Lifeline july august 2015

VIRGINIA LIFELINE

JULY / AUGUST 2015

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2014-2015 VAVRS Officers President Rickey Hodge Vice President Kim Craig Secretary Scott Davis Treasurer Steve Grayson Training Officer Cecil Leach Chaplain Mike Smoot Chaplain Emeritus Page Entsminger Historian Dreama Chandler Editor Gary Dalton Legal Advisor S. Craig Lane Parliamentarian J. C. Phillips Immediate Past President Bubby Bish Medical Advisor James R. Dudley, MD, MBA

District 1 V. P. Steve Southworth District 2 V. P. Carolyn White District 3 V. P. Warren Winner District 5 V. P. L. Frank Smith District 6 V. P. Doug Adams District 7 V. P. Coby Fizer District 8 V. P. Steven Reynolds District 9 V. P. Dwayne Stanley District 10 V. P. George Langford Training Coordinator Kathy Eubank Administrative Secretary Shirley Bagby Lobbyist Ed Rhodes

2014-2015 VAVRS Committee Chairs Nominating: Bruce Stratton Membership: Kim Craig By-Laws: Bruce Edwards Lifeline: Gary Dalton Conference: Ford Wirt Camporee: Ronnie Slough Finance: Steve Grayson Scholarship: Carolyn Brand EMS Memorial: Kevin Dillard Grant: Elizabeth Papelino Facility Manager: Lin Matthews Web Page: Gary Dalton Legislative: Dreama Chandler Legislative: Bubby Bish

Rescue College: Rickey Hodge Rescue College: Wayne Myers Human Resources: Kim Craig Life Membership: Ronnie Slough Rescue Hall of Fame: Page Entsminger EMS Advisory Board: Valeta Daniels EMS Advisory Board: Denene Hannon Strategic Planning: Bubby Bish New Course Development: Wayne Myers Recruitment and Retention: Fran Phillips Recruitment and Retention: Bobby Hill Volunteer Management: Page Entsminger EMS Exchange Program: Jane Laverne

2014-2015 VAJVRS Officers President Victoria Gaudin Vice President Elizabeth Pittman Secretary/Treasurer Savannah Hise Historian Cara Beasley Chaplain Shane McAdams Official

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Advisor, Chair Alfred Smith Advisor Brandon Baugus Advisor Woody Conner Advisor Micky Grodski

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2014-2015 AVAVRS Officers President - Sharon Campbell Immediate Past President - Fern Puckett Vice President - Harry Householder Midwestern VP - Nancy Linkous Secretary - Dolores Hudson Northeastern VP - Debbie Smallwood Treasurer - Patsy Wingfield Southcentral VP - Clara Craig Chaplain - Ailease Short Southeastern VP - Roger Lynthlin Historian - Linda Berkstresser Southwestern VP - Valarie Becker Parliamentarian - Maxie Skeen Western VP - Janis Slough

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

2014-2015 AVAVRS Committee Chairs Conference: Vickie Arnold Conference: Pat Bryant Nominating: Ruth Swicegood Life Membership: Carolyn Brand Emergency Care: Laura Booze Resolutions: Maxie Skeen

Membership: Harry Householder Finance: Patsy Wingfield Roll Call: Donna Porter Roll Call: Valarie Becker 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 if you need assistance in writing an article at gdalton@vavrs.com Deadline for future issues as follows: June 1, 2015 for the July/August 2015 Issue August 1, 2015 for the September/October 2015 Issue September 1, 2015 for the 2015 Conference Issue October 1, 2015 for the November/December 2015 Issue

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

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News From the AVAVRS Western District Submitted by Janis Slough The Western District has held two meetings since conference.

Our November meeting was held in Buena Vista with several VAVRS and AVAVRS officers present.

The February meeting had to be postponed until March due to snow and more snow! So, in March Fairfield Auxiliary hosted our meeting. We will have our third and final meeting for this year June 28th and will be hosted by The Lexington Auxiliary.

District I has asked the Western District for help with their training day coming up on October.

We have a committee currently working on plans for that and are looking forward to being able to serve our senior district.

Our officers for this year are: Janis Slough Vice President Debbie Rohr Assistant Vice President Bernice Payne Secretary/Treasurer

Joyce Campbell Chaplain Christy Jeffreys Historian Lana Nicely Parliamentarian Nellie Ritchie EMT Chair Laura Booze Life Member Representative We hope everyone has a great summer and we hope to see you at conference in September.

AVAVRS Nominating Committee Chair Submitted by Ruth Swicegood, Nominating Committee Chair

Treasurer Fay Browning Henrico Auxiliary

This is a slate of officers for the AVAVRS:

Historian Valarie Becker Glade Spring Auxiliary

President Harry Householder Loudoun County Auxiliary

Chaplain Linda Berkstresser Glasgow and Lexington Auxiliaries

Vice President Ailease Short Brunswick Auxiliary

If you would like to nominate someone from the floor to run for an office, that will be done at the Friday morning Business Meeting.

You will need to have a resume and a signed statement of willingness to run to be presented to the Nominating Chair.

Thank you and see you at Conference.

Busy Times—AVAVRS President Submitted by Sharon Campbell, AVAVRS President I want to thank everyone who contributed desserts to the VAVRS Camporee. The variety was fantastic and enjoyed by all. The weather cooperated and the number of members and family attending was fantastic. It was a weekend of good memories.

By the time you read this, Rescue College 2015 will be a over. I am excited with our instructors and our agenda. Rescue College Official

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provides a great way to learn new things, make new friends and renew friendships.

Due to a family illness, Sheila Gordon had to step down as the AVAVRS Conference Co-Chair. Pat Bryant has agreed assume the position as Conference Co-Chair for the rest of the term and she and Conference Chair, Vickie Arnold are working to make our 2015 Conference memorable. Please remember to complete the Auxiliary reports and

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questionnaires and return them by the deadlines indicated. I am looking forward to our upcoming conference and keep in mind if you have any questions, your AVAVRS officers are always ready and willing to help.

My best wishes to each of you for a wonderful, safe and fun filled summer.

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Cave Spring Auxiliary

“Cooks Extraordinaire�

Submitted by Sharon Karlet Campbell Cave Spring Auxiliary-It seems that in the last few months the members of the Cave Spring Auxiliary have spent many hours working in the kitchen to raise money. First was our Easter Egg project. We made over 1200 Chocolate Covered Easter Eggs with 7 different flavors. Many days were spent making the eggs, then they needed to be dipped in chocolate, decorated, boxed, labeled and delivered. In all honesty this is a hard project but the profit makes it worthwhile. We are also pleased to donate eggs to the children being assisted by The Rescue Mission.

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Class. The Auxiliary provided snacks and lunch for all of the students, instructors and assistants. The food must have been good because there were no leftovers.

Once these two projects were behind us, we needed to start preparations for our Annual Spring Chicken Barbecue. We needed more barbecue sauce so several members spent the day making gallons and gallons of sauce. The days that we make sauce mean a smelly building due to the onions and vinegar. May 2nd arrived and so did former members, life members, family and friends, all with one goal in mind, that was to make the barbecue a success. We offer eat in or take out service to our customers. This year we had a record number of people

enjoying their dinner at the crew hall. We realized a profit of over $4,000.00 for the day. We were also able to make a donation to The Rescue Mission so that the residents could enjoy a delicious meal.

We have several projects on the horizon. The 15th of June we will begin selling restaurant booklets. This is a new project for us so we'll keep you posted on it's success. June 25th, we will be volunteering at The Daleville Town Center to work at the Event Zone. This is a family friendly event where we will sell drinks, hold a raffle and be able to promote the crew and auxiliary through flyers and interaction. Again, this is uncharted waters for us but we are hopeful. We are sponsoring a Crew/Auxiliary Picnic on Sunday, June 28th.

The auxiliary will be providing all of the food and drinks. We have also invited the members of the Cave Spring Volunteer Fire Dept. and their families to join us for the fun. We need to avenge our softball loss from last year.

Several of our members will be attending Rescue College at VT. We look forward to learning new things, making new friends and enjoying the company of old friends.

Other than working on our scrapbook we hope to take a much needed rest starting, July 1st.

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Chaplain Report Submitted by Mike Smoot, VAVRS Chaplain

Nelson Wayne Brookman Williamson Road LSC

As Conference is drawing closer, if you wish to have your Squad or Auxiliary Member which has passed away since last Conference to be included in the Memorial Service this year, please submit their names along with a clear picture of the member to be recognized and a Squad patch by August 1, 2015 to me. Any Squad or Auxiliary member that passes away after this date will be recognized at the 2016 Conference. I want to recognize all of our members that we have loss, so please make sure to get this information to me by the August 1st date.

Wade Brooks Bristol Life Saving Crew

Luther David Adkins Wise Rescue Squad

Richard Douglas Brown Buena Vista Rescue Squad James Hubert Browning Salem Rescue Squad Joseph Carderelli Campbell Co. Rescue Squad David M. Coddington West Hanover Vol. Rescue Squad Edward Cook Gretna Rescue Squad David Burton Cronk Cleveland Life Saving Crew James (Jimmy) W. Dean, Jr. Roanoke Life Saving Crew Jon Reed Donnelly Manchester Vol. Rescue Squad Edward Epperson Kenbridge Emergency Crew Mary Ann Fellows Colonial Beach Vol. Rescue

Terye Akers Forest View Rescue Squad

Bobbie France Franklin Co. Rescue Squad

Tony Barr Bristol Life Saving Crew

Kathy George Davis Corner Vol. Rescue

Katie Barrick Woodstock Auxiliary

John V. Goodall Fieldale-Collinsville

Kenny Wayne Bennett Lake Anna Rescue

Julian B. Griffin Hot Springs Rescue Squad

Karen Aldridge Bornstein Prince George Emergency Crew

Robert (Bobby) Guyer, Sr. Colonial Beach Vol. Rescue Squad

Paula Thomas Brandt Brunswick Rescue

Douglas Wayne (Bo) Hall Bristol Life Saving Crew

Debbie Brill Millwood-Station Vol. Fire

Mary Jane “Mickey” Harden Millwood-Station Auxiliary Gladys Heflin Mountain View Rescue Auxiliary Donald R. Heironimus Covington Rescue Cecil Jones Concord Rescue Squad Hazel Jones Madison Co. Rescue Squad Alma Perry Kerns Millwood Station Fire Auxiliary Betty Kidd Northumberland Rescue Paula Lindsay Lakeside VRS Barbara Moore Altavista EMS Danny L. Parsons St. Charles Vol. Rescue Squad John Pauley Longshop-McCoy Vol. F&FA Elmer R. “Randy” Pugh Jr. Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Patricia Reamy Colonial Beach Vol. Rescue Squad Mike Reid Eagle Rock Fire & Rescue Richard P. Ridgell Millwood Station Vol. Fire

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, I used everything you gave me”. Erma Bombeck.

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Leo Herschel Rutherford Bristol Life Saving Carl Wayne Salyers Scott County Life Saving Crew Anne Sterrett Buena Vista Rescue Squad Auxiliary Mary Switzer Creeds Vol. Rescue Squad Rebecca Thompson Clifton Forge Auxiliary Retha Marie Carr Thompson Roseland Rescue Squad Glen Stanley Unroe Cave Spring Rescue Everett Vaughan Southside Rescue Squad Robert Kehrer Wilcox Lakeside Vol. Rescue Squad/ Southside Wallace Roger Witcher Altavista EMS Stanley Wright Strasburg Vol. Rescue Squad

If you need information on the Death Benefit Plan, I will be happy to answer any questions that I can or come out to speak with your group concerning the plan. Be sure to include your new members as well as your life members.

Sometimes we forget about those that are not running calls every day, however, if they are on your roll and you consider them a member, they are eligible.

Please continue to keep the office and myself informed of anyone needing cards and in the event of the loss of a member. My email is msmoot53@hotmail.com.

God Bless Each of You and God Bless our Troops and keep them safe.

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The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip Submitted by J.C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian

electronically, just like you.

Plans are in the works to do electronic voting for the VAVRS Officers and new Life Members at the 2015 Conference. I understand that some organizations with hundreds of voters are already doing electronic voting. This is because it is faster, no more paper ballots and no one has to count the ballots.

ELECTRONIC VOTING WOW, what is that all about? It is even mention in Robert's Rules Of Order on page 419. Get ready guys & gals, it looks like paper ballots and the ballot boxes will soon be extinct, just like the dinosaurs. I am not an electronics person because when I follow directions very carefully and something shows up on the screen that is not suppose to be there, I don't know what to do next. If I want to vote in the future, I will have to learn how to vote

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As stated in Robert's Rules Of Order, the secrecy of the vote and proper counting of the votes must be maintained. Persons who are to tend to the electronic devices must be carefully instructed in

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their duties and must be able to explain the use of the devices to the voters. It may be advisable to have the devices available for the voters inspection on the day before the elections, since most of them may never have participated in electronic voting before.

Don't be afraid of electronic voting, because if I can do it, anybody can do it.

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Chancellor Team Escorts NEMSMS Tree of Life Submitted by Sara Hunt PR Several members of Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue (CVFR) have accepted a special assignment this summer. They will proudly escort the National EMS Memorial Service’s Tree of Life on its journey of honor to a permanent home in Northern Virginia or the greater Washington, DC area.

The Tree of Life is one of the most iconic visual elements of the National EMS Memorial Service (NEMSMS), since the names of those who died in the line of duty are etched on bronze leaves of a tree that is prominently displayed on the stage at the service. Relatives and friends of the honorees often make rubbings of the loved one’s name to honor their sacrifice and to remember their commitment of service to others.

For the past several years, the National EMS Memorial Service has been held in Colorado Springs, Colo., having been in Virginia for many years prior to that. The 2015 service was held in Colorado, and the NEMSMS board voted to move the prestigious annual ceremony back to Northern Virginia or the greater DC area effective with the 2016 service in the hope of collaborating with similar efforts there.

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Commander for CVFR’s Honor Guard, will head up the team that will make the round trip from Fredericksburg, Va., to Colorado during the second week of July. On the way back (approximately July 11-15), they will stop in several cities to raise awareness about NEMSMS and the Tree of Life.

Be sure to “Like” Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue on Facebook to see photos posted as the Tree of Life makes the journey to Virginia. You can also follow CVFR on Twitter at @chancellorfire and #NEMSMSTreeofLife.

president of the National EMS Memorial Service. “The Tree of Life is a treasured symbol of fallen EMS heroes, and it deserves our utmost respect.

We are so proud to bring it home to Virginia.”

The September/October issue of Lifeline will have some photos and details about the Tree of Life’s trip across America from Colorado. Also, more news is forthcoming about NEMSMS and the 2016 service in Virginia. Stay tuned!

According to CVFR’s Chief Kevin Dillard, the Tree of Life will be kept safely at CVFR while awaiting transport to the 2016 service next June.

“Everyone at Chancellor considers it such an honor to be entrusted as guardians of the Tree of Life,” said Dillard, who was a founder and past July

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Rescue Squad Is Not Just A Hobby Each year I ask a Junior Squad person or former Junior Squad person to write an article on what their experience as a Junior meant to them. I have the pleasure of serving on the Forest View Executive Board with Paige Lawson. [Our Juniors are ages 16 to 20.] She has achieved many goals such as EMT and an Attendant in Charge [AIC] on the unit. At our Annual Awards Banquet in 2015 she was honored with "Junior Squad Person of the Year" and "Junior Officer of the Year". Below is her story. I believe that you will agree that she is an exceptional young lady.

Fran Phillips, Recruitment & Retention Chair Submitted by Paige Lawson, Junior Squad Article My name is Paige Lawson and I have been a member of Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad for almost three years. I joined the Forest View Junior Squad summer after my freshmen year of high school, and at the time, I did not know that becoming an EMT and being a part of a rescue squad would have such a profound impact on me.

I joined Forest View as a very naĂŻve, ill-experienced sixteen year old, having only a CPR card Official

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and a one year of life guard training to offer. I was soon thrust into the world of EMS being placed on a crew and on an ambulance after attending a one-month orientation class to orient myself with the equipment and basic patient assessment and vital signs.

What I learned both about myself and about others through my 3 or so years with EMS has changed my life forever.

You see, the typical stereotype of rescue squad is the stigma I had put on it from the get-go: sirens, blood and guts, etc. But I soon learned that EMS is real people with real lives and real livelihoods. I learned that some calls could leave you sick to your stomach while others brought joy that only another fellow EMT could understand. I learned that EMS was my niche throughout my high school years, and that coming up to the station was an escape from all other stresses of life.

As I eventually obtained my EMT certification and gained more training from the squad, I began to invest myself even more in EMS both at an administrative level and by picking up more duty shifts other than my own. I became Co- Fundraising Officer and helped organize three fundraising nights at Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt raising VAVRS

almost $850 in total and helped facilitate Forest View’s first blood drive. I then took on the role as Junior Squad Captain and helped lead my team to a 1st place victory at the VAVRS 2014 Conference for Junior BLS. Winning 1st place is one of my favorite memories to this date. I began applying everything in my life to EMS whether it be doing school projects about the importance of CPR or volunteering myself to help with first-aid at school events, I was always finding ways to incorporate EMS into my daily life.

I have realized that my work with Forest View and volunteering as an EMT is not just a hobby anymore. It is a huge part of my life. I ride 2-3 Page

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times weekly at the squad, often over night before high school braving the inevitable 4 am call. I still hold the role as Junior Squad Captain and both conduct junior meetings monthly and attend the senior executive board meetings as the representative of the Junior Squad. I also recently become a BLS AIC investing myself for months in the precepting process. I consider everyone at Forest View to be family, and I consider myself blessed to know some of the best people you will ever meet.

At school, I am known widely as the “EMT fanatic” with many people coming to me for medical advice some of which is often TMI… Instead of a sport or musical group, rescue squad is my “thing”, and I share my EMT card proudly to anyone who inquires about it. I have an extreme passion for helping others, and I plan to attend nursing school in the future to invest myself even further into my passion for medicine.

really gave me some perspective on how blessed I am to be able to volunteer as an EMT in Chesterfield County.

Being a part of a rescue squad is such a privilege. I feel as though some providers get jaded with EMS and often burn out. During my four months of leave, I realized how much of an honor it is to serve others through EMS because not all people are able to do it. I am lucky to be a part of a rescue squad.

There are many awesome things coming for the Forest View Junior Squad. Ben Brody, one of our newest junior members recently put on a tennis tournament raising

almost $3500 for the Junior Squad. It was very impressive and well done. We currently have six new prospective members all of whom seem very passionate about EMS. As for myself, I will attend VCU in the fall and will still have my home away from home to return back to every week: Forest View.

My road with EMS has not always been easy though. In January of my junior year, I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) resulting in surgery and 4 months medical leave from the squad. This injury was very hard for me, and at the time, I could not fathom how I could last four months without doing my favorite thing ever: helping people in need. This injury

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VAVRS Vice President Submitted by Kim Craig, Vice President EMS Strong: The week of May 17-23 all agencies and their providers were able to celebrate the work they do that makes them EMS strong.

It was a time to Thank all fellow providers for the work they do to save lives and improve health. All providers can stand proud for the difference that is made in someone’s life by being there in the most difficult moment in someone’s life. Thank you for what you do every day to Make a Difference.

I am so often asked why should I get involved with VAVRS? Karen Wagner has said it best.

VAVRS is the voice of EMS and is the advocate between other EMS agencies, providers and legislative bodies. There is no better way to network with others in the same field of practice and learn from others.

I have learned so much from meeting, visiting and talking with others. There is nothing more interesting than to sit and visit with a Life Member to learn the history of where it all got started and how we have Official

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gotten to where we are today.

I invite each of you to take that opportunity. Take the time to reflect through the changes and the positive impact that VAVRS has made in our practice currently.

Throughout the year Ed Rhodes meets with our Senators and Delegates to make the changes that are necessary at the recommendations of VAVRS members, so that we can continue to provide prompt and effective patient care. The association promotes pre hospital care to the public, educates and trains, is an advocate for the members in governmental affairs and provide opportunities for members to interact, discuss trends and disseminate knowledge.

It is time for you to get involved. Become active at the district level. Go to district meetings, compete on a team at the district meeting and or conference. The best place to get started is at the district level. Become a judge for one of the district meet competitions. Have your agency host a district meet.

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Serve as an officer or VP of your district. Understand and know the VAVRS by-laws. Know the mission and purpose of VAVRS. Become an instructor, attend Rescue College and Conference. When at conference go to the Board of Governor’s meetings. There is no better way to understand the process than to attend those meetings. Get to know VAVRS State Officers. Know the purpose of each VAVRS committee and let it known to the Officers that you want to be appointed to the committee of your interests. It takes initiative to become involved.

To give you an update on the Office Manager position in the State Office. The Human Resource committee met to review the position of the Office Manager and update the job description. There was discussion on what is best for the office and the Association.

Several options are being looked at. Please be patient with Kathy and Shirley at the State Office. They are doing the best they can to stay caught up, keep everyone informed and get the certification cards out. If you get the opportunity thank them (Continued on page 17)

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for stepping up and getting the job done.

Hopefully you have registered for Rescue College. It is a week filled with training and networking. Hope to see you there.

Another successful and fulfilled weekend in Buena Vista at the Camporee. Sure hope that you got to take the time to join us. It was great food, games and time to spend time with friends and family of the VAVRS. Thanks to Wayne Myers, Bruce Stratton, John Craig, Rickey and Kathryn Hodge and Kathy Eubanks for managing the food and beverages. Gary Dalton and Karen Wagner putting the games together. Believe me it does take a team to get everything done so a Big Thank You goes to Ronnie Slough for getting it all organized. Mark your calendars next year for the second weekend in May. Always be sure to read the Legislative Attic by Ed Rhodes.

It is always has information that goes on at the Legislative level. Especially take the time to read the last edition Lifeline for an update on the Senate and House Bills. I found it being very educational to attend the General Assembly on EMS Legislative day. Thank you Ed for having the voice of VAVRS heard.

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Youth attending the VAVRS Camporee enjoyed the cupcake eating contest. have served as your Vice President. In my role as the Vice President I have worked with the Officers, District VP’s and members to promote the mission of the Association.

Work is done on a daily basis to support agencies so that they can progress in pre hospital care by training, education and community work. My involvement with the different committees has shown me how much the Association makes a

difference in the survival of Rescue Squads. Being an integral part of the Executive Committee has given me the opportunity to work with others in implementing visions and ideas to uphold the purpose of VAVRS. It has been my honor to serve as Vice President and it would be a privilege to serve as your President so together we can continue to make a difference.

Attendees at the VAVRS Camporee received a free t-shirt courtesy of Davis EMS Systems.

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Vinton First Aid Crew Recognized for over 75 Years of Service

relied on personal vehicles and later a donated 1934 Ford panel truck, first aid supplies and a few pieces of homemade equipment.

Submitted by Jordan Fifer— Photos attributed to Roanoke County.

The Vinton First Aid Crew was honored in March by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors with a resolution recognizing over 75 years of service by the volunteer crew.

help their friends and family the next time an emergency occurred, 18 men met in the basement of the church and officially established the organization on October 5 of that year.

VFAC Chief Tom Philpott accepted the resolution at the board's March 24 meeting along with roughly a dozen current members.

VFAC was founded in 1939 after a member of Vinton Baptist Church fainted. With a strong desire to be ready to

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The crew was one of the first 16 first aid crews formed in the state.

Seventeen of those original men completed and passed an American Red Cross advanced first aid course.

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Today, VFAC has roughly 50 members who respond to about 1,500 emergency calls per year in Vinton and eastern Roanoke County, and neighboring Roanoke city, Bedford and Botetourt counties. Volunteers served the community with more than 22,000 hours of instation duty in 2014.

In addition to BLS and ALS coverage, the crew operates a crash rescue truck, a rehab unit, quick response ALS vehicle, and mass casualty trailer.

The crew was earlier recognized by the Vinton Town Council, and a special 75th anniversary banquet was held.

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District Five interested people who might be willing to join. The concept was to solicit interest in becoming the fourth station of the Tunstall Volunteer Fire Department. The meeting was a success and it was agreed at this meeting that Tunstall would provide two trucks, a pumper and a tanker to help them start and would locate it in the community in a location that would allow them to respond in all four directions.

Submitted by Joan Smoot, District 5 Historian Hello from District 5. This month I want to feature one of squads, Mount Hermon Volunteer Fire Department, located down in Pittsylvania County. We never really get to know how some of our squads actually get started, so I want to start sharing some of the history of our District 5 squads.

Two members of the community, Henry and Bill Brown, were owners and operators’ of Brown’s Texaco and donated land beside their store for the new fire station. A Building Fund was begun and footings were dug with the help of residents in the community who has access to backhoes.

Footings were poured and block were brought in. On one particular Saturday, fire department members and residents worked all day packing and leveling the floor.

Apparently, they did a good job because it has not settled and no cracks have shown up in 38 years. The fireman themselves finished the building by putting on the roof, doors, etc. The Building Committee consisted of E. B. Cassada, Bob Brown, Raymond Haskins and Julian Simmons. The station was completed and dedicated in the early Fall of 1963.

While the station was being built, meetings were held in various peoples’ homes throughout the community.

Jerry Dodd was appointed Lieutenant and Gene Richardson (Continued on page 21)

Mount Hermon was organized in 1962 by a small group who at first could not get enough people interested to start the fire department on their own.

They then incorporated the help of the Tunstall Volunteer Fire Department, another District 5 member, to assist them in starting up this new department. With the help of members Gene Richardson, Arnette Burch, James Rich and Kermit Law, the first meeting was held at Mount Hermon Elementary School for all Official

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was appointed Captain.

Mount Hermon Fire Department started with a 1942 Ford, 500gpm pumper American LaFrance and a surplus oil tank truck with a 3-1/2 HP gasoline engine on the back to supply water was purchased in 1962.

Since the start of the organization, the current building has gone through 2 additions. The first in the 1980 added one additional bay and the second in 1990’s with two additional bays with the volunteers again doing most of the work themselves.

In 1998, Mount Hermon was among the first fire departments in the county to

become a rescue transport agency. The department has 37 members, serves one of the fastest growing areas of the county, covers 38 square miles and responded to over 700 calls last year.

Mount Hermon is building a new fire station that will cost $1.4 million. They have already began to clear a three-acre site behind the station on Franklin Turnpike and hopes to begin construction soon. The new 12,000 square foot station will feature a metal shell building with five drivethrough bays, a community room,

commercial kitchen, showers and restrooms, and dorm rooms for men and women. The new station will also have a gym.

Compared to the old station, which has just 3,400 square feet, this will seem like fitting 3 stations in one.

I don’t know if the volunteers will be building this or if a contractor will, but I know with their determination and dedication, they will raise the money needed and I for one, look forward to the grand opening celebration and the razing of the old building. Best of luck to Mount Hermon and hope to see each of you at a District Meeting soon.

Photos submitted by Joan Smoot District 5 Historian

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Washington County Life Saving Crew Submitted by Christie Groover, WCLS On Sunday, May 24, 2015, members of the Washington County Life Saving Crew, along with Abingdon Fire Dept., Glad Spring Fire Dept., Green Spring Fire Dept., and Abingdon Ambulance Service, attended a memorial service at the Veterans Memorial Park in Abingdon, VA. Not only were veterans honored for their service, but first responders in the area were recognized for their dedication to the communities they serve. During one of the speeches, Theresa Kingsley-Varble from the Washington County Emergency Services division, gave numbers on the amount of calls answered by only 13 agencies.

Most of these agencies are volunteer. Below is an excerpt from her speech.

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"Last year alone, our county responders, which includes fire/EMS and law enforcement, answered just over 40,000 calls for assistance. Think about that for a moment, 40,000.

That’s an average of 110 calls a day. Of those 40,000, approximately 10,000 were Fire and Emergency Medical Services related. Those 10,000

were covered by 7 EMS agencies which are primarily volunteer. One common factor in all 40,000 calls that goes largely overlooked, is the fact that each one of the 40,000 calls are handled by one of our 911 dispatchers. They are the true “FIRST RESPONDER” in receiving the call and being the first contact for the caller,

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giving the appropriate instructions, then sending the appropriate agency. They, as well as you all, do an amazing job in unfathomable situations."

WCLSC covers nearly 80 square miles of territory ranging from rural to heavily industrialized areas, as well as mountainous terrain. The 55,000 residents and 80,000 visitors and merchants in Washington County, Virginia, utilize our services nearly 3,000 times annually. With the support of roughly 50 active volunteers, Washington County Life Saving Crew sets the benchmark in the region for Emergency Medical Services.

Remembering those that have served our country and have allowed us to remain free, is always a humbling time for first responders, because we of all people, understand what it's like to give so much of our lives for others. But it meant even more to us, that we too, were recognized and appreciated on this Memorial Day.

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Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad Hosts District 10 Meeting Submitted by Gary Dalton Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad hosted it’s first District 10 Meeting on June 7, 2015.

The district squads, officers and guests were treated to a wonderful meal, great hospitality, a presentation of the squad’s 50 year history and many of their apparatus on display in the squad parking lot at 46700 Middlefield Drive, Sterling, VA. The most inventive and unique unit on display was a Patient Support Trailer. Sterling VRS secured a grant through the Virginia Rescue Squad Assistance Fund to purchase a trailer, retrofit their transport units, and secure the necessary equipment to properly and safely transport bariatric patients. Chief Byron Andrews stated, “Over the past few

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years we have seen an increase in the number of larger patients in need of transportation to the hospital and in the past these types of transports have challenged our first responders often times causing delays in transports, risking injury to our members and the patient, and transporting patients in less than professional circumstances.” Andrews said, “We wanted some method to properly transport these patients safely with dignity and insuring the safety of our

According to Chief Andrews other agencies have purchased or modified a specific vehicle with a specific intention on transporting bariatric patients.

“We had to find a solution, but felt that obligating ourselves to a single unit was not only costly but limited our options. We decided to equip our transport units with the necessary mounts and attachments installed in the units; and then, have the trailer store and transport all the necessary equipment (stretcher, winch, and other assorted equipment).”

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Members of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad and AirCare Medevac gather for a group photo after conducting a mock accident demo at a high school prior to prom. Pictured from left are Lt. Alex Nance, CBVRS; Assistant Chief Patricia FitzGerald, CBVRS; Denise Weaver, CBVRS; Kaila Worrell, CBVRS; Sheila Monroe, CBVRS; Debbie McIntyre, flight nurse, AirCare Medevac; Vern Miller, pilot, AirCare Medevac; and Steve Mitchell, flight paramedic, AirCare Medevac.

Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad & AirCare Medevac Receive American Heart Association's

Mission: Lifeline® EMS Recognition Award Submitted by Sara Hunt, Public Relations Coordinator Colonial Beach, VA (May 11, 2015) — Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad and AirCare Medevac, a service of PHI Air Medical, have jointly received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Bronze Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.

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Every year, more than 250,000 people experience a STEMI, or ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction, a type of heart attack caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clotbusting medication.

Unfortunately, a significant number don't receive prompt VAVRS

reperfusion therapy, which is critical in restoring blood flow.

Mission: Lifeline seeks to save lives by closing the gaps that separate STEMI patients from timely access to appropriate treatments. Mission: Lifeline’s EMS recognition program recognizes those emergency responders for their efforts in improving STEMI systems of care and improving the quality of life for these patients.

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Fredericksburg, Va., often airlifts CBVRS’ most severe cardiac patients to the nearest hospital to reduce ground transport time.

Emergency Medical System providers are vital to the success of Mission: Lifeline.

EMS agencies provide access to 12-lead ECG machines (devices that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat and can help medical personnel determine if a heart attack has occurred), and follow protocols derived from American Heart Association/ American College of Cardiology guidelines. The correct tools and training allow EMS providers to rapidly identify the STEMI, promptly notify the medical center, and trigger and early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.

Agencies that receive the Mission: Lifeline Bronze award have demonstrated at least 75 percent compliance for each required achievement measure for three months (one quarter), and treated at least four STEMI patients for the year.

“EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,” said Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association.

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medical point of contact, they can shave precious minutes of life-saving treatment time by activating the emergency response system that alerts hospitals. We applaud CBVRS and AirCare Medevac for achieving this award that shows it meets evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attacks.”

“Our organization is dedicated to making our unit among the best in the country, and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is helping us accomplish that by implementing processes for improving STEMI systems of care with the goal of improving the quality of care for all STEMI patients,” said Wesley Melson, rescue chief of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad.

“This is the first time that we have been honored with a

Mission: Lifeline award, and we are especially pleased to be recognized along with our great partners at AirCare Medevac for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for STEMI patients.”

“It’s exciting to share this award with CBVRS and we look forward to another great year of working with this organization,” said Chris Shaffer, operations manager for AirCare Medevac. “Our goal for 2016 is to meet and exceed the Mission: Lifeline achievement measures, and continue to provide the highest level of clinical care to patients in our community.” AirCare Medevac has bases in a number of locations in Virginia, including Fredericksburg, Front Royal, Harrisonburg, Leesburg and Manassas.

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Pediatric Immobilization Boards and Broselow® Tapes Available Free from EMSC Submitted by Dave Edwards, Virginia OEMS

Recently the Virginia EMS for Children program was able to purchase 160 pediatric immobilization boards (LSPs) for distribution to Virginia volunteer ground ambulances that needed them. There are still about 25 of these pediatric immobilization devices that are available to distribute. If you do not currently have an appropriately -sized pediatric immobilization device for potentially children from __ , contact David Edwards by email at david.edwards@vdh.virginia.gov with your request. These are very easy to carry and may decrease the time it takes for EMS providers to appropriately package an injured child.

Also, if any of your volunteer ambulances do NOT have a length-based pediatric emergency tape (like a Broselow®), or the tape that you have is not current, please contact David Edwards in the Office of EMS at david.edwards@vdh.virginia.gov and make a request. The most current version of the Broselow® tape is “2011 Edition A”. Both of the items above have been purchases with federal grant money (see paragraph below).

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“This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number H33MC07871 EMS State Partnership Grant. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.”

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The “Real� Attic Before I get started, please note a correction in the May/ June Lifeline. In the second paragraph I referred to HB 1379 and thanks to George Langford, it should be HB 1579.

My apologies for those who looked and could not find it.

Over the past couple of months, I have been attending numerous meetings concerning Line of Duty. As part of the working group, two issues that have been discussed are (i) definition of a volunteer and (ii) not keeping current records of membership and who are beneficiaries. There is also discussion on the required training for LODA. There are two more meetings scheduled between now and conference.

installation are moving forward and part of the requirements take effect on July 1, 2015.

Construction on an ambulance that begins after this date is required to meet the new compliance standards.

Additional standards start taking effect in January 2016.

VAVRS is working on getting additional funds to pay for the stretcher requirements from $4 for Life funding that goes to the General Fund.

With the passage of the EMS terminology bill during the 2015 session, we have received some comments that because of change in the code, agencies have to change their name. This is in fact not the case. There is

nothing in code that makes this a requirement; it only gives the code some continuity in the EMS language.

Besides the number of meetings forthcoming, it is also time to begin working on the VAVRS legislative agenda for 2016. We will continue to work on the driving immunity legislation, look at LODA changes, additional funding for the cot requirements, EMS compact bill, and of course to protect what we already have in place.

Thanks for your continued support and should you have questions, please feel free to contact me or anyone on the legislative committee.

The EMS Compact bill is the number one priority of the Office of EMS for the 2016 session. The office has already submitted it to the Commissioner to be included in the Governor's legislative package. The EMS Advisory Board voted unanimously at their May meeting to this.

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Photo from Fire EMS Memorial Service June 6, 2015—Left to Right: Mike Berg, President CharlottesvilleAlbemarle Rescue Squad, Gary Brown, Director of the Virginia Office of EMS and Gary Critzer, Life Member of Waynesboro First Aid Crew and Chair of the Virginia EMS Advisory Board

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District One Submitted by Greg Burton, District 1 Alternate V. P. On Sunday, April 26th, the VAVRS District 1 members, guests, and families met for the quarterly meeting in the quaint town of Grottoes. The event was hosted by Grottoes Rescue Squad with competitions held at their local elementary school. The day began with agencies participating in the Modular Ambulance Vehicle Extrication problem simultaneously with the EVOC written test and driving course. The extrication competition featured 4 teams while there were about 12 participants in the EVOC competition. At 10:00, the EMT teams – including the junior teams – began their quarterly battle for the trophies. Shortly thereafter, the ALS teams made their appearance and four teams battled for bragging rights.

After filling up with a great lunch provided by Grottoes Rescue Squad, District One’s Business Meeting began. Led

by Vice President, Steve Southworth, the meeting was called to order – district life members were recognized, along with state officers, VAVRS life members, and guests. Roll call of District 1 agencies was called. A report on the recent activities at the Official

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Spring BOG Meeting in Fredericksburg was offered by the VP. Information was presented concerning the sale of raffle tickets again this year, to help off-set the expenses of the annual conference. District Training Officer, Kate Burton, reported on the success of the recently held March Medical Madness in Fluvanna County as well as the upcoming District One Super CE Day, which will be held at Dabney S Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge on October 10th. Robbi Blackburn, District Legislative Officer, presented a bylaws change regarding the election of District Life Members that will allow votes (for or against) to be cast via secret ballot.

She also announced, from this point forward, alternate District Vice Presidents will be elected rather than appointed; this is in accordance with a bylaw change that was presented and passed at the VAVRS

Spring BOG Meeting.

State Vice President, Kim Craig, had several remarks regarding upcoming Conference at Virginia Beach, including that, with the success and turnout in 2014, the picnic will be held again this year, at Camp Pendleton. This is an approximate savings to the Association of $7,000. It was great to see the State Treasurer and District One Advisor, Steve Grayson, out and about with his wife Betty.

Steve was involved in a nearfatal accident just after Conference last year; while he has a few more surgeries to undergo, he was looking great and feeling optimistic. Steve reported that the vendors at Conference this year will only be set-up on Thursday and Friday. The ALS and BLS competitions will be held at the Convention Center in an effort to draw crowds to the vendor area. This was in response to

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suggestions made by the vendors who support the association.

Upon return of the Junior Members, whose meeting was held concurrently, Logan Parker gave report on the camaraderie of their members and the team -building activities. Woody Conner, State Junior Advisor, also attended the junior’s Meeting and reported that he was glad to be able to attend and was impressed with the junior’s dedication.

Under New Business, Greg Burton announced that he would be seeking the nomination of State Training Officer. Kim Craig is seeking the nomination for VAVRS President. Kate Burton of Covington Rescue Squad, and

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Patrick Scott of StauntonAugusta Rescue Squad, announced their goal of attaining District Vice President. Elections for this office will be held at the July District One Meeting.

After all business was discussed, it was time for competition awards!

Man Miles: 1st: Covington RS Activity Report: 1st: Stuarts Draft RS Vehicle Extrication 1st: Staunton-Augusta RS 2nd: Waynesboro FAC

EVOC: 1st: Justin Strader (SDRS) 2nd: Steve Rohr (SARS) 3rd: Patrick Scott (SARS) ALS 1st: Covington RS 2nd: Staunton-Augusta RS EMT-Junior 1st: Stuarts Draft RS EMT-Senior 1st: Covington RS 2nd: Waynesboro FAC 3rd: Staunton-Augusta VP Award Stuarts Draft RS The next meeting will be held on Sunday, July 27th at Goshen First Aid Crew in Rockbridge County.

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District Seven Holds Annual Picnic at Nellies Cave Park in Blacksburg Submitted by Coby FizerDistrict 7 VP VAVRS District 7 held its annual picnic and meeting May 2, 2015 at the Nellies Cave Park in Blacksburg, VA. Cornhole competition as well as fellowship prior to the meal was enjoyed by those in attendance. The meeting was called to order by District 7 VP Coby Fizer at 6:00pm and Garland Linkous returned thanks and led the group in the pledge of allegiance. Garland has agreed to step into the position of District 7 Chaplin for the remainder of the year with the passing of District 7 Chaplin Emeritus John Pauley.

Auxiliary members at District Seven Picnic

District 7 Secretary Curtis Crawford and his trusty assistant Mary Pardue had the meal of hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade chili, baked beans,

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and potato salad prepared on time and ready to be devoured by the members and guest in attendance. Many of the deserts were provided by Kroger in Christiansburg.

Thanks to Anita Fizer for working with Kroger to obtain the deserts at no charge to the district.

The meeting reconvened at 7:00pm with the 50/50 drawing of $30.25 going to Roger Bryant. The squad with the most members present was Riner Rescue Squad and most miles traveled was by Wythe County Rescue Squad. Both squads received a 4 pack of flashlights provided by District 7. The nine squads that were represented at the meeting were Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Floyd, Giles, (Continued on page 35)

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Newport, Riner, Shawsville, Tannersville, and Wythe.

VAVRS officers present were recognized as well as AVAVRS state officers, VAVRS Life Members, VAVRS Hall of Fame Members, VAJVRS officers & members, and District 7 Life Members. In addition all US Military Veterans were recognized for their service to our great country.

Lindsay Davis District 7 Training Officer conducted the ALS and BLS competition.

Trophies were handed out with both going to the Riner Rescue Squad teams who did a superb job during the competition.

Riner also entered and won call of the quarter for an incident in which they responded to a

Roger Bryant, Kelcie Bower and Luke Lambert gossiping at the picnic

MVC with the vehicle involved sitting on top of the patient.

The person survived after being flown to Roanoke by Lifeguard. No EVOC competition was held due to the food preparation and cooking duties of the EVOC instructors.

The Auxiliary members were released so that they could conduct their business meeting.

Reports were given by the District 7 officers as well as the VAVRS state officers in attendance. A list of important dates to remember were Curtis and Mary grilling Page

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reported to the membership as well as highlights of the Spring Executive Committee and BOG Meetings that were held in Fredericksburg on April 10th & 11th 2015.

District 7 Treasurers report was presented by Kelly Walters. A starting account balance of $4,020.08 was reported with a check written to Longshop/McCoy Volunteer Rescue Squad in remembrance of John Pauley. Checks were also written for food, supplies and rental of the shelter for today’s meeting/picnic with an ending balance of $3,555.15 reported.

Cornhole Tournament participants

Raffle Tickets for VAVRS State Conference will be handled through Curtis Crawford for District 7.

Contact him to get tickets. We will try to set up days to sell the tickets like last year. If you want tickets, contact Curtis and he will meet you with them.

A Nominating Committee was appointed for District 7 Offices of Vice President, Alternate Vice President, and Treasurer. Kelly Walterskbwalters@msn.com and Nick Coalsonncoalson@rinerrescue.org were chosen to bring back nominations.

Committee appointed for District Life Membership recommendations which consisted of John Akersjakers36@hotmail.com and

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Photos submitted by Cody Fizer

Alfred Smithalfiecubby@earthlink.net.

Both Officer and Life applications/recommendations are due in to the committee’s

by July 15, 2015.

Check out the District 7 Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/ VAVRSdistric7. Lindsay Davis is doing a great job keeping it up to date with much needed resources for training. We are also looking for new entries to put on the page. So if your squad has a special event, training or an announcement, send it to Lindsay Davis or Curtis Crawford and it will be reviewed and placed on the page.

Reminder of the next District 7 meeting to be held on August 15, 2015 at the Newport Volunteer Rescue Squad in Newport, VA. The meeting adjourned at 8:00pm.

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District Three Submitted by Cindy Swann, District 3 Historian District 3’s May meeting was held at Forest View VRS. The

Classes, which would be good for everyone to take. It is a 4 hour class. You can check for dates classes will be held on VAVRS and ODEMSA websites.

The Juniors had enough members to hold a Junior meeting. We were glad to see all of them.

first thing I want to bring up is Kenny Frenier. We wanted to recognize Kenny for all the hard work and dedication he did as our District VP in the past 2 years and was presented with a plaque to show our appreciation.

We of course went over some of the up and coming changes that are being made regarding EMS. As everyone most likely knows, after July 2015 when and ambulance is purchased the new type of stretcher will be required. CEC training can now be done on line for Initial Certification but Practical’s will have to be done in person.

Regular classes are still going to be held. It was also discussed when responding to an accident how serious it could be for the responders. There is a Traffic Incident Management Safety Security

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EVOC was held again, the second time for a long time.

Four people signed up and two were unable to attend, still held competition. Kenny Frenier took first place and Jason Wilmoth took second place, they did real good. We want to thank Forest View for their Hospitality and a Great Meal. I enter this every time, but we always have a great time. Our next meeting will be held at Holly Grove VRS on August 1’s.

May 13th Thomas Jefferson’s EMS Council held their Awards Banquet. Holly Grove VRS is in TJEMS Council. We are real proud of one of our members,

who is Susan Anderson. At the Awards Banquet Susan received the Regional EMS Outstanding Pre-Hospital Provider Award. I have never seen the look on her face that she had, total shock.

Susan joined HGVRS 1988 and became an EMT and advanced to ST. Susan became a Life Member. She was a teacher, got married and became a mother, had 2 daughters. She took a break for about 8 years just to be a mom and teacher.

She always knew she would be back. She decided she was ready to come back rejoined us and took an EMT class. We were glad to see her back.

She now has 15 years of service with HGVRS. At present she is our secretary.

This is just a quick history of Susan.

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She giggled and said, “Why not?”

I said, Good, get your own darn blanket!”

Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, Heard you have a new hobby, Karate? How is it going?

T G from Surry Dear Tommy, Really good—after only one Karate lesson, I can break boards with my cast!

Dear Rescue Ranger, Did you hear about the skeleton that went into a bar?

B W from Cave Spring Dear Bob, Yeah, I heard he asked the bartender for a beer and a mop.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you ever taken a trip on a train? I am thinking about taking a trip and just wanted some good advice.

Anonymous Dear Bubby, Many times. I enjoy train trips. I remember one time Amtrak mistakenly put me in the same sleeping carriage of a train with a woman I had not met. After some initial embarrassment, we both managed to get to sleep; the woman in the top bunk and me in the lower.

In the middle of the night the woman leans over and says to me, “I'm awfully cold and I was wondering if you could possibly pass me another blanket.”

I leaned out and, with a glint in my eye, said, “I’ve got a better idea...let’s pretend we’re married.”

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Dear Rescue Ranger, What is the worse call you ever experienced?

J C from Forest View Dear Mr. Phillips, I was on a rescue team that responded to an event at a rock climbing expedition, an accident occurred, as some of the grappling hooks gave way. This left the eleven climbers clinging precariously to the wildly swinging rope suspended from a crumbling outcropping on the Mountain. Ten were blonde and one was a brunette.

As a group they decided that one of the party should let go.

If that didn’t happen the weight on the rope would cause more of the hooks to give way and everyone would perish. For an agonizing few moments no one volunteered. Finally the brunette gave a truly touching speech saying she would sacrifice herself to save the lives of the others. All ten blondes applauded.

VAVRS

Dear Rescue Ranger, Question for you….a wife is sleeping in the middle of the night, she suddenly shouts: “Get up quickly my husband is here!”

The man gets up from the bed, jumps out the window, hurts himself and then realizes, “Darn, I am the husband.”

Who is guilty in this situation?

C L from Churchville Dear Cecil, Don’t know it is kind of like, a couple came upon a wishing well.

The husband leaned over, made a wish and threw in a penny.

The wife decided to make a wish too. But she leaned over to much, fell into the well and drowned. The husband was stunned for a while but then smiled and said, “It really works!”

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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

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 23-26, 2015 in Virginia Beach