

Upcoming rides include their June 26th through 30th Midwest ride from Chicago, Illinois to Twin Cities, Minnesota. Their July 25th through the 28th ride will begin in Fort Collins, Colorado and finish in Littleton, Colorado where they will attend the National Air Medical Memorial Service on July 29th. Their final ride of the year will take place September 25th through the 30th when they travel their west coast route from Reno, Nevada to San Francisco, California.

On their east coast ride, the NEMSMBR bicyclists finished their May 21st leg in Fredericksburg, Virginia where they were hosted for dinner by LifeCare Medical Transports and Mary Washington Hospital. Eleven cyclists (Continued on page 17)

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and members of their support team traveled approximately 50 miles from Arlington, Virginia to the Fick Center on the campus of Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

Several cyclists continued riding through the parking lot of the Fick Center to meet their own individual personal challenges of clocking 50 miles for the day. “It was humbling to witness the dedication and physical perseverance of these cyclists as they rode into the parking lot of Mary Washington Hospital,” shared Kevin Dillard, President and CEO of LifeCare Medical Transports. He added, “And it was our privilege to provide them with a meal after all they have done and continue to do to bring awareness to communities across the nation of the dangers faced by our emergency medical services providers.”

Inside the Fick Center, before the meal was served, the NEMSMBR team members, joined LifeCare Medical Transports and Mary Washington Hospital employees, friends and families, and listened in silence as each of this year’s National EMS Memorial Service honorees’ names were read … each followed by the toll of a bell.

A trumpeter then played Taps which was followed by a moment of silence. These solemn actions served to remind all of those present the reason why these members of the NEMSMBR do what they do. After a hearty meal and pleasant comradery, members of the NEMSMBR team posed for a group shot with representatives of LifeCare and Mary Washington Hospital. The LifeCare bus transported the cyclists to their hotel for the night where they would rest before the next leg of their journey to Richmond.

Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad Acquires the Volunteer Fire Department Station 5 Submitted by John V. Hilliard, Jr. When Lin Matthews thinks back to his early days at the Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad, responding to emergency calls out of a converted horse stable on Grove Road, he recalls the smell. “On a hot day you still knew it was a horse stable”, says Matthews a 52 year veteran with the rescue squad and a retired Captain with the Chesterfield County Police Department.

So it was with a sense of history that Mathews participated in the year long renovation of its newest home: the old Midlothian Station 5 Firehouse on US Route 60. The rescue squad has spent the last year undertaking a large scale renovation of the building, including giving it a new roof, flooring, kitchen and living quarters and repainting most of the building. And don’t get Lin Matthews started on what the vehicle bay used to look like. “ For lack of a better word it was a dungeon”, says Matthews who serves as Station 5 project manager. Station 5 is one of three stations operated by the Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad with 80 members. The squad, which was founded in 1955, operates 6pm to 6 am Monday through Friday and from 6pm Friday evening through 6am Monday on weekends. The rescue squad fields roughly 60 to 70 calls a week Matthews says and is always looking for volunteers.

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On Sunday May 7th, the first ever “Rock The Squads” event was held at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach.

This event recognized the operational and support team volunteers, retired volunteers and families members for the service provided by the rescue squad volunteers to the City of Virginia Beach.

The volunteers gathered on the side of Mount Trashmore for a group photo.

Afterwards everyone gathered together for lunch, listen to some awesome music and took the opportunity to chat with EMS friends from around the city as well as catch up with old friends from days gone by.

During the afternoon the public was invited to meet the volunteers, check out the emergency equipment, the food trucks on hand and soak up the music.

Funding for “Rock the Squads was provided via a partnership with the City of Virginia Beach, local and regional businesses and non-profit organizations.

Photos and storyline provided by Bobby Hill Life Member Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad

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An event held in Virginia Beach Photos and article by Bobby Hill Page

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Danville Life Saving Crew Celebrates Submitted by Joan Smoot, District 5 Historian On June 30, 2017 the Danville Life Saving and First Aid Crew held their 72nd Annual Installation Banquet at the Danville Golf Club. As usual, it was a beautiful evening filled with laughter, good food and fellowship.

Master of Ceremonies, Scott Eanes started the evening off welcoming everyone and introducing the guests.

Danville’s Chief, Robbie Woodall, also welcomed everyone and gave a brief report before dinner about new procedures that had been put in place over the past year. Robbie spoke about the new report system implemented to record calls that has really help to improve record keeping. He also spoke about how the Crew has added extra shifts and made teams to cover the calls that have increased over the year. Robbie also reported on the newly renovated Training Center that will help promote training that will not only benefit the Danville Squad but other emergency agencies around the area.

Robbie also emphasized that although the Crew is not growing in number, they are not shrinking either. Everyone is facing challenges finding new members and we are working hard at that. Tommy Pruett, Danville’s Executive Director, reported that last year Danville Life Saving Crew to over 7,000 calls. This was up quite a bit from the previous year. However, response time has been reduced from 15 minutes to 7 minutes since February of this year. Tommy stated the best recruitment tool and biggest asset is teaching classes at the Training Center. You have to have people trained in order to get the job done and done right.

The highlight of the night was the numerous achievement awards presented to squad members for their achievements during the year. The Chief’s Award was presented to Lawrence Eldridge by Chief Robbie Woodall.

The following members were recognized for their years of service: Wayne Caldwell – 10 years

Maurice Price – 15 years

Mike Brandon – 25 years

Bill Hankins – 35 years

Steve Parrish – 40 years

Tommy Pruett – 40 years

Clayton Lester – 55 years The Top Ten Runners of the Year were: John Sherrill – 107 Calls

Laura Swift – 122 Calls

Robbie Woodall – 111 Calls

Jim Mullins – 153 Calls

William DeVilla – 113 Calls

Colton Jones – 154 Calls

Nick Sapanokus – 116 Calls

Jason White – 182 Calls

Bob Marion – 116 Calls

Mike Brandon – 219 Calls

The Gerald Bostic Award is presented to a junior member who has gone above the call of duty as a member of the junior program both academically and in community involvement. This award was presented to Paige Perkins. The James E. Greer Award is presented to a member who has gone the extra distance during his or her probation period. This award was presented to Tim Brown. The Ovid Hogan BLS Award is voted on by the crew members for the member who has performed outstanding work in their training and performance of medical and patient care. This year’s award went to David Fox. The Leonard Coon Award is also voted on by the crew members for the member who has performed outstanding work in their training and performance of medical and patient care. This year’s recipient was John Sherill. The Herbert P. House Excellence Education Award recognizes one individual who has shown excellence in EMS education for the previous twelve (Continued on page 23)

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months. The recipient may be a crew member or other individual who has provided training to the members of the crew. This award was presented to Mike Hobson.

The most prestigious award of the Danville Life Saving Crew is the Raymond C. McNeely Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is presented to a crew member who has served as an active member of the crew for a minimum of seven years. They must have served their community in a way that commands respect and honor from their peers. They must have also accomplished tasks that are comparable to those of past winners and the winner of this award must be nominated and chosen by their peers in the organization. This award was presented to John Sherrill.

On the Auxiliary side, the Greer Service Award is presented to one of the Auxiliary members who has contributed time and service to the Auxiliary “above and beyond the call of duty”. This honor is indicative of the service Polly gave to the Auxiliary. The winner of this award this year was presented to Penny Tate.

Clayton Lester, VAVRS Past President, Life Member and Hall of Fame member, installed the Danville Life Saving and First Aid Crew Officers for the coming year.

Chief – Robbie Woodall

Deputy Chief – Keister Whitt

Assistant Deputy Chief – Wayne Caldwell

Assistant Deputy Chief – Mike Brandon

Captains: Communications – Chris Elliott

R & R – April Campbell

Training - Brian Conner

Maintenance – Nicky Sapounakes

Special Operations – Scott Campbell

Building/Grounds – Bobby Pleasant

Supply – Marilyn Basden

Oxygen – Darlene Walker

Secretary – John Geyer

Business Manager – Bill Hankins

Chaplain – Odell Tate

Board of Governors – John McKinney

Joan Smoot, AVAVRS Past President and Life Members installed the Danville Life Saving Crew Auxiliary.

The Officers of the coming year are: President – Darlene Hylton, Vice President – Wanda Greeson, Secretary – Christy Woodall, Treasurer – Lisa Pleasant, Chaplain – Brenda Smith Robbie Woodall was presented a beautiful painting of the new Training Center as a gift for his dedication and service to the Crew for the past year. Robbie then gave his closing remarks and pledged his continued support and stated he knew great things were going to happen in the coming year because he had a good group of men and women as officers and as crew members that worked great together and with the dedication of such people that are in the crew, we will get accomplished what we set out to do. Thank you Danville Life Saving Crew and Auxiliary for letting me be part of such a wonderful evening. You are truly a special group of people and I know you will accomplish everything you set out to do.

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From the Legislative Attic Submitted by Ed Rhodes

Though our editor has asked that we not go back in time with the articles, but go to the future, there are a few things you need to be informed about. 

The NORIA concerning the review and updating of the EMS Regulations closed on June 14th with no comments and now begins the work of the committee to review the regulations. Last time it took about 8 years to complete, not this time says Mike Berg of OEMS…….. Hope he is correct.

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I have been appointed to represent you on the House Bill 1728, Medevac workgroup legislation. This deals with cost, regulatory authority, dispatch and so on. The workgroup has been divided into three subgroups – regulatory, dispatch and cost. We have already met twice and will continue to meet during the summer and into the fall. As these meetings continue, the draft report has to be ready to go to the Commissioner by October 15th for approval. I am sure there will be some regulations forthcoming.

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At the beginning of June, Bubby Bish and I attended the Fire/EMS stakeholders meeting at VAVRS. Lackluster, but at times noteworthy, as we listened to expectations of some of the fire service groups for the 2018 session.

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I did attend the Executive Board meeting in June and the one in August.

On June 10th, I was honored to be invited to the Woodstock Volunteer Rescue Squad’s 50th Anniversary celebration. I was asked to install the incoming officers during the program. Karen Wagner, incoming squad Secretary and chair of the event, asked me to “keep it short”.

Mission accomplished!

Delegate Todd Gilbert (RShenandoah) presented a House of Delegates Resolution honoring the squads 50 years of service to the community. He also presented Karen with a Joint Memorial Resolution honoring her late husband, Jim Wagner. The new officers are an enthusiastic group and are ready to move the squad to greater heights during the coming year. Carol and I thank the membership for their hospitality and graciousness and thanks to Gary Dalton for the tour of Woodstock.

For the remainder of the summer, legislative issues and meetings will be unusually quiet. With the General Assembly Building be demolished and the offices, etc., being moved to the Pocahontas Building, it is more of a time of learning where you are going. Additionally, a lot of campaigning for election or re-election will be in (Continued on page 25)

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SEARCHING FOR NEW AUXILIARIES Ailease Short

AVAVRS Vice-President

The AVAVRS needs your help. We are always in need of new auxiliaries to join our association. We are more powerful in numbers. If your squad or EMS group has an Auxiliary ask them would they consider joining our state association, the AVAVRS. We would love to have them.

We have a lot of fun throughout the year. Our highlight of the year is always the Conference held in September. We need new Auxiliaries with new ideas to keep us all up with the times. Consider joining the AVAVRS. I am here to help and you can contact me by mail or e-mail or phone. My address is 898 Twin Ponds Road, Lawrenceville, VA 23868. My e-mail is aileaseshort@verizon.net and my phone number is 434-848-2892 or 434637-2601. Leave me a message and I will get back to you. We have 6 districts across the state and each district VP is there to help also.

Look forward to hearing from some of you real soon.

Thanks to the VAVRS for all you do. We really appreciate you.

Pictured is Warren Winner of Richmond Vol. Auxiliary and also a member of VAVRS. Warren contributes so much to our Auxiliary Association and we really appreciate him. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words” and this is one I caught him off guard before taking our picture at Conference last year.

Also a shout out to Bensley-Bermuda Auxiliary which is my home auxiliary now. They took me in when my local auxiliary disbanded and treated me as a part of their own family. Thanks for everything and I no longer feel like the “step-child”.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at Conference (Continued from page 24)

full swing.

August 3 and 4, the EMS Advisory Board met with following information 

The advisory board and those in attendance were informed that January 1 2020 was the end of the EMT-I testing, etc. Those of you who already have the certification will keep it as long as you continue to complete the CE hours that are required.

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Discussion on the EMS Training Fund and what was forthcoming

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Rules and Regs. Committee will have a work session towards the end of October. There was also discussion on remounted ambulances

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REPLICA is now in effect with 12 states having passed the legislation

The Governor gives his mid year report to the money committees the end of August. We attended the District 1 and 3 meetings also in August.

In closing, thanks to Woodstock for their hospitality, and we will be seeing you in September at the beach.

Any questions, please feel free to contact me.

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Hello From Waynesboro Submitted by Historian CeCe McCormick and Jill Stachowski Since the beginning of April we've been a little busy. We've had three fundraisers-a bowling league, Waynesboro Newcomers and a woman's church group.

For service to the community, we had our bingo at Springdale.

We gave away gifts and had refreshments for everyone in May. Several members attended the VAVRS Camporee in Buena Vista. We came in second place in the first scavenger hunt. We enjoyed getting our shirts and also thank you again for the people who print them and give them to us.

Cleaning out the memorial garden and made it look beautiful for the summer with all the summer flowers coming up. For EMS week, we prepared three dinners for the crew, fire department, EOC and police department. We had a very good turn out.

Historian CeCe McCormick placed red white and blue bows around the building for the memorial day weekend. We had a surprise visit from Congressman Bob Goodlatte. We hosted a small reception at the crew building where he took a tour through the building and sat with CeCe the historian to look through the scrapbook of what the Auxiliary does for the squad and the community. The Auxiliary’s call Dan to help with rehab for a incident at Humpback Rock so coolers of Gatorade and water were sent up for rescuers of Waynesboro First Aid Crew, Dooms Fire Department, Waynesboro Fire Department and Wintergreen.

We also fixed meals for two day training class that was held at our building. We attended our Western District meeting at Lexington were we took first place in scrapbook and third place on the EMT test.

At the end of the July we had an all day scrapbook workshop at our building. We gathered at the crew building to celebrate Sis's 94th birthday. We hosted a blood drive at our building. The theme was “Be a Summer Lifesaver”.

The auxiliary bought a laptop for the crew and auxiliary for training purposes to be used in the multipurpose room. Members of the auxiliary helped crew members prepare food for crewmembers. We also managed the tent with giving out information on the auxiliary and the Waynesboro First Aid Crew at the Extravaganza in the Park” all day. For our hometown baseball team, the Generals, we prepared dinner one night and took it to the field. We still prepare meals once a month for drills on Thursday night and Friday morning breakfast. We also all gather once a month for a birthday dinners.

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Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad Members Nationally Recognized for Service President’s Volunteer Service Award Issued to 49 Volunteers of the Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad Written by J. Ryan Scarbrough Henrico, Virginia - June 1, 2017- On May 22, 2017, at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Henrico, Virginia, Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc., (LVRS) a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program, honored 49 members who met or exceeded the President’s criteria for the award based on age and hours volunteered.

The event was hosted by Amy Howard. Larry Pumpelly, Chaplin for Henrico County Division of Fire lead the ceremonies invocation followed by the National Anthem performed by Kristin Gainous-Anderson from the Division of Police. The Special Guest and Keynote Speaker was the Honorable Marla Graff Decker. Family and friends were in attendance in addition to the membership.

“It is an honor to recognize our volunteers with the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Awards for their dedication to providing emergency medical services within the county of Henrico,” says J. Ryan Scarbrough, the Board of Directors Chairman and Operations Assistant for Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is the premier national volunteer awards program, encouraging citizens to live a life of service through presidential gratitude and national recognition. The program has four award levels including the most distinguished “Lifetime Achievement Award”. The awards were determined by the National PVSA program based on volunteer hours measured cumulatively over a 12 month period (2016) and/or over a lifetime. Along with the ultimate honor of presidential recognition, recipients received a personalized certificate, an official medallion or coin, and a congratulatory letter from President Obama.

James (Jim) R. Dawson Sr. and Paula H. Lindsay was posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for serving above and beyond 4,000 hours. Jim’s wife Patricia and son James Jr., and Paula’s husband Bryce and son Ian were in attendance to accept the awards on their loved one's behalf.

In 2016, LVRS volunteers gave over 24,353 hours to the County of Henrico and LVRS while responding to 1,691 calls. This equates to over $500,000 in savings for the County of Henrico. Carrie Owens, President of the agency said, “We are very proud of our volunteers and the tremendous service and value they provide to Henrico County and surrounding communities.”

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The volunteers recognized were: Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients (4000+ hours over their lifetime at LVRS) Douglas “Pop” Ashworth Sr. John Cooper James Dawson (Posthumously) Andrew Inge Carrie Owens Joe Pyrek Richard Widmark

Jerry Bliley Doug Davies Tracie Delano Paula Lindsay (Posthumously) Clifton “Trey” Powers III John Reese Nick Wieland

Allison Boatwright Suzanne Davies Jean Garrett Melissa Earley David Puryear Jr Elaine Sturman

Gold Award Recipients (Adult 500 + hours / Young Adult 250+ hours*) Julian Albright* Tristan Crigger-Cox* Sailasya Gundlapudi* Adam Martinelli Tiffany Nicholls* Kelly Root* Nick Wieland*

Darius Brown Jeremy Cummings* Nick Hewett* Eric Meyer Carrie Owens Jennifer Seymour

Mitchell Cox* Monika Devanaboyina* Andrew Inge Quinn Morrow* Joe Pyrek Kim Waters*

Silver Award Recipients (Adult 250-499 hours / Young Adult 175-249 hours*) Chelsea Dilworth Jean Garrett Kristin Murphy David Puryear Jr. Liz Shook

Joseph Farmer Adam Holcomb* Rebecca Nelson John Reese

Michael Ferras Courtney Justice Clifton “Trey” Powers III Ryan Scarbrough

Bronze Award Recipients (Adult 100-249 hours) Becky Anderson John Cooper Elizabeth Guza

Douglas “Pop” Ashworth Sr. Doug Davies Andrew Wenk

Allison Boatwright David Duke Megan Young

Be sure to check out the story on the WRIC 8News website by searching for Lakeside Rescue. http:// wric.com/2017/05/23/lakeside-volunteer-rescue-squad-members-honored-for-their-service/ For more information about the President's Volunteer Service Awards visit: www.presidentialserviceawards.gov

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CBVRS Members Attend First Responder Tribute Honoring EMS Week Submitted by Sara Hunt Several members of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad attended a special First Responder Tribute held during EMS Week at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital on May 24. More than 100 EMS providers from Northern Neck-area police, fire, rescue squad, air-evac and other emergency services organizations attended. Officials and speakers thanked the participants for their tireless and dedicated service to help others in need in the community.

“We are grateful to the hospital for coordinating such a meaningful appreciation event to celebrate and honor EMS Week,” said CBVRS Rescue Chief Joey Straughan. “Also, we’re especially proud of our own Dr. Lisa Dodd, a CBVRS member who is a doctor of osteopathy at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital and was a featured speaker at the ceremony."

Pictured from left to right are: Troy Green, Donna Shelar, Jack Shelar, Pat FitzGerald, Joey Straughan, Robert Weaver, Skylar Lewis and Denise Weaver.

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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, I heard a quote the other day and found it humorous. I thought you would enjoy it.

skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

-I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure.

-To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.

-Going to church doesn't make you a Christian, any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

-You're never too old to learn something stupid.

-I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

Sadly this is true!

“Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.”

So, what do you think?

Signed F. P. Dear Fran, These type of sentences are called “Paraprosdokians”. First time I heard about paraprosdokians, I liked them.

Paraprosdokians are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected and is frequently humorous. Yours is a great example, here are some more:

Spread the Laughter, Share the Cheer!

-Where there's a will, I want to be in it.

-The last thing I want to do is hurt you ...but it's still on my list.

-If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.

-We never really grow up -- we only learn how to act in public.

-War does not determine who is right, only who is left.

-Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

-To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

-I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

-In filling out an application, where it says, "In case of emergency, notify..." I answered "a doctor."

-Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.

-You do not need a parachute to Official

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Dear Rescue Ranger, I realize that colonoscopies are important medical procedures that have saved lives. And yet they’re as popular as, well, a colonoscopy. I had my first colonoscopy the other day and it was quit an experience. I guess I now know how a Muppet feels!”

Signed J K Dear Mayor, I remember my first colonoscopy well. I asked the doctor two questions. Is there any sign of the trapped miners?” and “Could he write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up there?.”

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you had any interesting calls lately. I haven't read about any in your most recent articles and I kind of miss hearing about your past experiences.

Signed K E Dear Kathy, Funny you should mentioned that. I had several interesting VAVRS

calls just last week. First one was a small child that was playing in an abandoned truck and found a small pocket knife.

She accidently cut herself and ran towards her house. Her father heard the screams, ran towards her and saw the blood streaming down her lower arm.

He wrapped his handkerchief around the wound and called 911 with his other hand. The dispatcher told him to apply direct pressure, elevate the limb and the ambulance would be there in minutes.

When we pulled into the driveway I saw the child with the handkerchief around her arm, arm over her head and her feet dangling in the wind. I guess he did was the dispatcher asked— direct pressure and ELEVATION. Everything turned out well. Only minor blood loss and a few stiches fixed her up. I do remember trying to calm her down I the ER. Just prior to the procedure to stich her would the nurse asked her for her other wrist saying “I’m going to give you a bracelet.” The little girl asked, “Has it got rubies and diamonds?” I said, “No, but it costs just as much!”

Dear Rescue Ranger, Hope you can help. Every night when my wife and I go to bed she can’t sleep because she thinks someone is under it”. I have to get out of bed, craw under it just to prove there is no one there. I would take her to a psychiatrist but honestly, we cannot afford $200 a visit. Any suggestions?

Signed R E Dear Ricky, Answer is really very simple and won’t cost you anything. Cut the legs off the bed.” You are welcome!

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PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129 ISSN 0279-6023

NON-PROFIT ORGAN..

U.S.POSTAGE PAID WOODSTOCK, VA PERMIT NO. 82

Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.

Phone: 804-749-8191 Phone: 800-833-0602 Fax: 804-749-8910 E-mail: vavrs@vavrs.com

"Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That A Man Lay Down His Life For His Friends."

John 15:13

Need A Specific Training Class go to WWW.VAVRS.COM...click on TRAINING

Register on line...Sign up today Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc. PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129 (800)833-0602

(804)749-8191

Website: www.vavrs.com Email: vavrs@vavrs.com

HAVING AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR NEEDS AND GOALS IS THE WAY WE SERVE YOU The Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads is THE voice of EMS…. the advocate for our members, Virginia’s EMS agencies and providers. We link members and agencies for the purpose of sharing ideas, giving you a voice at the General Assembly, on state advisory boards, as well as on state and local committees.

When our members have training issues or needs, they come to the VAVRS. When our members need assistance from leadership to budgets they come to the VAVRS. We help rescue squads throughout the Commonwealth thrive and succeed so they can provide prompt, effective patient care 24/7 in the communities they serve.

Celebrating our 82nd Anniversary