4TH QUARTER VIRGINIA LIFELINE 2019

Virginia

LIFELINE

4th Quarter 2019 The Official Publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads

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LIFECARE LAUNCHES JUNIOR PROGRAM Fredericksburg, VA (September 14, 2019) – At age 8, Sam Winn wants to follow in his father’s footsteps of helping others and being involved in EMS. A new program started this summer at LifeCare Medical Transports will let him do just that.

"There's a trend across the state right now with EMS agencies having trouble with recruitment and retention, so we saw this as a chance to bring in some new members and get them trained and interested in EMS at an earlier age," said Kim Melson, LifeCare’s new Junior Advisor. Kim also serves as a Junior Advisor with the VAVRS. The program kicked off in May with 8 junior members between the ages of 8 and 18. A busy summer of activities including participating in parades, Sam and Andy Winn at learning CPR, becoming Spotsylvania Football Camp certified in “stop the bleed”, fighting infections and infectious disease control, along with basic first aid, and participating in several community events.

Colonial Beach Parade 1st Place Ambulance

Looking forward, our juniors are eager to begin tours of our emergency rooms, attending EMT class, the VAVRS District 10 Youth Fall Rescue Camp, and getting involved in other VAVRS events.

If you are interested in more information, feel free to email Kim Melson at juniors@lifecare94.com.

Hand Washing – GERMS Checking for germs under the black light!

Wash your hands!

Learning CPR with Captain JoAnn Lohr

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2018-2019 VAVRS Officers and Committee Chairs President - Scott Davis Vice President - Connie Moore Secretary - Wesley Melson Treasurer - Wayne Rapp Training Officer - Curtis Crawford Chaplain - Joey King Chaplain Emeritus - Page Entsminger Historian - Dreama Chandler Immediate Past President - Kim Craig Chief Rescue Officer - John Craig Editor - Gary Dalton Parliamentarian - J. C. Phillips Facilities Manager - George Langford Legal Advisor - Mary Malone Medical Advisor - Dr. Scott Hayes District 1 Vice President - Nick Brown District 2 Vice President - Carolyn White District 3 Vice President - Chris Snyder District 5 Vice President - Mike Smoot District 6 Vice President - Scottie Adams District 7 Vice President - Toby Akers District 8 Vice President - Thomas Tomlin District 9 Vice President - Dwayne Stanley District 10 Vice President - Byron Andrews Executive Director - Matt Henke Training Coordinator - Cindy Bailey Financial Manager - Cynthia Babb Office Coordinator - Mary Shively Lobbyist - Ed Rhodes

Membership - Connie Moore Human Resources - Connie Moore Bylaws - Bruce Stratton Life Membership - Mike Moore Hall of Fame - Kevin Dillard Publication - Gary Dalton Convention - Tarry Pribble Convention Co Chair - Bubby Bish Finance - Wayne Rapp EMS Advisory Board - Valeta Daniels EMS Advisory Board - Dreama Chandler Rescue College - Wayne Myers New Course / Future Vision - Kenny Frenier Scholarship - Mickey Grodski Public Relations - Wesley Melson EMS Exchange - Kevin Dillard Legislative - Bubby Bish Information Technology - Steve Ayers Camporee - Scott Masincup Nominating - Kevin Dillard

2018-2019 VAJVRS Officers President - Brandon Propst Vice President - Sheriz Chisley-Strickler Secretary/Treasurer - Adam Lane Historian - Olivia Bostic Chaplain - Bryton Vandyke Advisor Chair - Alfred Smith

2018-2019 AVAVRS Officers and Committee Chairs President - Ailease Short Vice President - Fay Browning Secretary - Vickie Arnold Treasurer - Elsie Butler Chaplain - Clara Craig Historian - Linda Berkstresser Parliamentarian - Carolyn Brand Immediate Past President - Harry Householder Midwestern Vice President - Garland Linkous Northeastern Vice President - Marie Householder Southcentral Vice President - Joan Smoot Southeastern Vice President - Judy Frame Southwestern Vice President - Marcella Caudill Western Vice President - Laura Booze

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Membership - Fay Browning Finance - Elsie Butler Resolutions - Carolyn Brand Emergency Care - Nellie Sue Ritchie Nominating - Fern Puckett Life Member - Dolores Hudson Convention - Maxine Kerns Convention - Ruth Swicegood Roll Call - Christie Jefferies Co-Chair Roll Call - Valerie Becker Fundraising - Tracey Frame Co-Chair Fundraising - Stacey Frame

“Friendship and Hospitality to the Rescue�

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Deadline for the Upcoming Issues of the VIRGINIA LIFELINE Deadline for future issues are as follows: December 15 for the 1st Quarter Issue March 15 for the 2nd Quarter Issue June 15 for the 3rd Quarter Issue July 15 for the Convention Issue September 15 for the 4th Quarter Issue

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.

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

Advertising Rates: Member Squads…,…......no charge Full Page…………………..$ 275.00 Half Page………………..…$150.00 Quarter Page……………....$100.00 Business Card……………..$ 50.00

From the Editor, What a wonderful convention. The Inaugural First Responder Virginia was an exceptional event for many reasons but primarily because the preparation and planning of the VAVRS and VSFA. The event allowed for friendships to unfold and fellowship to abound. It was a wonderful throughout. Issues were quickly addressed and the entire program provided opportunities for education, training, competition and networking.

Thank you to each of the Convention Committee members, officers, and participants for assuring this combined event was a success.

VAVRS Life Member Stephen Rohr

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We also want to congratulate all of the competition participants and winners. We would especially like to recognize two individuals that were inducted into VAVRS Life Membership. Stephen Rohr, Staunton-Augusta First Aid and Rescue Squad, Staunton, VA and Gerald Layne of the Citizens Emergency Crew, Inc., Gladys, VA.

VAVRS Life Member Gerald Layne

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

VAVRS Executive Committee Meeting Teleconference – 1st Saturday of each month at 9a Leadership Challenge Summit for Officers – December 6 & 7, 2019 - Oilville Articles for 1st Quarter 2020 VIRGINIA LIFELINE Due December 15, 2019 VAVRS Spring BOG Meeting March 28, 2020 – Richmond, VA EMS Week May 17 – 23, 2020 National EMS Memorial Service May, 2020 – dates/times TBA Gaylord National Resort, Oxon Hill MD VAVRS Rescue College June 12-21, 2020--Virginia Tech First Responder Virginia 2020 VAVRS/VSFA Conference and Convention September 23-26, 2020 – Virginia Beach Convention Center Virginia EMS Symposium November 10-15, 2020 – Norfolk November 2-7, 2021 – Norfolk

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A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAPLAIN As chaplain of VAVRS, I am eager to work with all members, agencies, staff and leadership as we explore our spiritual value, commitments, and express our religious traditions I also understand that, as chaplain, I can be a companion in life's journey, through the painful places of illness, grief and abuse, as well as through joyful celebrations of achievement, accomplishment, and important relationships.

I would like to share with you eight (8) core Christian values. Based on God and the work of Jesus Christ. Christian values are based on spiritual things and are not material related. Even though these values are spiritual in nature, the evidence of these values come through deeds and actions.

Acceptance of these values inspires us to treat others with respect, kindness and concern.

Eight Core Christian Values 1 2

Grace Hope

Kindness from God, even when it is not deserved An optimistic state of mind, with an expectation of a positive outcome

3 4 5 6 7

Faith Love Justice Joy Service

Confidence and trust based on God’s plan Strong and positive interpersonal affection For all, equal fair and unbiased actions Happiness, essential social value Serving, caring and putting others first

8

Peace

Calm, positive well being

Justice Justice is often interpreted in terms of seeking rights for oneself or one’s own group (‘we demand justice’) when biblically it is really an action on behalf of others. This does not mean that one has to ignore injustices to oneself but it does shift the focus. ‘Justice’ is not for ‘just me’. This means that Christians will protect others more than themselves.

“More to come in the next article” Official

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“Smile and the World Smiles With You” Submitted by Fay Browning, AVAVRS President Greetings everyone! I hope all of you arrived home safely from Convention and are enjoying the rest of the summer.

As you can see, my theme this year is “Smile and the World Smiles With You.” A smile is the universal language and costs nothing to give, but goes a long way.

All in all, I feel the 2019 Convention was a success, even with a few glitches throughout. I regret the long wait for a room at check-in for a lot of you, and I hope the Convention Committee addressed this at their meeting with the hotel. Being able to walk over to the Convention Center for those staying at the Embassy Suites and the free breakfast were nice. I would like to thank Maxine Kerns, Ruth Swicegood, and Ailease Short for making our part of the Convention a great success. Also, I would like to thank all of those who worked on the Convention Planning from the VAVRS and the VSFA for their endless efforts to make things go well at our Convention.

Congratulations to all of the AVAVRS winners this year and they were most deserving! I will start with Life Membership because I feel this is a very prestigious award, and that was Nancy Linkous. I am sure Diane Haga is still floating on air along with Christy Jeffries for receiving the Outstanding Service Award. Broadway was the Emergency Care Award winner. The scrapbooks were outstanding this year, and I liked the way they were exhibited. Linda Berkstresser did a great job with that. The Auxiliary winners were: 1st Place and the Nancy E. Hall Memorial, Cave Spring; 2nd Place, Campbell County; 3rd Place, Waynesboro; 4th Place, Bensley-Bermuda; and Honorable Mention, Cleveland. The District winners were: 1st Place and the Karen Robinson Memorial, Southcentral District, and 2nd Place, Western District. Again, smiles and congratulations to all! A huge congratulations goes to Waynesboro for receiving Outstanding Auxiliary of the Year!

I appreciate the Silver Plate presented to me as the Incoming President by Cave Spring in memory of Sharon Campbell and I hope to keep it for two years. I am honored to begin this one because Sharon Campbell was one of many who helped me start this journey of leadership in the AVAVRS. I believe Bensley-Bermuda finally got one over on Immediate Past President Ailease Short with their informal drop-by lunch in Room 531 to honor her for all she has done for the past two years . She had a lot to endure these past two years, but did it with true grace, humiliation, and fairness. Her unselfishness with her time, talents, gratitude, cheerleading efforts, and her leadership went far beyond what was expected of her as our President.

She will be a hard act to follow, but I pledge to do my best to represent all of our Auxiliaries and to make our Association achieve great things. I like what VAVRS President Connie Moore stated in her comments at the Officers Installation, Memorial Ceremony, and Awards, “this is not an “I” Association, it is a “we” Association.” There is no “i” in Team, and that’s what I want to be, the leader of a great Team that represents all of us!

Thank you for your support as President this year. I look forward to meeting and greeting as many of you as possible across the State as often as I can this year with a smile.

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Immediate Past President Submitted by Ailease Short Well my tenure as your AVAVRS President has come to an end. It was a rewarding experience, a lot of work, and some headaches along the way. I enjoyed every minute of it and wish all of you the best in the future.

I thought the First Inaugural First Responder convention went over pretty good. There are some problems that need to be worked out and tweaked for the future. Both groups are already busy working on the issues. We all learn from our mistakes so hopefully things will continue to improve. I thought both groups got along well together and am anxious to see what the future holds.

The AVAVRS had some great meetings with a lot of fun. I feel like we accomplished a lot of great things. At our Saturday morning meeting, numerous awards were given to many deserving folks.

Nancy Linkous of Christiansburg Auxiliary received Life Membership. Christy Jeffries of Cleveland Auxiliary and Diane Haga of Bristol Auxiliary received Outstanding Service Awards. All of these ladies have done a lot for our association over the years. Congratulations to all of you!

Our scrapbooks were all beautiful this year carrying out my theme, “Friendship & Hospitality To The Rescue”.

District Scrapbook winners were: 1st Place Karen Robinson Memorial was Southcentral District and 2nd Place was Western District. Auxiliary Scrapbook winners were 1st Place Nancy Hall Memorial was Cave Spring; 2nd Place was Campbell County; 3rd Place was Waynesboro; 4th Place was Bensley; and Honorable Mention was Cleveland. Congratulations to all of you.

On Saturday night, Waynesboro Auxiliary was awarded “Auxiliary of the Year”. Congratulations!

I would like to thank all of you for carrying out my themes over the past two years of “Leaving Footprints For Others To Follow” and “Friendship & Hospitality To The Rescue”. Thanks for all that you do for the association, your squads, your districts, your local auxiliaries, and to each other. You will not find a greater group of folks to carry on our association. Your work and efforts do not go unnoticed.

Thank you to my own Bensley Auxiliary for all their support and for organizing the surprise luncheon in my honor at convention. You truly got one over on me.

All of the 2018-19 officers did a superb job this past year and the Convention Committee is to be commended for a lot of hard work to make this past convention a reality.

Now as I step down, remember to please support your new officers in their adventure. I am certain that they will do a fantastic job. To all of you, do not be afraid to try something new and maybe work out of the box. You never know how an idea is going to work unless you try it.

Also try traveling the road less trodden at times because you never know what you might see. We came across a little town called “RESCUE” on our way home from Hampton. How unique and appropriate way to end our convention.

Thanks again for all the friendships, hospitality, and memories that Maddux and I have made across our beautiful state.

Hope to see many of you soon.

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VAJVRS HOST’S FIRST ANNUAL ‘BATTLE OF THE BAGS' CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT AT VAVRS CONVENTION Submitted by Kimberly Melson, VAVRS Junior Advisor Oilville , VA (September 14, 2019) – Twenty teams competed at the Buckroe Beach pier on August 8th during the VAJVRS “Battle of the Bags,” a corn hole tournament that helped raised funds for the Junior Association.

The event kicked off with the First Responder Convention picnic catered by Beach Bully on the picturesque Buckroe Beach with the Chesapeake Bay as our backdrop. As night fell, the fierce competition began in a single elimination tournament with teams made of Virginia’s First Responders.

In the end, there could only be one winner. And this year the bragging rights went to the fire fighter’s. The winner’s split a $200.00 cash prize!

We hope to see you all next year in Virginia Beach, and start practicing now for the 2nd Annual Battle of the Bags!

The winners were Michael & Chris from Selma VFD

The winners were Michael & Chris from Selma VFD

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Kids Enjoy Camp Session with First Responders at Oak Grove Baptist Submitted by Sara Hunt PR If you think that summer camp is about making macaroni necklaces and eating s’mores, think again. During the week of July 15-19, kids attending summer camp at Oak Grove Baptist Church were treated to a week of high energy, hands-on learning activities with local first responder organizations.

Representatives from Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Another photo is of Lt. Alex Smith, a member Squad, Colonial Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Virginia of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, State Police, Westmoreland Sheriff’s Office, Oak Grove with her daughter, Aubrey, in the AirCare heliVolunteer Fire Department, the Department of Game and copter that visited the camp.

Inland Fisheries, AirCare Medical Transport, the Virginia Department of Forestry and 911 Dispatch were some of the groups that shared their knowledge and expertise with about 35 boys and girls, ages 5-12.

Les Greeley, a member of both CBVRS and CBVFD, organized the weeklong event. “The entire first responder community got on board right away,” he said. “Every agency that I asked wanted to come and bring the tools of their trade.”

The sheriff’s department sent the crime scene truck and a motorcycle. The Virginia State Police and Department of Game and Inland Fisheries brought K-9 dogs. The rescue squad talked to the children about CPR, first aid, bandaging, securing patients on backboards and volunteering. A lifeguard talked One is of Maddie Davidson learning how to about swim and sun use a fire extinguisher with a local firefighter. safety. Smokey Bear and a forester reminded the kids about the danger of forest fires.

In addition to dusting for fingerprints like real CSI forensic technicians, the boys and girls learned how to use a fire extinguisher and practiced putting out a controlled fire under the watchful eyes of the firemen, of course! The kids even sat in a real helicopter that is used to transport patients to the hospital.

“I was so impressed at how hands-on the kids were allowed to be,” said Daphne Davisdon, summer camp coordinator. “They were especially fascinated by the 911 dispatcher and asked questions for about two hours. All of these first responders have a servant’s heart and they may have inspired some future volunteers for their organizations.”

In fact, Greeley commented that he has gotten three applications for the Colonial Beach Junior Volunteer Rescue Squad as a result of the camp. “I want to thank the community for their strong support of this first-time event,” he said. “I hope we can do it again next year.”

Attached is an article about a recent summer camp session at Oak Grove Baptist Church. As you’ll see from the article, the young campers got some great hands-on interaction with many different first responder organizations in the community.

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Another photo is of kids practicing how to secure a patient on a backboard before transport by the rescue squad.

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LifeCare Medical Transports begin new tPA Ground Transport Program with Mary Washington Healthcare Time is the gift healthcare providers can give to patients suffering from a stroke. Under new treatment guidelines, patient’s suffering from mild strokes can now be considered for medication given within several hours to help dissolve the clot. In addition, clot-snaring devices can also now be used up to 24 hours after the start of a stroke in some patients with clots blocking a large vessel in the brain.

What does this mean? It means, quick actions by healthcare providers can not only save a patient’s life, but also enhance the quality of their life after suffering from a stroke. Time is what can help make the quality of life for a patient suffering from a stroke dramatically different.

This is why LifeCare Medical Transports and Mary Washington Healthcare have come together to create an Emergency Stroke Transfer program which will cut down on time getting providers to the patient.

LifeCare Medical Transports’ ambulance staging at local hospital.

LifeCare is always looking for ways to improve and enhance their patient care skills to give the best quality care to those in the community. LifeCare is excited for this next step in the Fredericksburg area and looks forward to working closely with Mary Washington Healthcare during this exciting time.

EMS EXCHANGE PROGRAM Submitted by Kevin Dillard, Chair

Our guests from Germany will be visiting throughout the state from October 25th through November 10th. We are excited to have them attend the Virginia Office of EMS Symposium from November 610th. They will be taking various classes and participating in the social events during the symposium.

Alexander Afrim, Moritz Roßkothen, Rouven Gerlach and Steffen Wellbrock are all looking forward to learning more about EMS in Virginia and getting the opportunity to meet the members of the VAVRS. Remember to track the adventures on the Exchange program while they are here by following the EMS Exchange Facebook page.

If anyone needs more information, please feel free to contact me at kdillard@lifecare94.com Official

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LifeCare Medical Transports becomes the Official EMS Partners for Loudoun United FC LifeCare Medical Transports announced their partnership with Loudoun United this August. As the Official EMS Partners for Loudoun United, LifeCare will provide 2 ambulances for medical standby services for all home games at Loudoun’s new 5,000 seat Segra Field.

Loudoun United FC is the reserve team for D.C. United. They made their United Soccer League Championship debut in 2019. On August 3rd, Kevin Dillard and Dan Wildman attended Loudoun United’s ribbon cutting for their new soccer stadium located in Leesburg, VA. Also in Kevin Dillard with Loudoun United’s Chief Operations Officer, Adam Behnke. attendance for the ribbon cutting was Dave Johnson, D.C. United’s television voice, Jason Levien, D.C. United’s CEO and managing general owner, and Adam Behnke, Loudoun United’s Chief Operations Officer.

LifeCare is excited for this amazing opportunity to serve the Loudoun community. Loudoun United will not only bring great economic growth to the Loudoun community, but also bring professional soccer closer to many fans.

D.C. United’s CEO and managing general owner, Jason Levien speaking at Segra Field’s ribbon cutting event.

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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, I have started a new exercise routine. I jog several miles every morning and go to the gym for about an hour every evening after shift.

I feel great and have tons of energy.

How about you? What is your routine?

Feeling good in Colorado Dear “I am not an Ambulance Driver”, I want to be honest with you. I didn’t make it to the gym today, that is five years in a row.

Dear Rescue Ranger, I have started a new exercise routine. I jog several miles every morning and go to the gym for about an hour every evening after shift.

To All of You Ambulance Drivers Out There: If a cookie falls on the floor and you pick it up...that’s a squat, right?

At my age, rolling out of bed in the morning is easy. Getting up off the floor is another story.

It’s nice to be important but it is more important to be nice!

I feel great and have tons of energy.

How about you? What is your routine?

Feeling good in West Virginia Dear “I am an Ambulance Driver”, Honestly, I exercised once, but found out I was allergic to it! My skin flushed and my heart raced. I got sweaty and short of breath. Very dangerous!

Dear Rescue Ranger, I have started a new exercise routine. I jog several miles every morning and go to the gym for about an hour every evening after shift.

I feel great and have tons of energy.

How about you? What is your routine?

Feeling good in Maryland Dear “I want to be an Ambulance Driver”, Well, being honest I would have to say, if you see me jogging, kill whatever is chasing me!

Dear Rescue Ranger, I have started a new exercise routine. I jog several miles every morning and go to the gym for about an hour every evening after shift.

I feel great and have tons of energy.

How about you? What is your routine?

Feeling good in North Carolina Dear “I used to be an Ambulance Driver”, I have decided to stop calling the bathroom the “John” and renamed it the “Jim”. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.

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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 O F YOUR NEEDS

and GOALS IS THE

WAY WE SERVE YO U

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 85th Year of Leadership