May June 2013 VAVRS LIFELINE

VIRGINIA LIFELINE 2013 — MAY / JUNE

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From Mentored to Mentor

Submitted by Captain Annie Edwards, Southside Virginia Emergency Crew So often when a new EMT student steps into the back of the ambulance for the first time, I am reminded of my first experience with EMS. My nerves were raw, everything seemed overwhelming, I couldn't eat. At that time I was so new in the community, knowing no one, I felt at the mercy of those who would be my mentor. Fortunately, I was placed with some amazing medics. They will forever be my friends and I will always look to them as my guru. One may laugh at my choice of words... Guru, really? Absolutely, as a matter of fact, the literal meaning of this word is, remover of darkness. Quite literally these people removed the darkness of ignorance, the darkness of

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confusion, and the darkness of fear from me. Thus allowing me to be a successful, knowledgeable medic. Fear of the unknown was gripping, the preceptors I had gave me courage.

If it were not for the consideration and kindness of other well seasoned medics I would not be where I am today.

I truly feel as though they were an integral piece of my education. I agree with Benjamin Franklin when he said, "tell me and I forget, teach me

and I may remember, involve me and I learn."

Today, I have the privilege of precepting others. I never thought that I would have much to offer. On my first day, if you would have told me that in a few years I would be precepting new students, I would have

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laughed, then passed out, then laughed some more....it is very humbling. Most days when I arrive at work and put the uniform on I think back to the awkward wallflower I once was.

EMS has placed in me a certain confidence that otherwise would not have been cultivated.

My goal is to give back to my new brothers and sisters.

Because of the stellar examples they were and continue to be, I am inspired to do the same. The cycle continues, I hope I never break this chain of knowledge.

I do not remember who won the Nobel Peace Prize last year. I do not know who won an Oscar, or an Emmy .....but I will always remember the names of those who were my preceptors.

Whether you have been in EMS for one day or fifty years, commit yourself to being a Guru. Decide now to help others in the success of others. Most importantly, remember your first day on the ambulance. I am sure that brings a smile to your face! Our greatest accomplishments are achieved together. This is what makes us a brother and sisterhood. Our bond is unique, unbreakable.

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VAVRS Officers

For a complete list of the current courses being offered by the VAVRS go to www.vavrs.com

THE VIRGINIA LIFELINE ISSN 0279-6023 is the official bimonthly publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.

President Edward B. “ Bubby” Bish Jr. Vice President Rickey Hodge Secretary Connie Moore Treasurer Steven Dove Training Officer Scott Davis Chaplain Darleen Ferguson Historian Dreama Chandler Editor Gary Dalton Immediate Past President Steve Grayson Legal Advisor S. Craig Lane Medical Advisor

James R. Dudley, MD, MBA

Parliamentarian Lobbyist Office Manager

J. C. Phillips

Ed Rhodes Frances Brooks

Training Coordinator Kathy Eubank Administrative Secretary

Shirley Bagby

District 1 V. P. Scott Masincup District 2 V. P. Carolyn White District 3 V. P. Kenny Frenier District 4 V. P. Gary Dalton District 5 V. P. James Fontaine

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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.

District 6 V. P. June Ann Wilkes District 7 V. P. Thomas E. Harris “Ted”

VAJVRS Officers

District 8 V. P. Blake Byrd

AVAVRS Officers

President Cora Fearnow

District 9 V. P. Darrell Beavers

President - Fern Puckett

Vice President Emily Snyder

District 10 V. P. Matt Tanner

Vice President - Sharon Campbell

Secretary/Treasurer Aryn Onnen

Secretary - Dolores Hudson

Chaplain Dakota Looney

Treasurer - Kitty Campbell

Historian Shannon Cain

Chaplain - Clara Craig

District 3 V. P. Cora Fearnow

Historian - Heather S. Fox

District 7 V. P. Dakota Looney

Parliamentarian - Harry Householder

District 9 V. P. Christina Stanley

Immediate Past President - Joan Smoot

Advisor, Chair Alfred Smith

Midwestern VP - Sheila Gordon

Advisor Woody T. Connor

Northeastern VP - Eddie Ann Orndoff

Advisor Brandon Baugus

Southcentral VP - Patsy Wingfield

Advisor Woody Connor

Southeastern VP - Fay Browning

Advisor Micky Grodski

Southwestern VP - Jean Garrett

Advisor Kim Craig

Western VP - Debbie Rohr

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Deadline for the Upcoming Issues of the 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 10, 2013 for July/August August 10, 2013 for September/October September 1, 2013 for 2013 Conference Issue October 10, 2013 for November/December Issue

VAVRS Committee Chairs Nominating—R. Bruce Stratton Membership—Rickey Hodge Human Resources– Rickey Hodge Life Membership—Ronnie Slough Bylaws—Bruce Edwards Rescue Hall of Fame—Ford Wirt Conference—Ford Wirt Rescue College—Rickey Hodge

AVAVRS Committee Chairs

Rescue College—Wayne Myers EMS Advisory Bd.—Dreama Chandler EMS Advisory Bd.—Wayne Myers

Conference - Janis Slough

Strategic Planning—Karen Wagner

Conference Co-Chair - Vickie Arnold

Course Development—Doug Eberhardt

Life Membership - Ruth Swicegood

Grant—Elizabeth Papelino

Nominating - Carolyn Brand

Scholarship Fund—Carolyn Brand

Resolutions - Harry Householder

EMS Memorial Service—Kevin Dillard

Emergency Care - Ailease Short

EMS Exchange—Jane LaVerne

Membership - Sharon K. Campbell

Rec. & Ret.—Fran Phillips

Finance - Kitty Campbell

Course Development—Doug Eberhardt Facility Manager—Lin Matthews

Roll Call - Jean Garrett

Volunteer Management—J. C. Phillips

Roll Call Co-Chair - Valarie Becker

Legislative—Dreama Chandler

Rec. & Ret. - Marie Householder

VAVRS Web Page—Gary Dalton

Fund Raising - Linda Berkstresser

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The Legislative Attic Submitted by Ed Rhodes

background checks.

The 2013 Virginia General

HB 2315 - VAVRS

Assembly session and Special Session are completed, as of th

April 7 at 12:45 A.M. !

VAVRS did fairly well with legislation this year, better than expected. Therefore, here is a brief summary of bills that will have an effect on you and your organization.

SB 1499 - otherwise known as the Pharmacy Bill. This bill, after the Board of Pharmacy and the OEMS change language in their respective regulations, the signature issue when swapping out drug boxes at the pharmacy will cease to exist. As soon as this is taken care of, we will be notified by OEMS. HB 1383 - Criminal Background Checks - Because the requirement for federal criminal background checks was added to the EMS Regulations, effective October, 2012, legislation was introduced to make the regulation work. The bill has passed and will take effect on July 1st 2013. The OEMS is currently working with the State Police and others to make sure the process is clean and simple. Again, we will be notified when this is in place.

So, until you hear from OEMS, it is business as usual with Page

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Financial Reports this bill changes the reporting requirement of VAVRS to the EMS Advisory Board.

Beginning July 1st, VAVRS needs only

The “Real” Attic

to submit $4 for Life funding receipt and expenditures to the EMS Advisory Board's

remainder of the year, leading up to the 2014 session. Also, expect to see members from

Executive Committee.

the VA Volunteer Firefighters

Budget Amendments - four

Association at some of our

were submitted, two in each

district meetings to explain

house, for (i) to regain the

further about what you can do

interest money taken from

to support the LODA. There

RSAF and (ii) to fund the

will also be a representative

criminal background checks.

from the VAVRS with them at

Well, we batted 50/50. The

these meetings.

interest funding did not get out

It was good seeing everyone at

of subcommittee, but the background checks were funded through RSAF. Also, others submitted amendments to fund the poison control centers for $3.0 million, but only got $1.0 million from the VDH general fund and funds were requested in the amount of $1.0 million for 12 lead EKG's, but this only received up to $400,000.00.

Both of these were for one year only.

the Spring BOG in Lynchburg and getting a chance to renew acquaintances. As I told you during the meetings, I already have the beginnings of a list of proposals for the 2014 session, which will be the long one, with the LODA at the very top. I am always available to answer questions, so do not hesitate to contact me. Again, thank you for your support and I look forward to working with you in

We will continue to work on the

the coming year.

Line of Duty issue during the Official

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Competition Teams - A Great Asset!

Submitted by Fran Phillips, Chair VAVRS Recruitment and Retention Committee Competition Teams should be encouraged by your squad. There are a number of competition events such as EVOC, ALS, EMT, Rescue, Search and Rescue, etc.

This article is about ALS or EMT Team competition. These teams learn how to do the job of taking care of patients in the most efficient and “by the book” way.

The persons on each team become better squad members and usually fast friends. They learn what the “Captain” wants before it is verbalized. As I write this article, I remember the fun times that our competition team practiced every week in June, July, August and September. The team had a problem to work each week from different chapters in the EMT book. We would get the problem from our instructor, work the problem, critique the problem, and work it again. This was an Auxiliary team. Two of us ran calls as Senior Squad Members.

This “workout” each week made the two of us who ran calls much better providers on the ambulance.

We knew what was needed and responded as a team on all calls.

We were confident in our treatment of the patient and in our ability as good providers.

If you are planning on having a COMPETITION TEAM, the following are suggestions to make your team the “best you can be”.

2. Contact the VAVRS [800-8330602] to find out which edition of Publication

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guest. This will give your team experience in competition.

3. Be sure to explain the requirements of practice, how often these practices will be held and the length of time involved.

Encourage all members, seasoned or new, to get involved. New members will benefit from coming to these practices and “seasoned” members will become more proficient on call and better leaders.

6. Bring back the problem and judging sheets from these competitions. Practice the problem until your team does a nearperfect job.

4. Ask a proficient squad member to be the lead instructor with several co-instructors. This will provide your team with several different views of a problem.

These persons should be patient, responsible, dedicated persons.

They should not be bossy and should be a good leader.

5. Enter your team in your VAVRS District competition. If your District does not have competition, challenge the other squads in your District to form a team. Contact District Vice Presidents in other Districts who have competition to see if your team may compete as a

1. Let your membership know that you will be forming a team.

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the books are being used for competition and the rules.

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7. If possible help the team members with the expenses of VAVRS Conference registration, room, food and mileage.

8. Some teams have special “competition” uniforms. Others wear their regular squad’s uniform.

9. As the team becomes a unified competition team they will become friends. As a “perk” for their hard work your squad may wish to encourage the team to go out to dinner before or after each practice. If possible, a line item in your budget to pay for dinner for these teams, is a great “Retention” idea. When persons share a meal, they become a better team.

I WISH EACH TEAM “GOOD LUCK” IN COMPETITION. Page

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News From the AVAVRS VP Submitted by Sharon Karlet Campbell, AVAVRS Vice President We had a good Spring Officers Workshop meeting in Lynchburg and are ready to start the final months of this very productive year. On Friday night, I was lucky enough to be a part of the Scholarship Committee meeting. Carolyn Brand does an excellent job leading this committee and I think we accomplished some things that will be beneficial to many.

There is a new scholarship this year, the Anne J. Gwaltney Memorial Scholarship. The age restriction of several of the scholarships has been eliminated and there are a few other changes. Go on line and check out ALL of the scholarships and remember the application MUST be postmarked by the July 1st deadline.

Saturday morning, I had to sadly report that the Fredericksburg Support Group is no longer a member of our association but hopefully with the support of all of you, we will increase our membership before September. If you see any of the members from Amelia, Waverly, Mid County, Newport, Hopewell or Glade Hill, let them know the benefits of being a member of the AVAVRS. Page

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Our AVAVRS Conference will be here before we know it. Be sure and get those reports to the proper people by the deadlines. You have no idea of the work involved if we have to call and beg. Again, use the internet and get those reports done and mailed as soon as possible.

I hope that many of you are planning to attend the Camporee in Buena Vista, May 16 - 18. I am not a camper (my idea of camping is a Holiday Inn) so I plan to sleep at my daughter’s in Lexington and come over for the fun and fellowship. The plans for the week-end sound great and it will be nice to see everyone in a relaxed atmosphere when we don’t have to run off for a meeting.

Once again, I am chairman (with no vote) of the “Auxiliary of the Year” award.

The deadline for that award is July 27th. This gives me time to white out names and make copies.

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judged by the six district vice presidents and the Immediate Past President. Look at the guidelines and send in your entry. Each Auxiliary is eligible (unless you have won in the last 2 years) and all of you are deserving.

The weather is beautiful here in Roanoke this week, but who knows what next week will bring. Debbie Rohr states that the Farmer’s Almanac says we are going to have snow on April 27th. I certainly hope not but who knows what Mother Nature has in store for us. Take care and stay safe.

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VAVRS Scholarships qualifications have been met.

If you have won one of the scholarships and none of the others, apply for the others the next year.

To be eligible for the Julian Stanley Wise and the Fred Weymouth, II Scholarships: You must have been a member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS, the VAJVRS for at least 2 years, or be a child or grandchild of a person who has been a member for 5 years.

Submitted by Carolyn Brand, VAVRS Scholarship Chair There are six (6) scholarships that are associated with the VAVRS. All scholarship applications can be found on the VAVRS web site @ http:// www.vavrs.com/forms.htm Tips:

Read carefully, there are differences in eligibility and due dates.

Applications that arrive late will NOT be judged.

If you did not win this year apply again next year.

Scholarships are NOT just for the first year in college, so if you do not meet the qualifications for your first year, apply as soon as the Publication

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You may not have received this scholarship before.

One GC scholarship is awarded each year in the amount of $1,000.

To be eligible for the Kimball L. Glass Scholarship: You must have been a member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS, or the VAJVRS for at least 2 years, or be a dependent of a person who has been a member for at least 5 years.

You must be entering an EMS field. (Paramedic, Nurse, Medical Doctor, etc.)

Two JSW scholarships may be awarded each year and one FW scholarship is awarded; each is for $1,000.

To be eligible for the Garry Clatterbuck Memorial Scholarship:

Priority will be given to eligible District 5 members or their dependents.

You must have been a member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS, the VAJVRS for at least 2 years, or be a child or grandchild of a person who has been a member for 5 years.

One KLG Scholarship is awarded in the amount of $500.

One of the judging criteria is the amount of volunteer rescue squad work or qualifications attained.

You must be accepted at a fully the

accredited college or university or awaiting acceptance at an institution that meets these criteria. (The scholarship will not be awarded until you have been accepted.)

You must be accepted at a fully accredited college or university or waiting acceptance at an institution that meets these criteria. (The scholarship will not be awarded until you have been accepted.)

You may not have received this scholarship before.

When filling out applications answer ALL questions. If the question does not apply to you, put N/A. To leave a question unanswered makes the judges wonder if you even read the question.

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You must be accepted at a fully accredited college or university or waiting acceptance at an institution that meets these criteria. (The scholarship will not be awarded until you have been accepted.)

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To be eligible for the Trula Peach Scholarship: You must have been a member of the AVAVRS or the VAJVRS for at least 2 years, or be a dependent of a person who has been a member for 5 years.

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You must be accepted at a fully accredited college or university or awaiting acceptance at an institution that meets the criteria.

You may not have received this scholarship before.

One scholarship is awarded each year in the amount of $1,000.

To be eligible for the Anne J. Gwaltney Memorial Scholarship: You or your parent must have been a member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS, or VAJVRS for at least 2 years.

You must be accepted at a fully accredited college or university or waiting acceptance at an institution that meets the criteria.

You must be less than 35 years old during the calendar year in which you are receiving the award.

You cannot have received this award before.

One AJG Scholarship is awarded in the amount of $1,000 For more information on the Anne J. Gwaltney Memorial Scholarship please review the article in this publication on page 25.

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Waynesboro FAC Auxiliary Submitted by Cece McCormack, Historian Hello everyone and Happy Spring, finally!

Well, we have been pretty busy since the last article helping with shelter, and getting the unexpected 18 inches of snow in Waynesboro. We fed over 100 people from emergency workers, dispatchers, state and local police that weekend. Also on our plates we have our Sr. EMT Team headed to Idaho in June for Internationals. So with the effort of everyone we are doing some fund raising, the EMT Team is doing raffle tickets and other ideas are in the works. Our Juniors just went to Lynchburg for the BOG Meeting. We continue to feed the crews and the firefighters at drills. On the first Thursday and Friday morning drills we cook and serve them breakfast.

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We, the Auxiliary, paid to put chevrons on two of our units.

We continue to go out for our birthdays. We, the Auxiliary, donated $50 to the Church of the Nazarene to help supply candy to fill Easter eggs for a children’s community egg hunt.

We are looking forward to the warmer weather to plant flowers in out garden in front of the building. Everyone have an amazing Spring, see you all soon.

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Happy Spring! - AVAVRS Conference Chair to attend the VAVRS Conference in September.

There is much to be gained by attending; sharing of ideas with other auxiliaries, seeing old friends, making new ones, learning how we can better serve our respective squads/ departments, not to mention the awards!

Be mindful of the deadlines for various reports and get them in on time. There are many

Submitted by Janis Slough It was good to see many of you on Saturday at the Spring Officers' Workshop.

Please start making plans now

deserving auxiliaries across the state, so be sure to submit your application for Auxiliary of the Year.

The conference packets will be coming out soon with complete information regarding all conference activities.

If I can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Have a wonderful summer and be safe.

From The VAJVRS State Historian Submitted by Shannon Cain, VAJVRS Historian The VAJVRS State Officers for 2013 met all together for the first time February 23. The officers were elected at the 2012 VAJVRS Conference.

We had a great time and went over the progress of the year so far and our agenda for the rest of the year still to come.

We are all very happy with our progress so far and with the help of our amazing junior advisers we know there will be much more progress and fun coming our way.

VAJVRS Officers Standing left to right Advisor Alfred Smith President Cora Fearnow Historian Shannon Cain Vice President Emily Snyder Secretary Aryn Onnen Chaplain Dakota Looney Advisor Woody Conner

Our next time together will be at the Spring BOG, and we are all looking forward to it.

“Have a wonderful summer and be safe.”

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Middlesex County VRS of Deltaville Submitted by Dennis Mann, VP MCVRS, Deltaville Recently Deltaville Rescue Squad held an open house at our main station in Deltaville. Our focus was on recruitment, but it’s always a great thing to just open our facility to the community, and let them see how we operate, and what’s going on at their local squad.

We had a great turnout despite a cold windy day. We had exhibits, demonstrations and plenty of members on hand to answer questions and show our visitors around. LifeEvac Virginia was gracious enough to send us a copter for exhibit, and their crew was as always, informative and super friendly.

The helicopter is always a great hit with everyone, but especially the kids. Our Auxiliary did their usual amazing job of providing refreshments for our guests.

Our squad is so blessed to have these wonderful ladies who support us in so many ways!

We received several applications and our guests went away more informed about our squad and the vital service we provide for our community.

We counted the day a great success.

One of our guests that day was a very talented writer/reporter for our local newspaper, Tom Chillemi. He interviewed and asked questions of many of our Official

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members, and crafted all the information into a very fine series of articles about the squad, who we are and what we do. When leaving he asked me and several others to send him any additional thoughts we might have to help him with his stories.

We have since seen his first two excellent articles, and are anxiously awaiting the last in his three part series. The following is a letter I sent to him to use in article three. As EMS providers we all consider our training paramount, and the core of what we do in our work.

In my letter to Tom, I wanted to address another aspect of our work and our service. I would like to share it here with you, and hope it makes us all pause for a moment and think about this vital component.

Best wishes for a safe and prosperous summer from me and MCVRS, Deltaville Rescue!

Tom, Thank you for the wonderful series of articles you have written on the squad. They have truly captured the spirit and dedication of our organization.

At the open house I had promised to send you additional info that would perhaps help you tell our story. Hopefully the following will assist you in finishing your series.

Usually the first thing that people outside of EMS will ask VAVRS

you about your rescue squad experience is, ”how do you deal with all that blood and guts”?

This is the perception that many people have about what we do. I won’t lie to you-in the course of doing this work for any period of time, you will see some horrific things. That’s when your training takes over and you do what you have to do, to save and make your patient more comfortable. In situations of disaster and mayhem, the training makes the difference between being a bystander and being in the middle out the fray, helping save lives and minimizing further injury. I heard someone say once at the scene of a disaster you could always tell the EMS peoplewhile everyone else is running away from the danger, they’ll be the ones running toward it.

There is another very important component to a good EMS provider-COMPASSION! Chances are any time we respond to a call, we are going to deal with people who may be having the worst day of their lives. They may even be facing the last day of their life. Our life saving efforts, and rescue procedures, are given freely with skill and professionalismbut if we don’t show compassion and caring in the process, the work done comes up short. This I think is one of the reasons I think our community is so blessed to have a dedicated volunteer squad, we don’t get Page

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paid for what we do, so every call we do is truly a “labor of love” for our fellow man. MCVRS is staffed with some of the most caring individuals I have ever met.

I have watched our members, after doing their life saving interventions, hold a patients hand, wipe the tears from their eyes, and yes even pray with them enroute to the hospital.

We listen to the patients concerns, try to calm their fears, and yes sometimes hear their last words.

I remember years ago taking an elderly lady to the hospital, who was dying from a terminal illness. With labored words she told me about her children and how much they had meant to her and fulfilled her life. Since she had a do not resuscitate order, when she slipped away all I could do was hold her hand and watch her peacefully pass. At the hospital I had the honor and bittersweet task of telling her children that her last thoughts and words were of love and thankfulness for them. In a small community like this we often walk into a house to find that our patient is someone we know, go to church with, or know a family member of. We can see the look of relief on their face when they see someone they know at such at trying time. Compassion and caring are a vital part of what MCVRS does-and I think we do it very well.

MCVRS is looking for more compassionate caring people, who are willing to dedicate a portion of their lives to helping others and carrying on the long tradition of excellence in emergency care that we have in our squad.

For membership information they can contact me, Dennis Mann Vice President MCVRS @804-370-0359 Thanks again Tom for your fine work on our behalf.

Best regards, Dennis Mann Page

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A Life Evac helicopter is among the many resources available to the Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad in Deltaville.

Volunteers are needed to drive ambulances, or to be Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

(Photo by Tom Chillemi)

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EGGS, EGGS AND MORE EGGS Submitted by Sharon Campbell, Cave Spring Rescue Squad Auxiliary

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ately it seems as if we are spending a lot of time at the Cave Spring Rescue Squad building with different projects. In February, we took necessary toiletries to the Ronald McDonald House. This is an easy project as we just collect the shampoo, lotion, etc. from our motel rooms when traveling and they are needed when the house has a sudden guest. If your child is rushed to the hospital, you don’t take time to pack, you just go. The hotel size of these items lets them wash their hair, brush their teeth and feel more like facing what looms ahead.

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e also fixed Valentine bags for each of our crew members.

They receive a card from us as well as a bag of candy. It is a small gift from us but it reminds them of their importance to us and the community. February 17th, due to a mix up, Cave Spring stepped in and hosted the 6th District VAVRS meeting. We always enjoy seeing members of the VAVRS and they seem to enjoy our food. The VPI Extension Master Chef’s Official

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program finished using the crew hall on February 19th.

This class had started in January and met once a week for 7 hours. Since the Auxiliary was the sponsor, it was our responsibility to have someone man the crew hall while they were there.

March was one busy month.

Easter Eggs were our main priority but we had several other projects thrown in. We made over 1100 Easter Eggs this year. We made our usual flavors of: Butter Cream, Peanut Butter Cream, Chocolate Cream, Coconut Cream, Raspberry Cream and Strawberry Cream. Patsy Wingfield and I always have to try something new each year and this year the flavors were Mint Cream and Orange Cream.

Mint Cream is certainly a keeper, it has become my favorite. After the filling is made, each egg has to be dipped in chocolate and once that dries, they are decorated and boxed. Everyone has their job and it all runs smoothly.

March 14th we fixed dinner for the Roanoke County Chief’s Board. There are usually about 35 to 40 in attendance. We are the only Roanoke County rescue squad that is not located in the same building as the fire department. We do the cooking and the meeting is held at the fire department. We tried a VAVRS

new menu and from the looks of things, it was a hit.

Barbecue Sauce was also made in March in preparation for our upcoming barbecue.

We were scheduled to host the AVAVRS South Central meeting on Sunday, March 24th but Mother Nature had other ideas.

The tables were set and the food ready to go, but snow, snow and more snow meant postponing the meeting until April 28th.

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n March we also prepared lunch on two different occasions for the crew as they had a mandatory training class to roll out a new protocol. We often provide snacks to the EMT Class which is meeting at the crew hall twice a week and we continue to handle the “thank you” correspondence for the crew.

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pril 13th we will be holding our annual Spring Yard Sale and on May 4th we will be sponsoring our Annual Spring Chicken Barbecue. June (Continued on page 17)

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7th we need 20 people to work “First Friday’s at Five”. This is a 21 and older event that is worked by different 501C-3 organizations. The application process starts in January when you are required to attend a meeting and then you must submit an application, part of which is stating what you plan to use the proceeds from the

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event for. We hope to replace the CPR mannequins used by the crew for training. We were pleased to have been chosen as one of the participating groups as many apply and few are chosen.

As you can see, we have been busy and it looks like the months ahead will continue in that mode. If you are in the area and want to lend a hand, give us a call.

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I certainly hope that by the time you read this, Spring will be here to stay. Take care and have a safe and Happy Summer!

Icons have been added to the right side of the VAVRS Home Page and allow you to easily surf to: Infectious Disease Control— http://www.vavrs.com/idc.htm —a reference page for Designated Infectious Control Officers to use in the completion of their duties.

Scholarships— http://www.vavrs.com/scholarships.htm —a page utilized to list information about scholarships offered by the VAVRS and links to applications and rules.

Facebook— https://www.facebook.com a social media site featuring VAVRS activities Classified Ads— https://www.vavrs.com/news a page on VAVRS.com displaying used ambulances, equipment other classified ads.

Job Opportunities— http://www.vavrs.com/jobs.htm a page on VAVRS.com that list job openings and job websites Virginia Office of EMS— http://www.vdh.state.va.us/oems the official site of the Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services.

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The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip Submitted by J.C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian How does your organization handle resignations? To date, as the VAVRS Parliamentarian, I have reviewed 87 sets of squad bylaws and a lot of times I find words like the following: "All resignations must be in writing and submitted to the Membership Chair." I tell the squads that they should not use the word "must" when referring to resignations. You can't make a person put their resignation in writing. Of course it would be nice to have a letter of resignation for the membership files.

I tell the squad that the bylaws should say words like. "All resignations should be in writing and submitted to the Membership Chair.'

The following has happened many times in volunteer rescue squads and fire departments. A member will get angry in a meeting over some issue that may involve him or her and yell out "I Quit' and walks out of the meeting never to be seen again. You can't stop that person and make him or her put their resignation in writing. In this electronic age that we live in today people can resign in many ways. They can resign by just

saying "I Resign", by putting it in writing, by texting, by e-mail, by phone, etc.

So in conclusion, it is nice to get a letter of resignation for your files, but you can't always count on it.

From the VAVRS Chaplain Submitted by Darleen Ferguson, VAVRS Chaplain Please check with your loved one’s Squad to see if they were a member of the VAVRS Death Benefit Plan (DBP). If so, the squad must send to the State Office: (1) Deceased member report form (2) Copy of the member’s death certificate (3) Copy of the member’s death benefit plan application As your Chaplain, I will also need a squad patch and a picture of your loved one. The picture does not have to be one in a squad uniform. If you want the picture sent back to you please let me know, also please Page

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put their name and name of their squad on the back of the picture. If your loved one was not a member of the DBP I will still need a squad patch and a picture. The patch and picture will be used at the Memorial Service during the VAVRS Conference. All paperwork, patches and pictures should be sent to the VAVRS State Office, Attention: Darleen Ferguson, VAVRS Chaplain. If a squad patch or a picture is not available your loved one will be honored by name.

I check my e-mail and the VAVRS Family and Friends page on the VAVRS website for sick and death notices.

Please make every effort to send in the paperwork, patches pictures and names of you loved Official

ones. They give years of service and I need your help to honor them.

August 2012 through August 1, 2013 is the time frame of death to be honored in this year’s Memorial Service.

Mail to: VAVRS, PO Box 279 Oilville, VA 23129

Don’t Forget Mother’s Day—May 12, 2013 Father’s Day—June 16, 2013

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Deceased Members DISTRICT ONE Robert Merle Davis – Buena Vista RS Garland R. Frye Sr. – Millwood Station F&R Doris Huffman Hall - Buena Vista - RS Eleanor S. Masincup – Buena Vista RS Aubrey Lee Mohler – Buena Vista RS Bertha P. Nicely – Lexington FD Auxiliary Jasper Day Stinespring – Falling Spring RS DISTRICT TWO Robert F. Paulsen – Kempsville VRS William Temple – Brunswick VRS DISTRICT THREE Helen Brand – Henrico VRS Auxiliary Sylvia Clatterbuck – Bensley Bermuda Auxiliary Geraldine Cook – Henrico VRS DISTRICT FOUR Freddie George – Woodstock VRS James D. Wagner – Woodstock VRS DISTRICT FIVE George Beard – Roseland VRS James D. Mosely Jr. - Boydton LSC Wade Allen Richardson Sr. – Central LS and RS DISTRICT SIX Jedidiah Neal Vanhoozer – Fieldale-Collinsville VRS If you are aware of additional names that should be added to our deceased member list, those members of the VAVRS that passed since September 1, 2012, please submit their names, a photo and a copy of your squad patch to the VAVRS Chaplain Darleen Ferguson—VAVRS, PO Box 279, Oilville, VA 23129 Official

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Deceased Members DISTRICT SEVEN Margret Bishop – Christiansburg Auxiliary Stephanie Elliott – Giles LS & RS Roger L. Fitzgerald – Rural Retreat VES William Lee Fowler - Rural Retreat VES Ila Faye Payne – Pipers Gap RS Tony Lawrence Sizemore – Pipers Gap RS Gene Wallace – Shawsville VRS Emma Jean Young – Christiansburg Auxiliary DISTRICT EIGHT (no deaths reported at this time) DISTRICT NINE Vicki Sue Gilbert – Cleveland LSC Claude Graybeal – Washington Co. LSC Patrick Healy – Bristol LSC Leona Stanley – Glade Spring RS Randy U Lane – Wise Ronnie Gene Montgomery – Saltville Karen Robinson – Washington Co LSC Malcom Sead – Washington Co LSC Charles Hugh Tuggle - Saltville DISTRICT TEN Angela Evans Bane – Sperryville VRS Violet I. Beason – Colonial Beach Auxiliary Lee Jenkins – Madison Co RS Edith Retter – Colonial Beach Auxiliary

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From District 3 Submitted by Cindy Swann, District 3 Historian Sorry I missed a report for March/April Lifeline. Our February meeting was held at Waverly RS on February 9th.

Even if it is rather late, want to thank Waverly for a warm welcome and a great meal. We did hold EVOC competition.

Our next District 3 meeting will be May 4th at Amelia Emergency Squad. Come and join us. I did attend Spring BOG Meeting. District 3 had a good turnout for the meeting.

As everyone most likely knows by now we no longer will be having a Convention. We now will be having a Conference.

This was discussed, voted on and passed. We covered a lot of information that will be in the BOG minutes.

I have always been teased on how far I had to travel for our District meetings, how I got there [plane, train, etc.] and how long it would take me. Now one thing interesting is where our Spring BOG meeting will be held in 2014. It will be in Bristol. It will make up for those that have to come from the southern part of Virginia all the way up here.

Holly Grove Volunteer Rescue Squad will be holding our 30th Anniversary this year in July.

If anyone would like to join us,

please contact me [Cindy] at 804-556-4698 or Dianne Montgomery at 804-556-3524.

Hope everyone had a safe trip home.

VAVRS Nominating Committee Submitted by Bruce Stratton, Nominating Committee Chair An organization is subject to fail without good leadership.

The membership of our VAVRS has repeatedly elected good and qualified leaders.

Letters of Intent, Resumes, etc. to place an individual for consideration for an office by your Nominating Committee are due in to the VAVRS Office by June 1st.

Please look closely and if you feel that you would be a good candidate for a particular office make it known. Once the information is received at the State Office, interviews are Official

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set up. Candidates for Treasurer go through an interview with a panel including members of the Finance Committee and then with the Nominating Committee. Your Committee has from the 1st of June to the 15th of July to meet to select one candidate for nomination to each office.

A lot of effort goes into scheduling interviews so that each participant is included. So, again, please assure that letters of intent, etc. arrive at the VAVRS Office by June 1st.

responsibility seriously and are thankful for the opportunity to provide their services as part of your election process.

Your Nominating Committee members (1 member from each District) take their VAVRS

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Colonial Beach Juniors Learn Lifelong Skills as Lifesaving Teens Submitted by Sara Hunt,

Senior Public Relations Manager, Touch Points Public Relations

Colonial Beach, Va. (Feb. 22, 2013) - Devon Dudley is only in the eighth grade at Monroe Bay Christian Academy, but he’s already CPR-certified and learning how to save lives in an emergency. As a member of the Colonial Beach Junior Volunteer Rescue Squad, also known as the Colonial Beach Juniors, Dudley is developing an impressive maturity and poise that’s way beyond his 14 years.

“Two years ago, a friend from church invited me to attend a meeting of the Colonial Beach Juniors and I’ve been involved ever since,” said Dudley. “It’s a lot of fun and I’m learning skills that will help me take better care of the people that are close to me. You always need to be prepared.”

The next generation of volunteers often begins with teenagers who experience the camaraderie and the sense of community that comes from helping others in a crisis. Many Juniors become members of the senior squad when they reach the age of 18, something that Dudley plans to do.

According to Amber McKenzie, a former Colonial Beach Junior who now works on the senior

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14-year-old youth, Devon Dudley, who loves being a member of the Colonial Beach Juniors, proudly wearing his squad shirt. team and serves as an advisor to the Colonial Beach Juniors, Devon is an outstanding role model to the younger members on the squad. “He also helps out with the support team and the senior squad, whatever is needed,” she said. “He is always asking questions and always wanting to learn new things. I have high hopes for him!”

It’s easy to join the Colonial Beach Juniors. Just drop by the station at 225 Dennison Street in Colonial Beach and pick up an application. Once the application is completed and approved, the Colonial Beach Juniors starting getting involved with squad activities and are mentored by the senior Official

members.

When Colonial Beach Juniors turn 16, they can start going out on calls, something that Devon Dudley is looking forward to. For now, he’s absorbing everything that a volunteer rescue squad can offer, including joint training sessions with the Oak Grove Junior Volunteer Fire Department. “I really love the people here,” he said. “They are like family to me.”

For more information about the Colonial Beach Juniors, contact Wesley Melson, Rescue Chief of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, at 540-735-4888 or wesley.melson@ymail.com.

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The Anne J. Gwaltney Memorial Scholarship There is new scholarship available starting this year. It is the Anne J. Gwaltney Memorial Scholarship. All of the scholarship applications can be found at http:// www.vavrs.com/forms.htm.

Please read the eligibility requirements carefully, as they differ from scholarship to scholarship.

Here is the information for the Anne J. Gwaltney Memorial Scholarship.

It is with great privilege that we, the Surry Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary, are sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship to carry on Anne Gwaltney’s spirit of giving and determination.

Anne began her EMS career just as she did most everything else in her life, with a challenge.

The volunteer rescue program in Surry County was just getting off the ground in the late 1960’s; Anne wanted to join the squad but was excluded from doing so because she was a woman, so she carved her own niche in the volunteer program.

Anne and a group of ladies formed the Surry Vol. Rescue Auxiliary. Those ladies did everything and more to support the men of the squad, but Anne didn’t give up on her dream of becoming a part of the squad.

Finally in the early 1970’s the squad allowed her and other women to become a part of their rescue program. Anne was one of the first women to Official

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become an EMT in the Surry area. Later, she would become one of SVRS’s first ALS providers by obtaining her Shock Trauma certification, which she kept valid for many years. Even when the Shock Trauma part of her certification expired she continued to keep her EMT-B up to date until the day she passed away on August 27, 2012.

Anne, with her husband Tommy and other founding squad members, helped build the Surry organization from the ground up. The squad was built with the hard work and determination of its earliest members; it also continued as it VAVRS

still does today, to recruit new members who have that same dedication to volunteerism.

Anne was on a regular, rotating duty crew continuously until the squad became staffed by paid personnel approximately 10 years ago. She did this despite growing health concerns that she was facing. She served in every area of the organization from training, to fundraising, to recruitment, to leadership. She also became involved at the State Level in VAVRS by serving as B.O.G. representative for many years.

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Doug Eberhart and Bubby Bish, organize the EVOC competitions on the State and District levels. And when she wasn’t doing that, she was serving on the state nominating committee. She faithfully and dutifully fulfilled her roles on that committee.

Her zest for emergency medicine and helping in her community went far beyond the rescue squad. For many years she was a sheriff’s dispatcher.

When she was not on emergency calls, she was orchestrating them from behind the dispatcher’s console.

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bringing the E-911 system to Surry County, being one of the first people certified as an E-911 dispatcher.

Anne was a great friend, an excellent teacher, and an amazing EMT. She volunteered tirelessly for the Surry Rescue Squad and the Auxiliary for many years. She also worked hard for VAVRS and for her hometown community.

Over the past 12 years her life had slowed down.

Many serious health problems had prevented her from doing the things she loved the most about rescue calls but she was present at every fundraiser and attended every business and training meeting that her health allowed her to. She gave the Squad the benefit of her knowledge, wisdom, and opinion.

Frequently you could hear her call into dispatch on her handheld radio to help guide the crew to a call or she would call the medic to help with a patient that was being flown out. She was teased that she could land the air medic in her front yard, co-ordinate the patient transfer, and get the bird back up in the air…all from her kitchen table.

Anne was given the following honors during her career: - Life Member Surry VRS Auxiliary

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- Life Member Surry VRS - Life Member VAVRS District 3 To perpetuate Anne’s memory and spirit of giving, the Surry Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary is offering an annual scholarship of $1,000.00 to a deserving VAVRS, AVAVRS, VAJVRS or family member in kind who has fulfilled the qualities of leadership, character, and service. These qualities do not have to have been demonstrated in the EMS field. Preference will be given to applicants from District 3.

To be eligible for the scholarship: You or your parent must have been a member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS, or VAJVRS for at least 2 years.

You must be accepted at a fully accredited college or university or waiting acceptance at an institution that meets the criteria.

You must be less than 35 years old during the calendar year in which you are receiving the award.

You cannot have received this award before.

Applications must be received

by The VAVRS Scholarship Committee by July 1.

Applications are on the VAVRS web page www.vavrs.com or call the state office at 1-800-8330602.

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By: Michael Berg, Regulation and Compliance Manager The latest version of the Virginia Emergency Medical Services Regulations 12 VAC5-31 was implemented on October 10, 2012, and many providers, agency leaders and government officials are asking, “what’s changed?”

Although there is a plethora of information to share about the changes, this article will focus on one specific area, the Designated Infection Control Officer.

Identifying a Designated Infection Control Officer Since the 2003 edition of the EMS Regulations, there has been a requirement to identify a “Designated Infection Control Officer” (DICO) for the licensed EMS agency.

Historically, what we found (and in actuality) were individuals who were named for these positions that had no idea what they were responsible to address and their importance to the agency and its providers.

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.1030, United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Bloodborne Pathogens addresses the requirement to have infection control plans, needle safe products, health care records and many more items that are unique Official

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and specific to the entity they are addressing. There is also the Ryan White Act” that EMS agencies need to comply with as well. Either a member of the agency or a person who is not a member of their agency can be the DICO, but that person must be an integral part of the agency infection control plan and have the ability to be contacted for consultation by members of that agency in the event of an exposure. This is not a simple task and it requires basic training to understand the many legal and administrative components of this position.

Important Questions to Yourself: • Do we have an Infection Control plan and if so, where is it located?

• When was the last time we had training on what to do if we think we have had an exposure?

• Have we discussed any of the needle safety items or even what type of cleaning solution we need to use for our equipment?

• What about vaccinations and health history?

• Who do we call (and it’s not the chief of supervisor, unless they are your DICO)?

The OEMS in collaboration with the Rules and Regulations Committee of the State EMS Advisory Board have developed the minimum criteria that a training program must contain in order to be approved as a recognized training/certifying program for the DICO programs. This listing can be found at www.vdh.virginia.gov/OEMS/ Files_Page/regulation/ ApprovedDICOTrainingPrograms.pdf.

For additional questions regarding this important position within an EMS agency, please contact the Division of Regulation and Compliance at (804) 888-9131.

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RSAF Grant Cycle Opens The Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) fall grant cycle will open on August 1, 2013, the deadline date is September 16, 2013.

The Financial Assistance for Emergency Medical Services Grants Program, also known as the RSAF Grant Program is a multi-million dollar grant program for Virginia non-profit EMS agencies and organizations.

Items eligible for funding include EMS equipment and vehicles, computers, EMS management programs, courses/ classes and projects benefiting the recruitment and retention of EMS members.

For more information about the RSAF Grant Program, please contact Grants Manager Amanda Davis at 804-888-9106 or Amanda.Davis@vdh.virginia.gov.

The information on this page was taken from the Spring, 2013 publication of the Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services Quarterly EMS Bulletin. If you would like to receive this publication via e-mail, please send your request to emstechasst@vdh.virginia.gov or sign up to join our e-mail list at www.vdh.virginia.gov/oems.

Virginia Office of EMS Gary R. Brown, Director P. Scott Winston, Assistant Director Marian Hunter, Public Relations Coordinator, Editor/Writer 1041 Technology Park, Glen Allen, VA 23059 Page

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Four LifeCare Medical Transport Employees Recipients of National Star of Life Awards Fredericksburg, VA (March 21, 2013) - Four of LifeCare Medical Transport, Inc.’s employees were recently honored with 2013 Star of Life awards from the American Ambulance Association (AAA).

The Star of Life award is considered to be the highest national honor that Emergency Medical Services professionals can receive. Ven Barnes, II of Glen Allen, John Brandrup of Spotsylvania County, and Dave Hawn and Jennifer Kindall, both of Sperryville, were among only 67 nationally recognized award recipients. LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc. is headquartered in Stafford County, Virginia, and is one of the largest medical transport companies in Virginia. LifeCare prides itself in its commitment to provide the highest quality patient care and customer service.

his exemplary commitment to outstanding quality patient care and customer service. Jennifer Kindall, EMT-B, was honored for her excellent work ethic and commitment to excellence.

The AAA represents organizations serving more than 75% of the U.S. population with emergency and nonemergency care and medical transportation needs. Each year, the AAA holds the Star of Life event to publicly recognize and celebrate the achievement of their members. Jimmy Johnson, President of the AAA, stated, “As a community, we understand that we are stronger when we take a moment to remember who we are and what we have done. That is why our

organization strives to spotlight the best of the best in the emergency medical services field during the Star of Life event.”

This year’s Star of Life event took place March 18 – 20, 2013 at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, DC. During that time, Mr. Barnes, Lt. Brandrup, Mr. Hawn and Ms. Kindall joined their fellow national award recipients for three days of education and recognition on Capitol Hill. The award winners had the opportunity to meet with members of congress and key congressional aides to discuss legislative issues critical to all Emergency Medical Services professionals.

Ven Barnes, II, EMT-B, was honored as a Star of Life recipient for his outstanding professionalism and customer service. John Brandrup, EMT -I, was recognized for his continued commitment and loyalty to patients, facilities and his corporate responsibilities. Dave Hawn, EMT-E, was recognized for

Left to Right: Ven Barnes, John Brandrup, Congressman Rob Wittman, Jennifer Kindall and Dave Hawn.

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Hello from District 5 Submitted by Joan Smoot, VAVRS District 5 Historian District 5 is growing! We added another squad at our March meeting; Mount Hermon Fire and Rescue. “Welcome Aboard Mount Hermon.” We are glad you joined and look forward to seeing you at upcoming meetings and joining in the competitions.

The VAVRS President was present at the meeting and spoke on the upcoming event of the Camporee planned for the VAVRS families at Murray Park in May. This will be a full weekend of fellowship, fun, games, music and of course food for the entire family. Bubby encourages everyone to make plans to attend if only for one day. Come out and support the VAVRS. Bubby also stated that we are in need of vendors for the Conference. If anyone knows of someone that would like to come and sell their products, let the State Office know as soon as possible. We would like to fill up the Conference Hall with more and different vendors. Everyone, start looking in your community for someone who may be interested in coming to Conference to sell their products, I am sure there is someone who would be interested.

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competitions; Danville and Campbell County. Campbell County took 1st place in both, with Danville receiving 2nd place.

EVOC competition grows with each district meeting. We had 14 people competing with several new people competing for the first time. The top 4 winners were: 1st place – Barry Vanderveer of Pamplin: 2nd place – Frank Smith of Campbell Co.: 3rd place -Bubby Bish of VAVRS; and 4th place – Jamie Owen of Citizens.

Congratulations gentlemen!

The Burleigh Vassar Memorial Award was presented to the hosting squad, Gretna Rescue.

Several of our district squad members attended the Spring BOG meeting held in Lynchburg on April 6th. The Conference VAVRS

this year will be held in Virginia Beach and the Installation and Awards Ceremony will start at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The earlier start time will allow people more time afterwards for dinner with their squads or free time to do whatever they would like to do.

Overall, it was a good and very informative meeting. Please be sure to register for Conference and make your reservations through the Housing Bureau.

This helps with our Conference costs.

If you want to apply for the Kimball Glass Scholarship, the deadline is May 15th.

Applications are online through the VAVRS website.

Look forward to seeing you at a District 5 meeting soon.

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Danville Life Saving Crew Members at District 5 Meeting

Campbell County 1st Place ALS

Danville Life Saving Crew 2nd Place BLS with Heather Palm, BLS Coordinator of District 5 with Danica Lynn

Jim Fontaine, District 5 VP, presents Call of the Quarter to Gretna Rescue Squad Captain.

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Place: Barry Vanderveer; 2nd Place: Frank Smith; 3rd Place: Bubby Bish; 4th Place: Jamie Owen

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Sepsis Submitted by: Lt. Brian F. Talty NREMTP, FPC Assistant Operations Supervisor Richmond Ambulance Authority Imagine if you were seen for not feeling well and upon admission to the hospital were told that you were decaying or putrefying? Since the word Sepsis comes from the Greek meaning to decay or putrefy, three quarters of a million people in the US are told that every year.

Sepsis is the body’s deadly response to infection or injury. It can occur in any region, any population from 1 week of age to 100 years of age, there is no discrimination when the infection becomes severe. ~Please bear with me as this is a complicated subject and will in turn be a series of articles. ~We have all had an infection of some sort in our lifetime, typically being an isolated infection. In contrast, Sepsis tends to spread rapidly and in turn effects the whole body, this is why it is sometimes referred to as blood poisoning among many other names you may have heard.

bacteria, viruses, fungi or any other type of foreign substance that enters the body and is recognized and attacked as such by the immune system. Symptoms of sepsis are not caused by the invading substance itself, instead by the chemicals the body releases in response to the invasion. The body is a weird thing, similar to anaphylactic reactions, the bodies exaggerated response to save itself, in turn is what causes death.

An infection anywhere in the body may set off the response that leads to sepsis, including but not limited to; the bloodstream, bones, bowels, kidneys, lining of the brain, liver or gallbladder or lungs. For persons who are already patients of any type, sepsis may develop as a result of an intervention we have performed. These can be surgical wounds, surgical drains, endotracheal tubes or intravenous lines. In the chronically ill and bed bound patients, areas of skin breakdown, also known as decubitus ulcers are an easy site for infection to brew. ~In 1992 the term Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) was coined by a group of physicians. Depending on what you read, SIRS and sepsis are essentially the same or SIRS is

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the precursor to Sepsis. SIRS is easily diagnosed when two of the following four signs are present: body temperature alterations (high or low temperature), tachycardia (high heart rate), tachypnea (high respiratory rate) and changes in white blood cell count. ~Some other definitions related to Sepsis are as follows. Sepsis is SIRS resulting from a presumed or known site of infection. Severe sepsis is sepsis with an acute associated organ failure. Septic shock, a subset of severe sepsis, is defined as a persistently low mean arterial blood pressure despite adequate fluid resuscitation.

Refractory septic shock is a persistently low mean arterial blood pressure despite vasopressor therapy and adequate fluid resuscitation. ~Well that’s all fine and great knowing some definitions and what not, but what exactly happens and why? First there is an insult to the body that begins the cascade of events. This can be breathing in bacteria causing an infection in the lungs, a urinary tract infection (UTI), an improperly cleaned IV site introducing something into the blood stream, peritonitis or even something as simple as falling and scraping your knee that can introduce something to the body (Continued on page 31)

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through a small abrasion. From here the body recognizes the parasite and attacks. Trying to explain what happens next as far as the immune response and inflammatory cascade would be near impossible to convey in this format and with my extremely limited knowledge of the immune system. This exaggerated inflammatory response leads to decreased end organ perfusion and subsequent septic shock. Septic shock if not treated quickly and appropriately will lead to organ death and eventual death of the person. Unfortunately, even with quick and appropriate treatment, a vast majority of these patients will still die. Of the approximate 750,000 patients diagnosed with sepsis in the US, upwards of 250,000 of those patients will die.

At an approximate cost of $20 billion dollars annually, sepsis takes a large toll on the American healthcare system. The majority

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of these patients have underlying comorbidities and over half of them occur in the elderly over 65 years of age. ~That’s the start, hopefully you learned something, if not then your lying….HA! Next week and possibly the week after we will take a look at signs and symptoms, treatment, prevention and probably some random fun facts that I dig up as I continue reading. ~Have a great week, drive or fly safe wherever you may be. ~An education is expensive but knowledge is free, please feel free to distribute this to whoever you like. ~The person that knows HOW will always have a job, the person that knows WHY will always be their boss. ~Remember to always act in your patient’s best interest, always use sound clinical judgment and always follow your protocols.

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Roger Vassar of Citizens RS and Clayton Lester Connie Moore, VAVRS Secretary and of Danville RS attend Spring BOG in Lynchburg. Kevin Dillard attend Spring BOG. Photo submitted by Joan Smoot

Photo by submitted by Joan Smoot

Bubby Bish - President VAVRS, Dreama Chandler - Legislative Chair and Past President, and Fern Puckett - President AVAVRS being recognized by the Virginia House of Delegates. Seated on either side is Carol Rhodes and Jane Hornbeck who are part of the VAVRS lobbying team.

Photo printed courtesy of the Clerk’s Office, Virginia House of Delegates.

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Photo Caption Contest Here are your humorous captions to this photo of VAVRS EVOC Coordinator Bubby Bish; From Travis Goodwyn, Tappahannock VRS, Bubby to ambulance driver, “You ran over my bike riding buddy back there!”

From Dreama Chandler, VAVRS Past President-driver to Bubby, “No, Bubby, this is an ambulance. The short bus you are looking for is behind us!”

From a fellow EVOC Coordinator, “My thumb is bigger so that gives me the right-of-way on this cone course.-also that’s a lot of head in a little helmet” In

each of the 2013 issues VIRGINIA LIFELINE we have been having a photo caption contest.

This is our latest submission and we are soliciting your humorous captions to this photo of the AVAVRS Treasurer Kitty Campbell at an AVAVRS Northeastern District Meeting in Woodstock. All entries will be (after censoring) printed. Send your captions by email to gdalton@vavrs.com.

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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, When I am between calls while pulling squad duty I sometimes send my wife text messages just to let her know I am thinking of her. Do you every do that?

Texting in Tappahannock Dear Texting, Not very often but my wife, being the romantic sort, sent me this text recently: “If you are sleeping, send me your dreams. If you are laughing, send me your smile. If you are eating, send me a bite. If you are drinking, send me a sip. If you are crying, send me your tears. I love you! I texted back: “I'm going to the bathroom, what should I do?”

If you want the grandchildren to sleep here tonight, press 5 If you want us to pick up the kids at school, press 6 If you want us to prepare a meal for Sunday, press 7 If you want to come to eat here, press 8 If you need money, press 9 If you are going to invite us to dinner or take us to a movie, start talking we are listening!"

Dear Rescue Ranger, I am a member of your squad. I won’t tell you my name but I notice that each time we have a disagreement during a squad meeting you get up, leave for about five minutes and when you come return you are so relaxed, the meeting continues and your anger is gone. How do you manage your anger?

Stressed in Strasburg Dear Stressed, I go to the bathroom and clean the toilet seat. The only reason that helps my anger management is that I use your toothbrush.

Dear Rescue Ranger, As a fellow grandparent I need your advise. My children are constantly calling us and taking advantage of our good nature.

Do you have any suggestions?

Grandparenting in Giles Dear Grandparenting, I suggest you record this on as your answering machine message….”Hello, at present we are not at home but please listen to our voice prompts and leave message...If you are one of our children, dial 1 and then select the option from 1 to 9, If you need us to stay with the children, press 2 If you want to borrow the car, press 3 If you want us to wash your clothes, press 4 Official

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Dear Rescue Ranger, I was so sorry to hear that your home was burglarized while you were at a squad meeting and your wife was asleep in bed. I did hear the police caught the the

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guy and you got most of your stuff back but I am curious, why did you visit the thief in jail?

Curious in Campbell County Dear Jack, I just wanted to know how he got into the house without waking my wife. I've been trying to do that for years!"

Dear Rescue Ranger, I attended one of your EMS CE classes recently and noticed that you stared at me most of the evening. I had a feeling you were attracted to me. Tell me, is it my pretty face or my sexy figure that attracts you?

Stunning in Sterling Dear Stunning, It’s your sense of humor!

Dear Rescue Ranger, I heard a young man applied for membership to your squad and you didn’t present his name.

Needing Volunteers in Aldie Dear Needing Volunteers, The applicant filled out the application. When he got to the question, "Have you ever been arrested?" He answered, "No." The next question, intended for people who had answered in the affirmative to the last one, was "Why?" The applicant answered it anyway: "Never got caught."

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PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129 ISSN 0279-6023 Phone: 804-749-8191 Phone: 800-833-0602 Fax: 804-749-8910 E-mail: vavrs@vavrs.com

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

- St. John 15:13

VAVRS Rescue College June 8-16, 2013

Virginia Tech Blacksburg

NON-PROFIT ORGAN..

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

Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.