Lifeline janfeb2017

Virginia

LIFELINE

January/February 2017 The Official Publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads

Celebrating Excellence in EMS 2016 Governor’s EMS Award Winners

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

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

New Course Development: Cecil Leach Scholarship: Greg Burton Public Relations: 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 Co Chair: David Tesh Volunteer Management Co Chair: Walter Stephens Grant Writer: Elizabeth Papelino Camporee Event: Ronnie Slough

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 Debbie Rice

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District 1 V.P. : Kalee Stevenson District 3 V.P. : Cara Beasley District 5 V.P. : Tyler McGaughey District 6 V.P. : Bradley Hancock District 6 V.P. : Toby Akers Jr. District 7 V.P. : Adarah Williams District 9 V.P. : Alice Becker District 10 V.P. :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 Northeastern VP - Maxine Kerns Southcentral VP - Vicki Arnold Southeastern VP - Elsie Butler Southwestern VP - Diane Haga Western VP - Debbie Rohr

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

From your Editor...

Karen D. Wagner Welcome to the pages of the LIFELINE, the Official publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads.

Have you ever wanted to share a story but have no clue how to put the words on paper? Fear not...as your editor I would be more than happy to help you share your story.

Contact me at editor@vavrs.com.

Together we can get your story out to our over 18000 readers!

As a reminder, you can browse the pages of this publication on line from anywhere in the world by opening the LIFELINE link located at www.vavrs.com.

“The VAVRS is your LIFELINE to EMS”

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Resolutions: Nancy Winner Membership: Ailease Short Finance: Fay Browning Roll Call: Laura Booze Roll Call: Clara Craig

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 VAVRS Editor at editor@vavrs.com if you need assistance in writing an article Deadline for future issues are as follows: February 1, 2017 for the Mar/Apr 2017 Issue April 1, 2017 for the May/Jun 2017 Issue June 1, 2017 for the Jul/Aug 2017 Issue August 1, 2017 for the Sep/Oct 2017 Issue September 1, 2017 for the Conference Issue October 1, 2017 for the Nov/Dec 2017 Issue Advertising Rates: Member Squads…,…......no charge Full Page…………………..$ 275.00 Half Page………………..…$150.00 Quarter Page……………....$100.00 Business Card……………..$ 50.00

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Congratulations to the 2016 Governor’s EMS Award Winners!

By the virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Excellence in EMS—Gary A. Dalton Gary has been a pioneer in the Virginia EMS System for 47 years, and has served as a leader, advocate and motivator within all areas of the field. He began his EMS career soon after graduating from high school and since then has served as a volunteer, paid professional, instructor and mentor to several generations of EMS providers. Gary has been an active member of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS) since 1971 and has served in every officer category. While serving as president, he moved VAVRS to a top organization through the development of leadership opportunities within smaller agencies that didn’t have the resources. He currently serves as editor of the “VAVRS Lifeline,” a magazine that is published and distributed throughout Virginia, and highlights volunteer EMS organizations and enhanced communications to all agencies. Gary is also one of the Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) coordinators and has been teaching the EVOC program for more than 25 years and is a true leader in the program. Throughout his career, Gary has served on numerous committees, including the State EMS Advisory Board for six years. Gary has been a provider for Valley Medical Transport for more than 25 years and has been a critical member of the organization. His years of service, excellence in performance of duties and charisma has earned him the respect of his peers and those he leads. He is truly dedicated to the frontline of EMS and has worked tirelessly to serve the needs of his peers and providers to make it easier for them to serve their patients. He is an outstanding example for any aspiring EMS leader because he has demonstrated an exemplary path as a field provider, instructor and local leader, who has shaped services and policies in his community and across the Commonwealth. Gary Dalton’s contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Outstanding EMS Administrator—Kent J. Weber Trophy—Kevin T. Stiles Throughout his career, Kevin Stiles has been a true advocate for EMS, with his involvement extending back to 2002. As Battalion Chief of EMS for Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, Kevin has worked diligently and relentlessly to improve and enhance the county’s EMS system. One of his greatest accomplishments has been the development, delivery and implementation of Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) training for the county. Realizing that the system was weak in its ability to respond to MCI events, Kevin took the lead on the development of MCI training that provided all system members a review of response, triage and treatment. In August 2015, he planned and led a two-week multiagency Active Shooter Response Drill. During this drill, more than 700 law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel were trained. Through his exemplary leadership and administrative skills, Kevin has greatly improved EMS in Loudoun County. He has lobbied for more staffed EMS resources, additional pay for paramedics and preceptors, and also implemented recognition programs for providers. Additionally, he participates with several committees and EMS initiatives. Kevin Stiles’ significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS—Frank M. Yeiser Trophy—Paul A. Phillips, D.O. Dr. Paul Phillips has been an active member of the EMS system for nearly 35 years, serving as a volunteer and career paramedic for more than 25 years. He also served as an EMS agency officer and captain for numerous years before completing medical school and returning to the EMS system as one of the Southwest region’s most active Operational Medical Directors. Dr. Phillips oversees 13 licensed EMS agencies and also serves as Regional Medical Director for the Southwest Virginia EMS Council and as the Physician Course Director for the Southwest Virginia EMS Council EMTIntermediate Program. A majority of his career has focused on meeting the unique needs of the agencies he oversees.

His contributions include implementing the regional King Airway program and STEMI protocols. Dr. Phillips also understands the importance of EMS education and takes on an active role to ensure that the region’s EMS training needs are met. Since 2009, he has supervised 219 EMS courses and has conducted more than 200 hours of EMS training, free of charge, each year, for providers in his agency and in adjacent counties where EMT instructors are limited. His commitment has earned him the respect of his peers and the EMS community. Dr. Paul Phillips’ significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS—Robin Manke, R.N. Robin Manke began her career as an ER nurse and quickly knew that she wanted to do more to help expand the health care system in her region and statewide. She currently works as the Director of Emergency Management for VCU Health and is recognized as a leading expert of unique pathogens and infectious diseases. She has served as a lead on numerous projects, including the 2015 UCI World Cycle Championships in Richmond, where she was a medical center lead. During that project, she developed and implemented crisis and continuity plans that were successful in protecting (Continued on page 7)

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critical infrastructure, quality and patient safety. Robin also served as VCU Health’s administration lead on the development and implementation of a unique pathogen unit, becoming one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s original 35 Ebola treatment centers within the U.S. during the outbreak in West Africa. She even traveled to West Africa four times during the epidemic to assist with training for personal protective equipment for public safety and EMS. Robin has made it her mission to ensure that those who respond to emergent situations are equipped, educated and prepared. Robin Manke’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly appreciated by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Outstanding Prehospital Educator—Josh Wilkinson Over the past five years, Josh Wilkinson has made great strides as a prehospital educator, not only for his local EMS agency, but also for the southwest Virginia region. Understanding that distance creates distinct educational barriers for students in that region, Josh has identified critical training needs and has taken numerous instructor courses that have ensured the availability of programs. He encourages his students to not only provide patient care, but to understand the importance of quality patient care. His vast knowledge and selflessness draw in students from nearly two hours away to enroll in his courses. Some of his notable accomplishments include coordinating a driver safety program for the City of Bristol, where he personally taught countless hours of driver safety for all city employees and in turn saved the city on their insurance premium. Josh has also worked to develop an EMS continuing education training program for the Bristol Fire Department, which consists of monthly online training and also includes quarterly in-class training sessions for all three work shifts. Josh’s passion for high quality prehospital education has not only benefitted the EMS providers he trains, but has also affected the citizens who receive care from his students. Josh Wilkinson’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Outstanding Prehospital Provider—Joshua D. Phillips As an advanced paramedic, firefighter and instructor, Joshua Phillips has dedicated much of his career to public service and giving back to his community. Josh began his career in 2006 with Kerrs Creek Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue in Rockbridge County, Va. He went on to obtain his EMT certification and then became nationally registered as a paramedic in 2010. He currently works with the Lynchburg Fire Department and also as an adjunct instructor for the Paramedic Program at Central Virginia Community College. He serves on several organizational committees where he helps to improve different areas within the department. As a provider, Josh embodies the true characteristics of a healthcare professional. He is sensitive to the needs of his patients, remains calm during the most horrific emergency calls and continues to seek knowledge to advance his skills. Even as a mentor, preceptor and instructor, Josh continues to cultivate his skills and problem-solving abilities. He shares his passion and love of prehospital care with the next generation of providers who desire to better themselves and improve the care they provide. Joshua Phillips’ significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health and Safety—Katherine West Since 1975, Katherine West has been involved with Infection Control and is highly sought after for instruction, advice and guidance for training and policy at agencies throughout the Peninsulas region and the Commonwealth. Through Katherine’s training program and advocacy, all agencies within the Peninsulas region have qualified Designated Officers who meet state and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for the management of an effective infection and exposure control program. Katherine is on the faculty at the George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences and has served as an adjunct faculty member for the National Fire Academy. In addition, she has served as a consultant to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Her educational programs and guidance have helped prepare hundreds of EMS providers with the confidence and knowledge needed to face potential exposures to life-threatening hazards and emotional circumstances. Katherine West’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children—Wanda Willis For more than 20 years, Wanda Willis has dedicated much of her time and heart to the children of Virginia, and has proven to be an exceptional champion for childhood injury prevention. Wanda has been the Safe Kids Central Shenandoah Valley Coalition Coordinator since 2003 and has worked tirelessly to protect children by developing and supporting a strong network of injury prevention advocates. She has leveraged resources to expand the Safe Kids program to include additional staff members who coordinate various child passenger safety activities and other community programs. Wanda was appointed by former Governor Mark Warner and former Governor Tim Kaine to be a member of the State Child Fatality Review Team from 2004-2010. Wanda is well respected across Virginia and is utilized (Continued on page 8)

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as a resource by many other child safety advocates. She is enthusiastic in everything that she does and is able to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. Wanda Willis’ significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly appreciated by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Outstanding EMS Agency—Richmond Ambulance Authority This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA), an organization that has seen much success over the years through its agency’s initiatives and community programs. In 2015, RAA was selected as the National EMS Agency of the Year, as identified by the National Association of EMTs. Many of its members have also received national recognition for excellence. Operationally, RAA has had its busiest year to date, with more than 65,000 calls for service, an increase of five percent over last year with no loss in operational performance and response time reliability. Over the years, RAA has created a number of signature programs to contribute to wellness, injury prevention and health. The motorcycle safety program, Rider Alert, has expanded to a global collaboration, which places identity cards inside rider’s helmets to help first responders provide rapid and accurate medical assistance to motorcyclists involved in serious accidents. RAA has also partnered with the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) to deliver CPR to every tenant that enters RRHA housing. Since January 1, 2016, more than 1,000 citizens have received training. The Richmond Ambulance Authority’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunications—Jennifer A. Bowman Over the last 16 years, Jennifer Bowman has demonstrated her dedication as a telecommunications dispatcher for Shenandoah County. She currently works there as a shift supervisor and is the resource person for all personnel within the center. One of her most unique contributions as a dispatcher is her recognition and ongoing support of the “EMS as a team” concept. Her emphasis on team practice has resulted in a professional, cordial and efficient work environment. In 1997, Jennifer began her EMS career as a volunteer EMT with the New Market Rescue Squad. She also served as the interim director at the Shenandoah County Emergency Communications Center (ECC), where she encouraged the implementation of procedures and practices that have improved operations at the ECC. As a telecommunications dispatcher, Jennifer’s comprehensive knowledge, skills and abilities enable her to be the calm voice of assurance to callers and coworkers in challenging situations. Jennifer Bowman’s dedication and significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly appreciated by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

New award this year - Outstanding Contribution to EMS Emergency Preparedness and Response— James A. Nogle, Jr. Trophy—Stephen P. Kopczynski Chief Stephen Kopczynski has been involved in EMS and emergency management for more than 25 years and currently works as Fire Chief and Coordinator of Emergency Management for the York County Department of Fire and Life Safety.

Throughout his career, Stephen has distinguished himself in the field of fire, EMS and emergency services management through outstanding service to York County, the Greater Hampton Roads region, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia Emergency Management Association. He has facilitated and chaired several pivotal policy committees and task forces. One of his notable accomplishments was to help develop the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Medical Response System and to assist with its oversight for more than a decade. He is also one of the founders of the Virginia-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team and has served as a director for more than eight years. As a result of his efforts and exceptionally high standards of leadership and professionalism; York County, the region and Commonwealth is better prepared, trained and equipped to respond to the medical consequences of a natural or man-made disaster. Chief Stephen Kopczynski’s significant contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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.

Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior—Dr. Carol Gilbert Scholarship—Nathan S. Welch Nathan Welch takes great pride in the service he is able to provide to the community of Stephens City, Va. His compassionate spirit and love of volunteering is what led him to become a member of the Stephens City Fire and Rescue Company, where he served as a registered EMT and a ProBoard Accredited Firefighter. While volunteering at the station and completing his senior year of high school, Nathan worked as an emergency transporter for Winchester Medical Center and as a registration specialist for Front Royal Urgent Care. He was able to manage that workload along with his schoolwork and graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA. Nathan believes that a proper education is essential in life because it allows one to become a contributing member of society. When he was asked, how would you improve the EMS system in Virginia? Nathan said that he would work to increase the staffing of all agencies and find ways to provide easier access to advanced EMS training. For Nathan, the most important aspect of EMS is being there for his community in their time of need. Nathan currently attends the Virginia Commonwealth University and hopes to become an emergency department physician. Nathan Welch’s contributions to Virginia’s local, regional and state EMS system are exceptional and greatly valued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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From The Waynesboro First Aid Crew Auxiliary Submitted by CeCe McCormick, Historian and Jill Stachowski The leaves are changing, Fall is here. In October we prepared food for the monthly drills. Our first fundraiser was the lead lodge ladies night out banquet. The fire department had an open house. We The auxiliary lent them our popcorn machine. The crew has remodeled the kitchen and bathrooms the auxiliary bought some new items for them.

As The crew combine the celebration of their 65th anniversary with our open house, The memorial garden got cleaned out and dozens of cookies were made for the open house. October 22, 2016 the auxiliary planned a 65th reception for the Waynesboro first aid crew we collected door prizes to be given away we purchased 65th anniversary plaques to be given to the crew members. The auxiliary put out a big spread of food and three cakes for the party.

We purchased a new banner for the auxiliary we also bought new banners for the crew.

In November we did monthly drills and went out to dinner for auxiliary members birthdays also new member Zachary Stachowski participated in a drill scenario.

We attended the Western District meeting at Buena Vista we have three auxiliary members holding offices Danny McCormick as chaplain, Jill Stachowski as EMT chairperson, and Bernice Payne as secretary /treasurer. Our big event for the month of November is fixing a Thanksgiving dinner for the crew and their families we also included EEOC the fire department and the police department this is a great fellowship for everyone.

W e wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Blessing for a great 2017.

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The Waynesboro First Aid Crew Submitted by Robbie Blackburn Our crew reached a milestone this year by celebrating our 65th anniversary.

To celebrate this event, we had an open house in October that was well attended by the community. There were 13 vendors in attendance including city and county law enforcement, Augusta Health hospital, Positive Paws therapy dogs, city Emergency Operation Center, and many more. The WFAC Auxiliary was also on hand with snacks for everyone. Also in October the WFAC Auxiliary hosted a reception for volunteers, staff, and their families. Quite a few of our "old timers" (inactive lifetime members) were also in attendance. You can just imagine the stories that were told that night! The food prepared by our auxiliary was fantastic (because they don't know any other way). Local businesses donated door prizes. The auxiliary also purchased a special plaque to be given to each person in attendance. October continued to be a busy month for us as we participated in the District 1 meeting where our EMT team placed first in the EMT competition. In November the auxiliary was back in the kitchen as they prepared a Thanksgiving meal for volunteers, staff, auxiliary members, and their families. I guarantee no one went home hungry. Following the meal we held our monthly business meeting where officers for 2017-2018 were elected. The WFAC hopes everyone has a wonderful Christmas.

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News from District 9

District 9 VP Ruth Johnson presents Dwayne Stanley with his award.

A Washington County Crewette receives Martin Duncan’s Life Membership in his absence.

Submitted by Ruth T. Stanley, Glade Spring VLSC District 9 met on October 15, 2016 at Abingdon Ambulance Service. The Betty Fields Memorial Award for the Overall Best EMT Team was presented to Washington County Life Saving Crew, the Kerry Haga Memorial Award for the Overall Best Vehicle Extrication Team was also presented to Washington County Life Saving Crew, the Claude Graybeal Memorial Award for the Overall Best EVOC Driver was presented to Dwayne Stanley of Glade Spring Life Saving Crew. District 9 presented District Life Membership to two members, Martin Duncan of Washington County Life Saving Crew and Anne Bales of Glade Spring Life Saving Crew. The next District meeting will be on January 21, 2017 and will be hosted by Glade Spring Life Saving Crew.

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Dwayne Stanley District Alternate VP presents Anne Bales with her life membership January/February

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The Chaplain Connection Corner Submitted by Gary Dalton, VAVRS Chaplain

As we enter a new year I would like to share some inspirational quotes regarding healthcare and the services we provide our patients: “It doesn’t take an instant more, or cost a penny more, to be empathetic than it does to be indifferent.” Brian Lee “One kind word can warm three winter months.” Japanese Proverb “In an emergency, what treatment is given by ear? Words of Comfort.”

Abraham Verghese, MD “They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou “You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome.” Patch Adams EMT’s and Paramedics may not be angels, but they are the next best thing. Anonymous If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

Dalai Lama Each day of this year is a blank page on which you can write your story for 2017. Make it a great book you would want everyone to read. Blessings to you all.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23).

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From the VAVRS Training Officer Submitted by Greg Burton Hello to all Here’s hoping everyone had a wonderful and joyous holiday season. Since conference ended in September of 2016, training has been on-going at a record pace. VAVRS is a statewide organization and our logo can be found in almost all areas of the state where training is happening. There have been Vehicle Extrication classes in Wythe County, Pittsylvania County, Rockbridge County, and Franklin County to name a few. EVOC classes have been and continue to be offered across the state nearly every weekend. Bedford County was host to Infectious Disease classes and Montgomery County was the site for a collaboration between Lewis Gale Hospital-Montgomery and the VAVRS Farm Machinery Extrication group. LGH-M provides terrific educational opportunities for providers not only from this area of the state but all over. LGH-M along with some other sponsors worked together with the Farm Instructors to make this class available because they have seen these types of injuries come through their emergency room and it presented an excellent situation for providers to learn some pre-hospital techniques. LGH-M and VAVRS hope to continue working in tandem and providing even more classes and training for ems providers in the field.

Be on the lookout for information regarding Rescue College 2017. College is again being held at Virginia Tech and will be offering some type of training or educational opportunity for everyone. The date for this event is June 9th through the 18th. Please come and support your association as we try to provide you with a way to not only gain knowledge as an EMS provider, but friendships and bonds with other providers that will last for a lifetime.

Please remember that, myself as your Training Officer, and the association as well, strive to provide you and your agency as many training classes as possible. If you are in need of a particular class at your crew, there are several ways to go about making that happen. You can get in touch with your district Training Officer or me or by calling the state office. Each class we offer has a course coordinator who will in turn be contacted to try to meet your request.

I wish each of you the very best for 2017 and I look forward to helping you any way that I possibly can as your Training Officer. Feel free to contact me with any needs or concerns you may have.

The Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad is looking to find a good home for six portable 8-pack metal gear racks, pictures attached, which are being replaced.

These sell new for $1,000 each. We're asking $250 each.

Those interested may contact me at the numbers listed below.

Pete Rockx, President, GMVRS Cell: 703-609-4280 Page

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Rescue 14 Group Photo

Virginia Beach EMS Photos and article submitted by Bobby Hill, VA Beach Rescue Squad Foundation Recruitment Coordinator VB EMS Career Division Chief Positions Filled: Kevin Lipscomb, life member with the Kempsville Rescue Squad has been hired as a career Division Chief for Virginia Beach EMS. Kevin will lead the VA Beach EMS Administration and Support Division.

Bruce Nedelka, life member with the Davis Corner Volunteer Squad has been hired as a career Division Chief for VA Beach EMS. Bruce will lead the VA Beach EMS Volunteer Human Resources Division.

VA Beach EMS Volunteer Assistant Chief Positions Created:

Jack Dye and Bobby Hill

VA Beach EMS Chief Ed Brazle has created four new Volunteer Assistant Chief positions to assist with management of the ten volunteer squads and support teams.

Bill Walker, A life member with the Plaza Squad, Ocean Park Volunteer Life Member Steve Long, Trevor Kirk, life member with the Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteers and Jay Leach, life member with the VA Beach Rescue Squad have been appointed to the newly created positions of Assistant Marketing and Communications Coordinator Position Filled: Jennifer Babiak has been hired to fill the position of Marketing and Communications for Virginia Beach EMS. She will work closely with the VA Beach Rescue Squad Foundation, City communications staff and local media outlets.

VA Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Received 5 Awards at the 2016 VAVRS Conference Congratulations to the VA Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, more commonly known in the local public safety arena as Rescue Stations 8 and 14 on receiving 5 awards at the 82nd Annual VAVRS Conference held in Virginia Beach.

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First Place: Best EMS Website in the Commonwealth of VA Second Place: 1972 Cadillac ambulance in the Novelty Category.

Second Place: Quick Response VehicleMedic Cart 8.

Fourth Place: Best Appearing Rescue Truck-Heavy Squad 14.

Fourth Place: Support Vehicle-Utility 14.

2016 Calls For Help On the Rise According to the VA BEACH EMS annual report in 2015, VA Beach EMS responded Rescue 9 at Air Show Recruiting to over 43,000 calls for help. At a recent operation meeting, Chief Brazle announced that our 2016 call volume is expected to reach 45,000 before the end of the year.

New EMT Classes Starting Every Other Month Traditionally VA Beach EMS has sponsored 4 nighttime EMT courses a year.

Earlier this year, VA Beach EMS Training Division stepped up their game a new EMT class beginning every other month and including a summer daytime accelerated class.

This was made possible by incorporating a hybrid EMT course with on line lectures and weekly work shop/skill stations at the training center.

Sixteen Virginia Beach EMS Volunteers are registered at Tidewater Community College VA Beach Campus for an EMT Advanced course, funded and sponsored by the City of VA Beach and the VA Beach Department of EMS. Hurricane Matthew Destroys Emergency Equipment Hurricane Matthew packed a bigger punch than anticipated. An estimated 2,000 homes and businesses suffered damage.

In addition to 15 police cars, one fire truck and 1 marine rescue team truck totaled as a result of storm damage, the Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad lost two type III van ambulances and the Davis Corner Squad lost one type III van ambulance to storm damage. Fortunately all first responders made it through the storm without injury.

VA Beach Fire Chief Fills Deputy City Managers Position VA Beach Fire Chief Steve Cover has been selected to fill the position of Public Safety Deputy City Manager.

This is a new position created to oversee fire, ems and law enforcement operations along with 911/311 dispatch and Emergency Management.

Thank You Gary Dalton I would like to give a shout out to Gary Dalton for riding herd on the Lifeline Magazine and helping to get the word out around the Commonwealth about all the great volunteer and career EMS agencies in our great state.

Chesapeake Beach Cart 4 at Air Show Page

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Updates on VOLSAP Patricia S. Bishop, Director of the Virginia Retirement System As a volunteer firefighter or rescue squad worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you may be eligible to participate in a program that provides you an optional savings opportunity to reward you for your volunteer service. The program, more commonly known as VOLSAP, is the Volunteer Firefighters’ and Rescue Squad Workers’ Service Award Program.

Established in 1999 as a way to recognize the invaluable efforts of Virginia’s volunteer first responders, VOLSAP allows participating volunteers to save money in an account.

The account is funded by you at $30 per quarter, an amount that is set by the VOLSAP Board, and your department and locality may provide a matching contribution in any amount.

Over the course of your volunteer career, the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) invests these after-tax contributions alongside the VRS Trust Fund, a diversified portfolio.

When you reach age 60 and have at least 10 years of volunteer service as reported by your volunteer department, you become eligible for a full distribution of your account. A full distribution includes contributions made by you, any matching contributions made on your behalf, and any investment earnings. If you take a distribution from your account before reaching age 60 or with fewer than 10 years of volunteer service, you may not be eligible to receive investment earnings or certain matching contributions made on your behalf.

However, your distribution will never be less than contributions made by you, adjusted for any potential investment losses (as of September 30, 2016, the VRS Trust Fund produced a 5.5% annualized return over the prior 10 years, but past performance is not indicative of future results).

I also wanted to let you know about recent appointments to the Board. The VOLSAP Board is made up of ten members, most of whom are appointed. The Governor appoints six members of the Board, the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates appoints two, and the Virginia Senate Committee on Rules appoints one. As the VRS Director, I serve as the ex officio chair of the Board. The nine other members of the Board include: Senator A. Benton Chafin, Jr. Delegate Benjamin L. Cline Delegate Hyland F. “Buddy” Fowler, Jr. John H. Craig III Mark L. Crnarich Kenneth J. Brown Bruce W. Edwards Richard W. Harris John V. Hilliard, Jr. The next meeting of the VOLSAP Board will take place on January 9th, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in VRS’ Richmond offices. Future meeting schedules will be available on Virginia’s Commonwealth Calendar at https:// commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov/.

Although VRS administers VOLSAP, neither participation in VOLSAP nor volunteer service entitles you to any retirement or other post-employment benefit administered by VRS. For more information concerning VOLSAP, please visit www.volsap.org, a website developed to help eligible volunteers learn about the program. You may also contact the VOLSAP third-party administrator (BPS&M, a Wells Fargo company) at 1844-749-1819 to learn more about your account, joining the program, and other program details.

Thanks to all of you for your selfless service to communities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia!

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Reprinted with permission from LewisGale Hospital

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From the Legislative Attic Submitted by Ed Rhodes

As I write this very quickly, as I am late getting it in, I believe that winter has arrived, at least for a day or two.

As I look at the calendar, the 2017 General Assembly session begins in just over a month. But as you read this – it will be in full swing.

The bill list as of now contains four bills on dispensing of Naloxone for opioid overdoses, a proposed increase in the Line of Duty payments to beneficiaries, a bill on hate crimes that includes EMS providers and one on crimes against public safety that also includes EMS providers. Bills that have not been introduced are (i) drones around emergency scenes, (ii) EVOC requirements, (iii) increase in the Fire Programs fund, (iv) a language fix relating to liens regarding EMS, and (v) the mental health legislation.

Between now and the start of the session the number of bills will increase significantly. Each delegate can only submit 15 bills this time but senators can submit as many as they wish.

There will be a number of new faces this year with delegates running for senate, senators running for Congress, and people running for the open seats. Lots of people to meet, get to know and explain the VAVRS agenda to them in a short period of time.

The VAVRS leadership and Legislative Committee will be heading to the Capital the day before the session begins and then again the following week to visit with Delegates and Senators in their annual visit and then the Fire/EMS Legislative Caucus meeting. If they don’t know the route to downtown Richmond, they will by the end of the session.

Hope everyone had a glorious Holiday season, and we will be seeing you soon.

Governor McAuliffe Announces Board Appointments RICHMOND – Secretariat of the Commonwealth—Board Appointments Volunteer Firefighters and Rescue Squad Workers Service Award Pension Fund 

John H. Craig III of Staunton, recently retired as Captain, Jail Administrator, Augusta County Sheriff’s Office

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Bruce W. Edwards of Virginia Beach, EMS Chief Emeritus, Life Member, Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads; Chair, Virginia State Board of Health

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John V. Hilliard, Jr. of Midlothian, retired Administrator, Richmond Gastroenterology Associates; former member of the Midlothian Richmond Academy of Medicine; current President, Forest View Rescue Squad; member, Old Dominion EMS Alliance and National Registry of EMTs

State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board 

Dreama D. Chandler, EMT of Rural Retreat, Medical Communications, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke; Life Member, Wythe County Rescue Squad

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Alfred Smith, Senior Advisor, listening to the officers' reports.

BOG's Brandon Propst and Morgan Armstrong, and some other junior members

VAJVRS Conference Pride Brandon Propst, Historian

VAJRS voted in a new junior crew from Amelia at the conference. We'd like to welcome them. James Bailey, BOG from Amelia, ran for Historian BOG from Ridgeway, District 6, Tykee Swanson is waiting on the meeting to begin.

Kim Melson, Senior Advisor, Colonial Beach, District 10 and Mackenzie Melson, Junior BOG Colonial Beach.

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Alfred Smith, Senior Advisor, Past President Elizabeth Pittman, and Brandon Baugus, Senior Advisor.

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Toby Akers, Christiansburg, District 7, who is the retiring Sec/Treas. and Adarah Williams, Giles, District 7, who is continuing as VP.

Steve Rohr, who is the Staunton-Augusta Junior Advisor, was given a special presentation by the VAJVRS. He had an old junior patch that he found for us, so we could use it on our VAJVRS Officer and Advisor shirts. We had been searching for one for some time. In appreciation for his time and effort, he was presented with a VAVRS shirt with a junior patch on it. We would like to thank him so much for all of the support he has given to the VAJVRS.

BOG Alice Becker, District 9 Junior VP with some junior member friends.

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Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Celebrates Fire Prevention Week Sara Hunt, PR

CVFR member Beth Addington helps out at the craft table during the grand opening celebration at Station 5

VFR member Brandon Murray teaches a youngster how to operate the fire hose during the grand opening event at Station 5

Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue held two special events in October to recognize Fire Prevention Week.

On Oct. 1, the organization kicked things off with a big display about Fire Safety at Home Depot in Fredericksburg. Free batteries were provided with the purchase of a smoke alarm, and representatives from CVFR were on hand to answer questions about fire safety. To conclude this special week, CVFR invited the public to attend a grand opening of the new Station 5 at 6204 Plank Road. Many families and children dropped by to tour the facility, look at the fire trucks and enjoy a free lunch, along with many other fun activities. The 2016 theme for Fire Prevention Week was "Don't Wait—Check the Date!" to raise awareness about the need to replace smoke detectors every 10 years. "A non-working smoke alarm is of no use in an emergency when every second counts," said Kevin Dillard, Administrative Chief of Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue. "The manufacture date is on the back of the smoke alarm, so don't wait to check the date and replace it if needed."

A future firefighter poses on the back of a fire truck when he visits Station 5's grand opening on Oct. 15

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Lots of people pick up info about fire safety during a special CVFR exhibit at Home Depot to kick off Fire Prevention Week Page

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Chancellor Students Learn the Art of Fire Safety Sara Hunt, PR Third-graders at Chancellor Elementary School in Fredericksburg submitted artwork in the fourth annual Fire Safety Coloring Contest sponsored by Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue (CVFR). The winner, Addyson Mulder was escorted to school on Friday, Nov. 4, in a CVFR fire truck.

Brooke Owens won Second Place and Cole Dugan won Third Place in the contest.

According to project coordinator Steven Dove, CVFR sponsors the annual coloring contest to give students an opportunity to creatively illustrate fire safety tips like “Stop, Drop & Roll,� installing a working smoke alarm in the bedrooms, and having a plan to quickly exit the home in emergencies. "When children learn important lessons about fire safety, they can share the knowledge with other family members," said Dove.

Proud winners of the Fire Safety Coloring Contest posed with Sparky (far left) and Mike Passera (far right), a firefighter with Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue. The students from Chancellor Elementary School are, left to right, First Place-Addyson Mulder, Second PlaceBrooke Owens and Third-Place-Cole Dugan.

Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad recently donated an ambulance from their fleet to the Westmoreland County Department of Emergency Services. The vehicle will be used as a countywide reserve apparatus. Pictured from left to right are: CBVRS President Robert Rivenbark, WDES EMS Chief Jeff Beasley, County Supervisor Larry Roberson, and CBVRS Rescue Chief Wesley Melson.

Photo and caption submitted by Sara Hunt, PR Page

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Cardiac Arrest Weather A Rural Rescue Squad Responds to Winter Storm Jonas

By Sylvia Dorham, NREMT-B “It’s cardiac arrest weather.” Summer, a veteran EMS provider scowled at the dark, brooding clouds, pregnant with snow.

I laughed. “Cardiac arrest weather?” She nodded.

“People start shoveling snow and start having heart attacks. Watch and see.”

Winter storm punched our rural mountain community with all the strength advertised on the national news.

Every two hours, my family braved the wind to shovel our driveway, and so when the tones dropped, I gunned my four-wheel-drive and bumped right out onto the white-topped road.

On the way to the fire station, some five miles up a twisty road, I spied our ALS provider, hacking at the pile of snow in which his truck was stuck. I slowed down and beeped until he threw the shovel into the snow bank like an Olympic athlete with a javelin and slogged through the wintry-muck to my car.

“Cardiac arrest,” he said, clicking into his seat belt.

We drove what was probably too fast for conditions to the station. See, in a small community, cardiac arrest means one of your neighbors is down, so we wasted no time. It helped that the ambulance driver had our yellow and black “Bumble Bee” out of the bay and ready to go. It helped, too, that his day job is driving a snow plow, and he can handle the big box on the buried byways.

“You think it’s been plowed?” I asked, noting the address, a lane off the main road. “Prob’ly not,” the driver shrugged. “Not much we can do. What are we goanna need to carry in? “Monitor, jump bag, cot, LUCAS,” I recited. “If the cot can’t make it, just bring the LUCAS.” The portable, battery-powered chest compressor was one tool I did not want to be without.

Miraculously, the lane had been plowed earlier in the day, and the ambulance roared half-a-mile into the hills on the six-inches of unpacked powder that had accumulated since. But the miracles ended there.

“Can’t make that drive,” the driver reported. I looked out my window and saw the steep incline angling away from us up into the twilight. “I’ll stop here,” he said.

He slid the ambulance into ‘Park.’ I grabbed my gloves and radio, pushed open the door, and fell headlong into a mile-high snow bank. Struggling upright, I hip-waded through the snow to the driveway, recently cleared, and began jogging up the hill toward the people clustered near the house, pulling on my gloves as I went.

From a distance, I saw the CPR wasn’t working. Compressions were too slow, too shallow. “Faster!” I called to myself and the lady doing compressions. I hoped the cold was helping preserve the patient’s brain cells.

Seventeen minutes. Pretty close to an act of Providence that we were on scene and at the patient in seventeen minutes, considering distance and conditions. But it was seventeen minutes way too long. One look told me the whole story. It also told me the patient was an old friend of our volunteer fire department, a pillar in the community. The man you went to when something needed doing. My stomach sank.

I took over CPR, pumping hard and fast, calling to the patient, reminding him he had to work for this.

Onlookers huddled helplessly over my shoulder.

“Go get a tarp to hold over us,” I barked at the closest, (Continued on page 29)

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eager for protection from the driving wind and flakes, eager to give them something else to think about.

“He came to help us clear our drive,” the homeowner choked. “How long was he down?” “Thirty minutes, I think.”

That’s way too long, I thought, pumping, checking for a pulse. Cardiac arrest weather, for sure. In a moment, I heard the squeak of the cot’s wheels in the snow.

The driver arrived, puffing from the exertion of pushing the cot loaded with supplies up the snow-covered hill.

He slipped a pack from his back and shouldered in to take over compressions. I rocked back on my heels and surveyed the situation. I need an AED. It’s on the monitor. On the cot.

Back up personnel began to arrive, black smudges in the snow that materialized into trained hands delivering the monitor to me while I lifted the patient’s shirt and applied AED pads. “Clear!” For a moment, even the wind was silent, waiting to hear the machine’s judgment.

And then, devastatingly, “No shock advised,” came the computerized voice. The driver rocked forward and robotically restarted compressions.

It was a punch in the gut. If the AED recognizes heart activity, disorganized though it may be, it shocks the rhythm into something recognizable and effective. A rhythm that carries oxygen to starving heart and brain cells before they die. But the AED saw nothing.

Still, we all knew there was no stopping CPR. We knew that down the driveway, into the ambulance, down the lane and onto the road, forty-five minutes through a treacherous storm and blinding snow to the nearest hospital we would keep up the CPR, even though it meant standing precariously balanced in a slipping, swaying ambulance, trying to keep our feet as the detritus from ‘Code’ procedures – plastic pieces, tape, gauze, paper packaging - swam from one side of the box to the other in time with the bumps on the road. Except. We had the LUCAS. It came up the hill on the driver’s back. I turned and squinted through the growing dark until I saw the pack, fumbled it open and dumped the contents onto the snow. We rolled the patient onto a backboard, slipping the LUCAS board between them. A quick clip on each side, and the pyramid-shaped tool rose above his chest, firmly attached to the backing beneath him. A momentary check to ensure the suction cup was aligned over the sternum, to attach his arms, and press the start button, then… CHA-CHUN! The machine began pumping with depth, accuracy, and untiring strength. Methodically, we gathered scattered supplies, wheeled, or slid, down the drive, loaded our patient, and began ‘Code’ procedures while our driver, prevented by the snow banks from turning around, backed through the dark all the way to the main road.

All the while, the LUCAS pumped. CHA-CHUN. CHA-CHUN. And, four Epis and forty-five minutes of asystole later, when the physician on the phone gave permission, we turned off the device and sat quietly with our friend in the dark night of his passing.

But, because the LUCAS had given the CPR, we were seat-belted into a calm ambulance without the overwhelming mess of long efforts and frantic activity, without the physical and mental exhaustion.

The snow fell softly around the glowing ambulance lights as we traversed the long, lonely road out of (Continued on page 31)

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the mountains. It was a quiet passage for our good friend, who died helping a neighbor. *** Sidebar *** Rural fire departments and rescue squads face a unique set of challenges in carrying out their mission of public safety. Among them, the distance inherent in every transport, the struggles caused by equipment failure in remote locations, the difficulties involved in reaching patients during inclement weather.

The LUCAS Chest Compression System, manufactured by PhysioControl, Inc., of Redmond, Washington, is a piece of equipment vital to providers and patients in rural locales.

If your rural department is not able to afford a LUCAS (plan to spend $15,000 per unit), consider: Adding your order on to that of a larger organization to take advantage of bulk rates.

Writing grant proposals to local, state, and national organizations, Community Foundations, and private individuals explaining how this single piece of equipment can make such a difference to rural providers.

Asking for donations/conduct a fund-drive in your local community.

Purchasing previously-owned equipment Sylvia Dorham, NREMT-B, is a volunteer at the Fort Valley Fire Department in rural Virginia. When she’s not “holding down the Fort,” Sylvia is a homeschooling mother of nine, author, and voice-over artist. She blogs at www.marvelouslybeautiful.wordpress.com

VAVRS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Instructor Update - March 4, 2017—State Office Spring B.O.G. Meeting - April 1, 2017—Roanoke VAVRS Camporee - May 11-13, 2017—Buena Vista Rescue Squad/ EMS Week - May 14-20, 2017 National EMS Memorial Service - May 20, 2017—Hyatt Regency, Crystal City, VA Rescue College - June 9 - 18, 2017—Virginia Tech International Convention - June 19 - 24, 2017—University of Illinois, Champagne, IL VAVRS Conference - September 27 - 30, 2017—Virginia Beach Virginia EMS Symposium - November 8-12, 2017

2017 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS February 4, 2017 - Workshop—Location TBA 9:00 am March 31, 2017 - Holiday Inn—Roanoke - 7:30 pm June 3, 2017 - Teleconference 9:00am August 19, 2017 - VA Beach Resort—Executive Meeting & Convention Meeting September 28, 2017 - VA Beach Convention Center 10:00 am October 1, 2017 - VA Beach Resort 9:00 am November 4, 2017 - Location TBD Page

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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, We all know you have been an EMT Instructor for a long time.

Have you ever caught a student cheating on one of your tests?

Curious in Culpeper Dear Curious, Not that I recall. I did have a very naïve student that was taking a final examination that consists of true/false type questions. He took his seat in the examination hall, stared at the question paper for about five minutes and then, in a fit of inspiration, took a coin from his pocket and started tossing the coin, marking the answer sheet: True for Heads, and False, for Tails. Within half an hour he was all done, whereas the rest of the class is still sweating it out. During the last few minutes he is seen desperately throwing the coin, muttering and sweating. I became alarmed, approached him and asks what is going on. He said, "I finished the exam in half an hour, but I'm rechecking my answers."

grabbed a little boy, took him behind a tree and wrote this note: “I have kidnapped your child.

Leave $10,000 in a plain brown bag behind the big oak tree in the park tomorrow at 7 A.M. Signed, The Blonde” She pinned the note inside the little boy's jacket and told him to go straight home. The next morning, she returned to the park to find the $10,000 in a brown bag behind the big oak tree, just as she had instructed.

Inside the bag was the following note....

“Here is your money. I cannot believe that one blonde would do this to another blonde!”

Dear Rescue Ranger, One of my favorite type of jokes are “blonde” jokes. So, I got one for you—-A blonde was playing Trivial Pursuit one night. It was her turn. She rolled the dice and she landed on Science & Nature. Her question was, "If you are in a vacuum and someone calls your name, can you hear it?" She thought for a time and then asked, "Is it on or off?"

Laughing in Lexington Dear Laughing, My favorite “blonde” joke is: There was a blonde woman who was having financial troubles so she decided to kidnap a child and demand a ransom. She went to a local park, Official

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Dear Rescue Ranger, My eight-year-old son is starting to ask a lot of questions about the birds and the bees and I am not sure how to approach the subject. Can you help?

First Time Father Dear Father, Sorry, can’t help….I remember when my seven or eight-year-old son asked me, "Daddy, where did I come from?" it was a moment that I had carefully prepared. I took him into the living room, got out the encyclopedia and several other books, and explained all I thought he should know about mutual attraction, affection, love, and reproduction.

When I finished, I sat back sat back and smiled contentedly. I asked him, "Does that answer your question?"

"Not really," my son said.

"My friend Joey said he came from Detroit. I want to know where I came from."

VAVRS

Dear Rescue Ranger, I heard you speak at a banquet recently. You tell the most amusing stories. Do you have another you could share?

Impressed in Independence Dear Impressed, I live in a small community and pretty much know everyone. We had an abdominal pain call early one morning at the home of a local funeral director. While my crew was getting equipment out of the truck I assessed the patient. While I was competing the assessment his wife asked him if he wanted her to call his employer and tell them he would not be in. He said no, and would wait until he decides to go to the hospital. The crew came into the home with the monitor and other equipment and after his vitals showed an elevated blood pressure, mild tachycardia and a numerical pain score of 8 he decided to go to the hospital.

His wife asked him, “Do you want me to call the funeral home now?” With an alarmed look one of my crew members said, "Ma'am, he's not THAT sick!"

Thought for the day: Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.

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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

Looking for Training Opportunities… go to WWW.VAVRS.COM 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