Lifeline jan feb 2016

Virginia Lifeline January / February 2016

2015 Governor’s EMS Award Winners Kathy Eubank, Outstanding EMS Administrator Dreama Chandler, Excellence in EMS

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2015-2016 VAVRS Officers President Kim Craig Vice President Scott Davis Secretary Cecil Leach Treasurer Tarry Pribble Training Officer Greg Burton Chaplain Mike Smoot Chaplain Emeritus Page Entsminger Historian Chris Snyder Editor Gary Dalton Legal Advisor S. Craig Lane Parliamentarian J. C. Phillips Immediate Past President Rickey Hodge Medical Advisor James R. Dudley, MD, MBA

District 1 V. P. Patrick Scott District 2 V. P. Chris Flioro District 3 V. P. Warren Winner District 5 V. P. Jason Morgan District 6 V. P. Bob Wingfield District 7 V. P. Curtis Crawford District 8 V. P. Brown District 9 V. P. Dwayne Stanley District 10 V. P. Wesley Melson Training Coordinator Kathy Eubank Administrative Secretary Shirley Bagby Bookkeeper Elizabeth Babb Lobbyist Ed Rhodes

2015-2016 VAVRS Committee Chairs Nominating: Bruce Stratton Membership: Scott Davis By-Laws: Bruce Edwards Lifeline: Gary Dalton Conference: Ford Wirt Camporee: Ronnie Slough Finance: Tarry Pribble Scholarship: Carolyn Brand EMS Memorial: Kevin Dillard Grant: Elizabeth Papelino Web Page: Gary Dalton Legislative: Bubby Bish Nominating: Bruce Stratton

Rescue College: Rickey Hodge Rescue College: Wayne Myers Facility Manager: George Langford Life Membership: Ronnie Slough Rescue Hall of Fame: Page Entsminger EMS Advisory Board: Valeta Daniels EMS Advisory Board: Denene Hannon Strategic Planning: Rickey Hodge Recruitment and Retention: Fran Phillips Volunteer Management: Dave Tesh Volunteer Management: Walter Stephens EMS Exchange Program: Jane Laverne Information Technology: Steve Ayers

2015-2016 VAJVRS Officers President Elizabeth Pittman Vice President Adarah Williams Secretary/Treasurer Toby Akers Historian Bradley Hancock Chaplain Makayla Hancock

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Advisor, Chair Alfred Smith Advisor Brandon Baugus Advisor Kim Melson Advisor Debbie Rice

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For a complete list of the current courses being offered by the VAVRS go to

WWW.VAVRS.COM

2015-2016 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 - Sharon Campbell Midwestern VP - Dolores Hudson Northeastern VP - Eddie Ann Orndorff Southcentral VP - Sharon Campbell Southeastern VP - Elsie Butler Southwestern VP - Roger Lynthlin Western VP - Janis Slough

2015-2016 AVAVRS Committee Chairs Conference: Fern Puckett Conference: Ruth Swicegood Nominating: Donna Porter Life Membership: Jean Garrett Emergency Care: John Dimino Resolutions: Maxie Skeen

Virginia Lifeline ISSN 0279-6023 is the official bimonthly publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc. Editorial material should be sent directly to the VAVRS Editor at P O Box 522 Woodstock, VA 22664 (H) 540-459-4849 (W) 540-536-2758 (FAX) 540-459-4925 (C) 540-481-0125 Email-gdalton@vavrs.com

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 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 Editor at gdalton@vavrs.com if you need assistance in writing an article Deadline for future issues as follows: February 1, 2016 for the March/April 2016 Issue April 1, 2016 for the May/June 2016 Issue June 1, 2016 for the July/August 2016 Issue August 1, 2016 for the September/October 2016 Issue Advertising Rates: Member Squads…,…......no charge Full Page…………………..$ 275.00 Half Page………………..…$150.00 Quarter Page……………....$100.00 Business Card……………..$ 50.00

Requests for advertising rates, material specifications and deadlines should be directed to the Editor.

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VAVRS Exchange Program Goes to Columbia, South America Submitted by Kevin Dillard Little history and information— The VAVRS hosted three people from Columbia in 2013. They toured various EMS agencies and hospitals here in Virginia. They had heard about our EMS Exchange program that we have had in place for 20 years with Germany and wanted to see about starting an EMS Exchange program with Columbia.

We have three people from the VAVRS going on this first trip to Columbia. 

Kevin Dillard, LifeCare Medical Transports & Chancellor Volunteer Fire and Rescue

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Jane LaVerne, Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad & Powhatan Volunteer Rescue Squad

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Clarence Fox, Broadway Volunteer Rescue Squad

We will be evaluating and participating in ride-a-longs with their Fire and EMS system. Additionally we will be visiting various hospitals in the Country. While there we will be presenting a lecture at their Prehospital Symposium on the Exchange Program and EMS in Virginia.

We will be on the trip from November 29th and returning on December 15th.

We will arrive in Bogota, Columbia on Sunday November 29th.

On Monday November 30th we will leave for Calli and be there until Thursday December 3rd.

We will then go to Medellin where we will stay until December 6th.

We will then head back to Bogota until December 11th.

Then we go to Neiva for the Prehospital Symposium and presentation.

We will be back at Reagan National Airport in the early morning hours of December 15th.

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JUNE 10-19, 2016 THE VAVRS STATE RESCUE COLLEGE is held annually to offer basic and instructor level training programs. VAVRS State Rescue College provides training that enables providers to become better qualified in the many phases of basic and specialized rescue services statewide.

Basic Level Courses Offered:

Instructor Level Courses Offered:

EMT-B Category 1 Recertification Course Prehospital Trauma Life Support – PHTLS Advanced Cardice Life Support – ACLS Pediatric Advanced Life Support – PALS Geriatric Education for EMS – GEMS Advanced Medical Life Support – AMLS Tactical Medic Course Sports Injury/Sports Medicine for EMS Providers EMS and Forensic Evidence Spanish for the EMT Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness Infectious Disease Control Infectious Disease Control Officer Auxiliary Workshops EMS Leadership Challenge – Summit Grant Writing Parliamentary Law Recruitment and Retention National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Tools and Tips for Management Workshop Operational Medical Director Course Basic and Light Duty Rescue Awareness and Low Angle Operations Vertical Rescue – High Angle Operations Level Advanced Vertical Rescue – Technical Level Cave Rescue Emergency Vehicle Operator Trailer Operations Farm Machinery Extrication – Basic Farm Machinery Extrication – Advanced Vehicle Rescue Awareness and Operations – Basic HTR – School Bus Rescue Advanced Vehicle Extrication Search and Rescue – Basic Introduction to Swift Water Rescue – Basic Swift Water Rescue – Basic ATV Awareness and Operations Class Man vs Machine Rescue Camp for Youth Rescue Explorers

Methods of Instruction Basic and Light Duty Rescue Awareness and Low Angle Operations Vertical Rescue – High Angle Operations Level Advanced Vertical Rescue – Technical Level EMT Instructor Institute BLS and ALS Education Coordinator Updates Emergency Vehicle Operator Farm Machinery Extrication Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness HTR-School Bus Rescue Infectious Disease Control Search and Rescue Swift Water Rescue Vehicle Rescue Awareness and Operations

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District 5 News Submitted by Joan Smoot, District 5 Historian The November 2015 District 5 Meeting was hosted by Southside Rescue Squad on November 7, 2015. Jason Morgan, our new District VP, announced that a new squad has joined District 5, Brosville Volunteer Fire Department. Jason had just come from his first Executive Committee Meeting and filled the group in on the activities that took place at this meeting.

We had competitions in BLS, ALS and EVOC. Our EVOC competition seems to grow at each meeting, which is a good thing. At this meeting, we had 16 people competing.

For our BLS, we had 3 teams. 1st place was won by Danville Life Saving Crew; 2nd place by Southside and 3rd place by Appomattox Rescue. Heather always has an interested scenario for the teams and would love to have more teams to compete on the district level.

The ALS completion also had 3 teams competing. Bob Marion of Danville is the coordinator for this competition. The teams competing were: 1st place, Appomattox Rescue; 2nd place Southside; 3rd place Danville Life Saving.

The top 4 for EVOC were: 1st place Jason Morgan of Campbell County Rescue; Barry VandeVeer of Pamplin; 3rd Pat of Appomattox; and Lucas Ward of Appomattox. Doug Wright of 640 Community Rescue was awarded with the EVOC of the Year Award for 2014-2015 and is District 5’s new EVOC Coordinator.

The BLS and ALS Call of the Quarter both were awarded to Appomattox Rescue as well as the End of the Year BLS and ALS Awards. Our meetings for the upcoming year will be as follows:

Jason Morgan presents Appomattox with ALS & BLS End of the Year Award

January 9, 2016 Bachelor Hall VFD March 12, 2016 Danville Life Saving Crew May 14, 2016 Appomattox Rescue July 9, 2016 Boydton Life Station BLS Call of the Quarter Appomattox

Hope to see you at one of the meetings!

Frank Smith awarding Doug Wright with EVOC of the Year Award

Photos Submitted by Joan Smoot

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ALS Call or the Quarter Appomattox

Burleigh Vassar Award to Southside Rescue Page

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EVOC 1st Place–Jason Morgan; 2nd Place-Barry VandeVeer; 3rd Place–Pat; 4th Place–Lucas Ward

BLS 1st Place – Danville

ALS 1st Place – Appomattox Page

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BLS 2nd Place – Southside

ALS 2nd Place – Southside

BLS 3rd Place – Appomattox

ALS 3rd Place – Danville January

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The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip Submitted by J.C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian There is a situation where a plurality vote held in an election can end up being a majority vote. When there are three or more candidates running for the same office and at each ballot vote the candidate with the least number of votes drops out per the organization's bylaws.

If you end up with only two candidates, it takes a majority vote to win the election.

Robert's Rules of Order say that the candidate with the least number of votes in a three or more run for the same office, does not have to drop out. However, if your bylaws say that the candidate that receives the least number of votes has to drop out, then that candidate has to drop out.

Another example, if three candidates run for the same office and the results of the first ballot vote reveals that the two who received the least number of votes tied, then they both stay in the running for the next ballot vote, since both tied for second place (so to speak).

On the next ballot vote, the one that receives the least number of votes drops out and now you have two running for the office. There you go again, it now takes a majority vote to win the office. This is how a plurality vote in an election can turn out to be a majority vote.

Some people don't like a plurality vote to elect officers of their organization because it could mean that more people voted against the candidate that won by voting for the other candidates. We elect Presidents of the United States all the time by a plurality vote. It would be difficult to have to elect a President of the United States by a majority vote. This would be very expensive to the tax payers and it could take two or three run off elections before a winner is declared. So it is that we have elected a President many times over the past 200+ years that did not receive the majority vote of the people.

It can sometimes be confusing when electing officers by a plurality vote so be sure you are doing it correctly. This would mean that the right candidate won the election.

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LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc. Recognized as an Agency of Excellence The Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services presents awards at the 2015 Virginia EMS Symposium Submitted by Patricia Matthews, Director Marketing and Business Development, LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc. Stafford, VA., December 1, 2015 - LifeCare Medical Transports Inc. (LifeCare) was recognized by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services as an Agency of Excellence on November 14, 2015 at the Virginia EMS Symposium in Norfolk VA. LifeCare was among the first agencies and the only Medical Transport Service to receive this award.

LifeCare met all of the requirements for the Standard of Excellence program. The purpose of the Virginia Standards of Excellence (SoE) program is to identify and recognize EMS agencies that strive to operate above the standards and requirements of the Virginia EMS Regulations (12VAC5-31). The evaluation addresses several areas that collectively make up the operations of an EMS agency from several perspectives.

The critical areas addressed in this program are called ‘Areas of Excellence’. Each area outlines criteria based on best practices that are used to assess and measure the performance of an EMS agency. The SoE program has eight Areas of Excellence: Leadership/Management, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Clinical Care Measures, Operational Medical Direction, Life Safety, Community Support and Involvement, Recruitment & Retention, Performance and Risk. Each of the Areas of Excellence are reviewed using an assessment document that details optimal tasks, procedures and guidelines that are necessary to successfully maintain the business of managing an EMS agency and be recognized as an Agency of Excellence.

LifeCare was founded in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area in 1994 by Kevin Dillard and Dan Wildman. In 1999, Ernst and Young recognized Dillard and Wildman as Virginia’s “Entrepreneurs of the Year.” Headquartered in Stafford County, Virginia, LifeCare has since grown to one of Virginia’s largest providers of health care transportation services with locations throughout the Commonwealth, and was the first commercial agency to win the Virginia Governor’s Award for Outstanding EMS Agency in 2007.

Licensed at the highest level of service recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Health – Office of Emergency Medical Services, LifeCare employs over 300 professionals throughout Virginia, and is dedicated to supporting its mission of providing the highest quality patient care, ensuring superior customer service through proven quality assurance practices, and active community involvement.

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GOVERNOR’S EMS AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT ANNUAL EMS SYMPOSIUM A Virginia Office of EMS Press Release The 2015 Governor’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Award winners were recently announced at the 36th Annual Governor’s EMS Awards Ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia. Governor Terry McAuliffe recognized 10 outstanding EMS providers and organizations from across the Commonwealth for their dedication to EMS and excellence in the field.

The awards are presented in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services Annual EMS Symposium. This weeklong training event is the largest EMS training event in the Commonwealth and one of the largest in the nation. The symposium welcomes more than 1,600 providers and issues approximately 23,000 hours of continuing education credits.

“It is an honor to present such deserving recipients with these highly coveted awards. More than 34,500 EMS providers serve the people of Virginia and potentially put themselves in harm’s way by doing so every day,” said State Health Commissioner Marissa J. Levine, MD, MPH, FAAFP. “It is encouraging and inspiring to acknowledge their hard work and dedication to protect the health of all citizens.”

“Each year we recognize the best of the best in prehospital care by presenting the Governor’s EMS Awards, and each year I am in awe of the incredible accomplishments of these talented and devoted providers,” said Gary Brown, director, Office of EMS. “It is such a pleasure and privilege to thank these award winners for their vast achievements. You have made Virginia’s EMS System one of the greatest in the country and we all strive to meet your level of excellence.”

The 2015 Governor’s EMS Award winners are:

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Excellence in EMS - Dreama Chandler, Wythe County Rescue Squad

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Outstanding EMS Administrator (The Kent J. Weber Trophy) - Kathy Eubank, Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad, Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads

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Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS (The Frank M. Yeiser Trophy) - John Morgan, MD, Inova Loudoun Hospital, Loudoun County Combined Fire-Rescue System

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Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS – Melissa Hall, RN, Mary Washington Hospital Trauma Services

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Outstanding Prehospital Educator - Anne Mach, RN, Tidewater Community College

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Outstanding Prehospital Provider - Anna Harmon, Ladysmith Volunteer Rescue Squad

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Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health and Safety –Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue

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Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children - Robin Foster, MD, Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Emergency Medicine

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Outstanding EMS Agency - Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Fire and Rescue Department

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Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunications—Tammy Murcek, Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications

An additional award is presented at the ceremony to recognize the outstanding contributions to EMS by a high school senior. This is a scholarship award provided by the State EMS Advisory Board. This year, two high school seniors were selected for their exceptional contributions to Virginia’s EMS System: 

Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior (The Dr. Carol Gilbert $5,000 Scholarship)

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Caroline Meier, Vienna Volunteer Fire Department

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Nathaniel Paxton, Campbell County Rescue Squad

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EMS Organizations Announce Date & Location for 2016 Memorial Service to Honor Fallen EMS Heroes Submitted by Sara Hunt PR Washington, D.C. (October 30, 2015) – The National EMS Memorial Service, the National EMS Memorial Foundation and the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride are pleased to announce that the 2016 National EMS Weekend of Honor will take place the third weekend in May, which coincides with the conclusion of National EMS Week. The weekend features multiple events to honor the nation’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride’s East Coast route takes place May 14-20, 2016. The ride begins in Boston and ends in Arlington, Va., arriving in time to open the Weekend of Honor. The NEMSMBR implements long distance cycling events that recognize the lives of EMS providers who have died in the line of duty, as well as providers who have given significantly to EMS and have died of other causes.

The weekend’s culminating event, the National EMS Memorial Service, which honors fallen EMS providers who have died in the line of duty, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway in Arlington, on the afternoon of Saturday, May 21, 2016.

While many details about the specific activities are still being planned for the EMS Weekend of Honor, a block of rooms has been held at the hotel and anyone interested in attending the events may book a room in the block from now until April 25, 2016, when the block is released.

To book a room in the block, visit https://resweb.passkey.com/go/ nemsms. The booking link provides additional information about the hotel property. Attendees can also call toll free 1-888-421-1442. When booking by phone, please reference “National EMS Memorial Service Annual Service.”

In August 2015, the three organizations agreed to collaborate on a shared vision and strategic plan to honor EMS heroes who have died in the line of duty. They are also moving forward with efforts to establish a permanent National EMS Memorial in the greater Washington, D.C. area, an effort being led by the National EMS Memorial Foundation.

“We are pleased that the date and location are confirmed for the 2016 service and Weekend of Honor,” said Jana Williams, president of the National EMS Memorial Service. “We are excited to partner with these organizations and Hyatt to appropriately gather, pause and provide the tribute that our EMS colleagues and their families so richly deserve.”

More updates about the National EMS Memorial Service, the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride and the EMS Weekend of Honor will be forthcoming.

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From the VAVRS Chaplain Submitted by Mike Smoot, VAVRS Chaplain As the New Year begins we all make resolutions. Some of us strive to work harder, make more money, exercise more, spend more time with family, volunteer more and so on. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we fall short. I would like to challenge each of you see your life within the context of being of service to the world. If you can recognize the reality that you were sent into the world to serve the world in a specific way, if you can gain this vantage point and cultivate this awareness, then you can see that this year will be great - a year of change, a year where many signs will be given about the direction that humanity must go and the difficulties that lie ahead. Seek for the opportunity to contribute something greater to the world that needs what you have, for indeed you have what the world needs, love for others.

Please remember the families of those listed that have lost loved ones since Conference: Samuel Harvey Blacksburg, Glasgow Life Saving Crew Larry G. Bowen, Campbell County Rescue Squad Ronnie Caldwell, Blacksburg Rescue Squad Sharon K. Campbell, Cave Spring Rescue Squad Auxiliary Brenda J. Hargrave, Forest View Auxiliary Brenda Jenkins, Millwood Station Fire & Rescue Auxiliary Phyllis Kasten, Colonial Beach Vol. Rescue Squad Mel Losick, Kempsville Rescue Squad Jack Morgan, Sr., Campbell County Rescue Squad Judith G. Snyder, Millwood Station Fire & Rescue Auxiliary Kelly Southard, Orange County Rescue Squad Please continue to keep the State Office and myself informed of anyone needing cards and in the event of the loss of a member. Send the pictures of your members that have passed and a patch of your squad directly to me to be included in the Memorial Service at Conference by August 1st. Please send them in as soon as possible. You may email them to me at msmoot53@hotmail.com or to my home address.

From the VAVRS Chaplain Submitted by Makayla McMahan, VAJVRS Chaplain Looking forward, I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as the VAJVRS Chaplain. Unfortunately, the last 4 weeks in the VAVRS have been filled with much sadness and loss. Please join me in offering our thoughts and prayers to the families of those lost for strength and understanding.

Since Conference many sympathy cards and words of encouragement have been sent.

I will be representing Districts 2 & 8. Please feel free to email me at katnisseverdean14@gmail.com

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6th Annual District 10 Fall Rescue Camp Submitted by Steve Dove, District 10 R & R Officer On Saturday, October 10, 2015 over 45 kids participated in the 6th Annual VAVRS District 10 Fall Rescue Camp. The camp was attended by kids ranging from eight to eighteen years of age. The camp was held at the Fredericksburg EXPO & Conference Center in the City of Fredericksburg.

Bright sunny skies maintained a temperature of the mid 60’s throughout the day, making the weather perfect for the day’s events. Just before dawn, camp counselors and event organizers arrived at the Fredericksburg EXPO & Conference Center and began to prepare for an exciting day of educational and team building exercises for the kids to participate in. As the kids arrived, they were provided a t-shirt and assigned a group where they would meet others their age that would be participating in the events with them throughout the day.

“Thank you for providing such a wonderful experience for the kids at Rescue Camp.

This was my daughter and son’s first time and they absolutely loved it. They truly learned so much and are certainly inspired by the work that EMTs and other specialized citizens do.” - Carrie Szlyk

At 8:00 a.m., the kids all gathered for a training seminar conducted by Beth Addington of the Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department. Past participants of the camp requested to take the American Heart Association Friends & Family CPR Course. While this class is not a certification course, the kids each received a textbook with an attached card of course completion. This valuable life-saving skill focused on pushing hard and pushing fast on the lower half of the sternum within 10 seconds of recognizing cardiac arrest. The kids learned how to open the patient’s airway and give (Continued on page 21)

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mouth-to-mouth breaths until additional help arrived.

There was also a demonstration of how an Automated External Defibrillator works that focused on the four simple steps to operating one.

“My girl had a great experience at Rescue Camp. She now wants to get her EMT one day.” - Michele Griffin

After the participants got their blood flowing from their own cardiac workout by performing CPR on manikins, they all gathered to watch the arrival of the PHI AirCare Medical Helicopter. Last year’s visit by the helicopter was canceled because of weather, but with blue skies this year, the promise of getting to see the aircraft was just moments away. As the helicopter circled the area, the crew from Fredericksburg Fire Department explained to the kids the dangers of a Landing Zone and how it is important that those on the ground communicate to the helicopter crew as they approach. As the aircraft touched down, the kids had a (Continued on page 22)

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“You guys are amazing. My daughter and her friend have gone the past two years and are asking me to sign up for the next camp as soon as I pick them up.” - Jennifer Potter (Continued from page 21)

gleam about in their eyes knowing they would soon get to interact with the flight crew and take a closer look inside the helicopter.

While some of the kids toured the helicopter, others were able to watch a demonstration of the Virginia State Police Bomb Squad.

The kids learned how a robot was used to help identify suspicious packages and how those items could be x-rayed on site to determine if any devices in the packages posed as a threat. Participants learned from Special Agent Jane Gibbs how personnel wear protective gear before approaching any suspicious package. The kids were able to see this gear up close and realized how heavy it was, which helps to protect the wearer. The kids were really impressed with this valuable resource available in the Commonwealth and referred to the robot as a real life “WALL-E.” As the morning activities began to wind down, the kids joined their group counselors to enjoy lunch. There was lots of discussions about the morning events and more excitement about what the afternoon would bring. Kids caught up with some of the participants they had met in the camps from previous years and how their lives were progressing. Several talked about the day they would be old enough to become EMT’s.

As lunch came to a close, the kids were looking forward to more hands-on training with the afternoon events. Breaking down into smaller groups the participants were off to take part in several stations set up for the afternoon session of the camp. Groups worked with Beth Addington, who provided her talents to teach how moulage was used in Emergency Medical Training. Kids learned that the French word “moulage” meant to cast or mold. This was a form of art in applying mock injuries that provide the elements of realism in training simulations. Participants would learn to apply costume make-up to create a contusion. They would apply glue and liquid latex to form wounds and apply blood to the wounds to learn how (Continued on page 23)

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bleeding is controlled in an emergency situation. Many of the kids wanted to keep their moulage creations on themselves through the remainder of the camp and many were taking selfies to share on social media. Some of these injuries looked very realistic which lead to some unusual looks from parents as they arrived to pick up their children.

Sam Burnette with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs returned to the camp this year to teach the kids how to safely navigate through an unfamiliar area that may be overcome with smoke and debris resulting in very little light. Kids donned safety goggles that had been covered with tape, blocking out any light.

Once they had placed the goggles on, the kids learned to work as a team using their right hands to follow the path of a wall or to maneuver around obstacles that may be present, while sweeping for someone that may be trapped or unresponsive. The kids learned that working as a team would help them cover more area while making sure not to miss anything. Communication with team members was key in making it successfully through the maze Sam had created.

From about four stories up, we began to see kids sliding down the zip line that was set up by Greg Rice from Falmouth Volunteer Fire Department and Kelly Southard from Orange Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Kids were placed into harness with the help of Nikki Rice and Alyssa Barton, who would be waiting as the kids reached the ground on the zip line. Kelvin Lewis with the Spotsylvania Volunteer Fire Department would take the kids to the roof in the bucket of Tower 1, safely placing them on the roof to meet Greg and Kelly. Once snapped on to the zip line, the kids would be assisted over the edge of the roof to hear the cheering of the crowd on the ground and watching cameras snap pictures of their descent down. While the view from the top may have caused many to have butterflies in the stomachs, the majority of the kids had little apprehension about flying through the sky like Superman.

“I had a blast, be back next year can’t wait.

Thanks for having me.” - Madonna Jennings (Continued on page 24)

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With the assistance of Thomas McGowan and Kristina Lanning from LifeCare Medical Transports, groups learned how to immobilize suspected long bone injuries by applying board splints to the arms and legs. This training session taught kids how to help someone that may become injured and have a suspected broken bone. The kids also learned how to properly immobilize a patient that has suspect head, neck or spinal cord injuries by using a long board immobilization device such as a backboard. Kids leaned to apply cervical collars and maintain the head in a neutral inline position when preparing the patient to be placed on the backboard. Using spider straps to secure the patients torso and legs to the board, but allowing them to breathe without any compromises. Finally, the true test came as the kids made sure the patient was secured by flipping the patient upside down. While it seemed fairly simple to learn the techniques of applying the backboard, the excitement was being upside down like an amusement park ride.

Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad strategically placed traffic cones in the parking lot so that the kids could drive a golf cart through a mock EVOC practical course. Daniel Hunter with the Spotsylvania Volunteer Fire Department explained to the kids how this training is similar to what is used when teaching personnel to operate fire and EMS apparatus. He stressed how speed was not a factor in responding to emergencies. Arriving safely is the Number 1 priority.

As the kids got behind the wheel, they realized that maneuvering through the practical course seemed much simpler from the sidelines watching others avoid the traffic cones. Overall, many of the cones stayed put during the day.

However, whenever one was accidently knocked over, there would be a chuckle from the participants waiting patiently at their turn to operate the golf cart.

As the 6th Annual Fall Rescue Camp came to a close, the kids were presented their certificates of completion and a camp medal for taking part in this exciting event. Each received a goodie bag filled with donated items, and each looked forward to their very own Family and Friends CPR Anytime Kit that had been generously donated by the Mary Washington Healthcare Foundation. As the kids said their goodbyes and the counselors began cleaning up the areas, one thing was clear: The participants could not wait until next year’s camp.

The 7th Annual VAVRS District 10 Fall Rescue Camp will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Fredericksburg EXPO & Conference Center. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!!

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Faces of Virginia Beach EMS Photos by Bobby Hill

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Faces of Virginia Beach EMS Photos by Bobby Hill

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CBVRS Assists with Fall Festival and Launches Recruitment Campaign Submitted by Sara Hunt PR In 2015, Halloween fell on a Saturday, making it the perfect day to hold the annual Fall Festival in Colonial Beach. Members of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad (CBVRS) assisted the local Chamber of Commerce by providing emergency support onsite if needed, along with making and selling Brunswick Stew as a fundraiser.

The Colonial Beach Juniors conducted one of the event’s most popular games—Cow Patty Bingo. CBVRS sold raffle tickets for the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads’ ATV raffle to win a 2015 Polaris 570 4x4 Sportsman 4-wheeler.

“One of our goals was to raise much-needed funds to purchase new equipment and to provide additional training for our members,” said Wesley Melson, rescue chief of CBVRS. “Also, we have a goal of recruiting 40 new members in 2016, so we had an ambulance on display and other materials about our squad’s involvement in the community.”

Pat FitzGerald, assistant chief making Brunswick Stew for the CBVRS fundraiser at the annual Fall Festival in Colonial Beach.

CBVRS recently launched an ad campaign in print media and on Facebook to entice potential new members to contact the squad for more information about volunteering.

Chief Melson noted that the squad has several EMT classes starting in January, which new members can enroll in for free. “Now is a great time to be a member of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad,” he said.

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On March 12, 2016, PHI Air Medical is hosting the 8th annual Pre-hospital And Critical Care Education Symposium (P.A.C.E.S.) for local Emergency Medical Service agencies and hospitals. We expect over 200 local Nurses, Paramedics and clinicians for a full day of education on critical care, airway management, trauma, safety and more. We will be hosting speakers from across the nation who will be presenting cutting edge topics and recent trends in medical care. Additionally, we will provide this level of education for a minimal cost to the attendees of $45.

We really do host speakers from across the nation… this year’s key-note and closing speaker is Tania Glenn, PSYD, LCSW from Austin Texas who specializes in CISM and PTSD. Our Opening speaker is Dr. Bob Sarani from GWU, he’s their Chief of Trauma and CC Surgery. All together we’ll have between 15-20 topics including multiple hands-on labs. Of course please feel free to call/text/email me with any questions, concerns or requests.

C. Steve Mitchell, NRP FPC, PHI Air Medical Group, 3376 Shannon Airport Circle, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 540-760-2016 (cell); 540-368-9709 (office); 540-446-5673 (fax)

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.

MAKE YOUR PLANS TO JOIN US AT THE ANNUAL VAVRS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 20-24, 2016 IN VIRGINIA BEACH

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Chancellor Students Get Creative about Fire Safety Submitted by Sara Hunt PR Third-graders at Chancellor Elementary School in the Fredericksburg area submitted artwork in the third annual Fire Safety Coloring Contest sponsored by Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue. The winner, Eva Cochran, and her teacher, Sandy Azzarelli, were escorted to school on Friday, Oct. 30 in a CVFR fire truck. Skylar Tometich won Second Place and Janiya Powell won Third Place in the contest. According to project coordinator Steven Dove, CVFR sponsors the annual coloring contest to help illustrate the importance of fire safety tips like “Stop, Drop & Roll,” installing a working smoke alarm in the bedrooms, and having an exit plan in emergencies.

Sparky the Fire Dog admires Eva Cochran’s drawing that earned the First Place prize of a trophy and a ride to school in a Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue fire truck.

Eva Cochran, a third-grader at Chancellor Elementary School and First Place winner of Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue’s annual Fire Safety Coloring Contest, prepares to board a fire truck for a ride to school, along with her teacher, Sandy Azzarelli. They were chauffeured by Mike Passera of CVFR. Official

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The “Real� Attic

I hope that everyone had a joyous holiday season and started the New Year on the right foot.

The General Assembly began on January 11, 2016 for another "long" session or for at least 60 days. History shows that when there is a new budget the session is longer, upwards of a couple of months. The Governor has said that revenue is higher, but we will see.

VAVRS has a number of issues that will be coming before the legislature, including EMS Compact - patrons are Delegate Stolle and Senator Reeves. Delegate Orrock is the chief co-patron for the house bill. Yes, he did change his position.

Funding for the new federal stretcher requirements - we have patrons lined up but need to see what the Governor puts in his budget.

Line of Duty Act - at this writing we have no idea what the bill will look like, but are prepared to be heavily involved with it as we have in the past. A meeting was scheduled for the first week in December.

Line of Duty Training - this bill will require those who are eligible for LOD benefits to take a training class bi-annually.

Since you will be reading this article well into the session, here are some of the occurrences we expect to see. First, there will probably be well over 3,000 bills introduced, of which possibly 5% will require the attention of VAVRS. During the second week of the session, some of the Executive Officers will be visiting legislators and briefly talking about VAVRS issues.

President Craig and I met with Senator Hanger in Waynesboro in early December along with Gary Critizer. Senator Hanger is the new co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee. He should be a benefit to VAVRS during the session - especially on some of the funding issues.

We were able to make a few district meetings between conference and the end of the year. This year we plan on getting in some additional district meetings to visit.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any member of the Legislative Committee with them.

Have a safe winter and see you at Spring BOG.

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We’re Growing Submitted by Tricia Matthews, LifeCare Medical Transports, Marketing & Business Development LifeCare looks forward to welcoming our new associates from Eagle Medical Transports! We have acquired Eagle Medical (EMT) headquartered in Newport News, VA. A joining of two extraordinary organizations, this new partnership will enable LifeCare to provide a new and broader set of services to our facilities and patients. LifeCare will fulfill all of EMT’s transportation obligations and commitments to the facilities and customers they served without interruption. Additional availability of services, professionally trained medical personnel, and modern equipment will greatly improve the services and care provided. LifeCare will add EMT’s facilities in Chesterfield, Norfolk and Newport News to its other 6 locations throughout Central, Northern, and Southwestern Virginia and will offer additional employment opportunities in those localities.

District 9 News: Submitted by Ruth Stanley, Glade Spring VLSC

Photo Submitted by Ruth Stanley L-R: Darrell Beavers, Diana Haga and Angela Bussey

District 9 met on October 24th at the Oxbow Center in St. Paul, the meeting was hosted by Castlewood Fire and Rescue. We were honored to have several state officers present at the meeting. Our annual awards were presented, the Claude Graybeal Memorial Award for the overall best EVOC driver went to Alesia Crewey from Glade Spring Life Saving Crew, the Betty Fields Memorial Award for the best overall EMT team went to Glade Spring Life Saving Crew and a first time memorial award in memory of Kerry Haga of Bristol Life Saving Crew for the best overall extrication team also went to Glade Spring. Darrell Beavers sponsored this award and it will become an annual award. We are making plans for a training weekend to be held in May, more details will be given as they become available. The next District 9 meeting will be held at Glade Spring Life Saving Crew on January 16, 2016.

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"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."

Aristotle Submitted by Brett A. Locklair BA NRP, Southside Virginia Emergency Crew The Emergency Medical Service is an ever evolving field that focuses on incorporating the latest scientific research for prehospital care into providers' interactions with patients and the public. This can prove to be overwhelming for many people. Providers are constantly urged to participate in continuing education focused on the latest trends. While some opt to obtain certifications in rescue and fire specialties, others decide to take a different route and focus on obtaining a certification in advanced life support. Whichever way providers choose to expand their education, they are often met with difficulties ranging from financial and academic obligations as well as scheduling conflicts, each making the transition to higher education strenuous. It comes as no surprise that many are left with wondering if it possible to reach their goals and ultimately, if it is worth it.

Amber Hamel, Emergency Medical Technician for Southside Virginia Emergency Crew is one of the providers that struggled with the above transition. As I sat down with Ms. Hamel to ask her some basic questions about her EMS background and the program she attended, you could tell that she was exhausted.

Brett: "How long have you been in EMS and why did you decided to choose it as a potential career path?"

Amber: "I have been in EMS for about two-and-a-half years and I chose it as a career path because my family is in the medical field."

Brett: "What made you want to expand your knowledge?"

Amber: "That's just it. I wanted to expand my knowledge. I figured it would be a way to better help people."

Brett: "What did you expect going into the Advanced Life Support program?"

Amber: "Expected normal, but more than that."

Brett: "What do you mean by the previous statement?"

Amber: "Well, it wasn't difficult with my work schedule because there were two classes a week and you only had to attend one. However, there were challenges with the commute, maintaining a personal life, and getting enough sleep."

Brett: "How did you handle these stressors?"

Amber: "I pretty much blew off a lot of steam at the gym."

Brett: "You look exhausted from the commitment to higher education.

Do you have any advice? Was it worth it in the end?"

Amber: "It was definitely worth it. My best advice is to write out a schedule and attempt to realize that your education is more important, at least at the time, than your personal life."

Bubby Bish, Director of Southside Virginia Emergency Crew, has some words of advice. "It is certainly a team effort between new and older providers. Older providers are definitely a shoulder to lean on when in need because they have been through everything that the students have been through. However, you should make sure you do not overload your plate. Definitely make sure that you handle your workload and do not try and do it all at one time. It is a hard transition.

You will see the light at the end of the tunnel, but you have to get into the tunnel first."

The Crew at Southside Virginia Emergency Crew challenges everyone to continue to strive for higher education.

Whereas, it may be difficult during the process, the rewards make the journey worth it. Rest assure that it can be done and you can succeed."

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District 8 News Submitted by Erik L. Brown, District 8 Vice President.

The District 8 meeting was held at Central Middlesex Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Many agencies attended to receive a training from Dr. Rose with the Virginia Poison Control Center.

The lecture given was on spice and bath salts that are affecting the patients that we come into contact with. CEU hours were given with dinner provided followed by regular district meeting.

2015 Caregiver of the Year Award Submitted by Tricia Matthews, LifeCare Medical Transports, Marketing & Business Development LifeCare Medical Transport’s employees work closely with many caregivers and truly appreciate their dedication and hard work. Mr. Earle Greene, Sr. was presented the 2015 Caregiver of the Year Award at the annual Partners in Aging Caregiver Appreciation Luncheon. Earle was recognized for the unending round-the-clock care of his beautiful wife, Rose, who suffers from advanced stages of Parkinson's disease. Earle is a former driver at LifeCare Medical Transports and volunteers (with Rose) every Tuesday stuffing and mailing invoices for LifeCare. The mission of Partners in Aging is to improve access and resources to older adults and their families in the Fredericksburg community.

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A Glimpse of Three “Every Day Heroes” Brenda Hargrave, Sharon Campbell & Judy Snyder Submitted by Maxine Kerns, Outgoing NE District Chaplain, AVAVRS Past President, AVAVRS Life Member AVAVRS President Harry Householder’s theme for 2015- 2016 mentioned every day heroes. Three dedicated auxiliary members, heroes in our eyes, all left their earthly home, just after conference 2015. Brenda Hargrave, AVAVRS Past President and Life Member, Sharon Campbell, AVAVRS Immediate Past President and Life Member, and Judy Snyder, Millwood Station Fire & Rescue Auxiliary President and Life Member.

These ladies were not only heroes, but role models that displayed just what the AVAVRS is all about: dedication to our rescue squad family, unselfish years of serve, extremely hard working in whatever role they held, full of conviction and always demonstrating respect when dealing with our association. Their courage with health issues did not stop them and each shall remain an important part of our history. All three were serving their auxiliary as president and none of the three would be the type to seek recognition or glory but were genuinely concerned about the rescue squad family and this is a better place, because of them.

On a personal note, I distinctly recall the weekend before we came to the beach and prepared for conference, Judy opened our meeting so we could discuss a few issues and she was helping Lilli Gaunt Plummer prepare our door prizes while making plans to share activities with us that week. That was just Judy….service up until the end….always putting others above herself.

On that happy note of putting others above self, we can applaud each of these ladies for sharing their time, talent and love for our association and for reminding us why we serve this fine family.

Thank you for blessing us with your gifts……..Oh faithful servants……..job well done!

This is a photo of our VAJVRS Officers and Senior Advisors. Please look at your VAVRS Directory or the VAVRS website for which districts we represent.

Front row: Bradley Hancock, Historian; Adarah Williams, Vice President; Toby Akers, Sec./ Treas.; and Makayla McMahan, Chaplain.

Back row: VAJVRS Senior Advisors Debbie Rice, Brandon Baugus, Kim Melson, and Alfred Smith.

We look forward to working with all of the junior squads this year. Please feel free to call us, if you need help.

Hope you all have a great year.

Submitted by Bradley Hancock, Historian

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Notice To All Senior Squads— VAJVRS Survey First, I would like to thank all of the squads that have taken the time to respond to the following questions. If your squad has not received this quick VAJVRS survey, or your squad has just not had the time, would you please read the following and respond? Thanks so much.

Would you please fill out this form, or, if you have a junior squad, please have your Junior Squad Advisor (s) and Junior Squad Captain answer the following questions? It would be such a great help to us. I thank you ahead of time for your support of the Virginia Association of Junior Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAJVRS).

The VAJVRS Officers: President Elizabeth Pittman, Vice President Adarah Williams, Sec/Treas. Toby Akers, Historian Bradley Hancock, and Chaplain Makayla McMahan are working extremely hard on building up the District junior squads' numbers and participation at the District level meetings, as well as the Spring BOG and Conference Junior meetings. We would like to have representation from all of the squads on our officer slate and at district and state meetings.

In order to facilitate this process AND to obtain important contact information, so we can make you aware of junior events, we would like to know: 1. Does the senior squad have a junior squad?

2. Does the squad belong to VAJVRS? 3. If not, is there a reason you would like to share? How can we help you with recruitment and retention?

4. Would your squad be open to a visit from district/state junior officers and/or advisors?

5. What is the squad's junior advisor's name (s) and their contact information?

6. If you have a junior squad, what is the junior captain's name and contact information?

7. What would your junior squad like to see the district junior squad do? How can we help you?

8. Do you send any of your junior squad members to the Spring BOG and/or VAVRS Conference?

9. What would your squad like to see the VAJVRS do? at the Spring BOG? At Conference? During the year?

I will pass this information on to your VAJVRS Officers.

Just for your information, if you go to the VAVRS website, you can see some information on the VAJVRS, and you can download an application form and junior activity reports. When you initially join, the fee is $40, and thereafter, the dues are $20 per year. You can find your VAJVRS Officers' and Senior Advisors' Contact Information in the VAJVRS section and in your VAVRS Directory for 2015-16. It will also let you know the districts each officer and advisor are responsible for.

Please send your response to Alfred Smith at the following email by March 11, 2016. We really want to hear from you. Alfred Smith's email is alfiecubby@earthlink.net.

Again, thanks so much for your time and support of the VAJVRS. They are our future. We want to include as many of you as possible in our district and state junior activities. Any questions, please call me at the number below. Thanks for all you do for your communities.

Alfred Smith, Chairman VAJVRS Senior Advisors 540-558-9334 (c)

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Everyone Should Have A Resume?

Submitted by Fran Phillips, VAVRS R&R Chair What is a “Resume”? The dictionary states the following: “A summary, as of one’s employment record.” You may not be receiving a pay check for your service as a rescue squad member but you should have a resume indicating the following: date you joined, the committees that you have served on, the appointed offices you have held, the elected offices, and any awards you may have received.

This is true for your local squad, your district and the VAVRS. Why is a resume important?

You joined a rescue squad in 2012. You really don’t know if this is what you want to do but it gives you a chance to find out. You find that you like to help those in need and that you like the comradery that your crew provides. You take CPR, EMT, EVOC and become a third on your first out unit. Now you would like to be checked out to drive the unit. Next you want to become an Attendant-InCharge [AIC]. This is taken you through the training that your squad requires and about one to two years to accomplish.

You have attended Rescue College and taken some seminars at Conference. Your expertise is growing. Surprise! You find out that you like to teach and you become an instructor in CPR. You have attended your District meetings and are asked to be the Secretary of the District. You progress in your accomplishments. Now you need a resume to give to the District Nominating Committee to show your progression and accomplishments to be elected as the 2015 Assistant District Vice President or District Vice President.

Even if you do not want to become a District or State Officer, you still need a resume when applying for a job, going to school, internships, etc. Your resume does not have to be the formal kind that you would need to apply for a job.

Just start out with the following: Joined [Name of Rescue Squad] on January 27, 2012 Professional CPR - February 2, 2012 Checked out third on the unit - February 25, 2012 EVOC - June 2, 2012 EMT-B - December 2012 Cleared to drive emergency - January 4, 2013 Leadership Class at Rescue College - June 2013 Attendant In Charge [AIC] - August 25, 2013 Seminars at Conference - 2013 [you will need to list the names of all the seminars that you took] Nominating Committee - September 2013 Crew of the Year - 2013 Outstanding New Member - 2013 Your resume should continue through the years. A listing of all your classes and accomplishments, etc. may be placed on your computer and should be updated on a regular basis. Don’t count on your memory for dates of class completion, or what classes that you have taken. You will look back over the years and wonder how you had time to do everything that you did and remember what a great time you had with your rescue squad friends.

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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, Are you glad that 2015 is over?

EMT #1 Dear EMT #1 I sure am—if 2015 was a person, I'd sue him for pain, suffering and lost wages.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #2 Dear EMT #2 In 2016, may your neighbors respect you, troubles neglect you, angels protect you, and heaven accept you.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #3 Dear EMT #3 Not really. Just one wish for you, may all my troubles last as long as my New Year resolutions.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #4 Dear EMT #4 No resolutions, just one prayer—in 2016 I pray for a FAT bank account and a THIN body and also pray they don't get mixed up like they did last year.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #5 Dear EMT #5 I'm planning on finding new and interesting things to hate about my job in 2016.

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Dear Rescue Ranger, Did you run any interesting calls on New Year’s Eve? EMT #9 Dear EMT #9 On New Year's Eve I was called to a local bar for an injured man. He was unresponsive and badly bruised. I asked one of the bystanders what happened and he told me that someone said that it was time to get ready. At the stroke of midnight, he wanted every man to be standing next to the one person who made his life worth living.

Well, it was kind of embarrassing.

As the clock struck, the bartender was almost crushed to death.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #10 Dear EMT #10 I will start buying lottery tickets at a luckier store Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #11 Dear EMT #11 Watch more TV. I've been missing some good stuff.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #6 Dear EMT #6 My 2016 resolution is for everyone else to gain the 50 pounds I refuse to lose.

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Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #8 Dear EMT #8 No, just one promise. I admit that there were many times in 2015, when I annoyed you, disturbed you, irritated you, and bugged ....today I just want to tell you I plan to continue in 2016!

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #13 Dear EMT #13 Gain enough weight to get on “The Biggest Loser”.

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Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #14 Dear EMT #14 I will do less laundry and use more deodorant.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #15 Dear EMT #15 Find out why EMT #7 and EMT #12 don’t write to me anymore.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #16 Dear EMT #16 I have only one resolution. To rediscover the difference between wants and needs. May I have all I need and want all I have. Happy New Year!

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

EMT #17 Dear EMT #17 Keep the smile, Leave the tear, Hold the laugh, Leave the pain, Think of joy, Forget the fear.

Be joyous, cause its a New Year.

Dear Rescue Ranger, 2015 was a great year...passed my paramedic, married a great woman and won the lottery.

LUCK Dear LUCK Can we be friends in 2016 Please?

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

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