Lifeline may jun 2015

VIRGINIA LIFELINE

MAY / JUNE 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 Office Manager Frances Brooks 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: Sheila Gordon Nominating: Ruth Swicegood Life Membership: Carolyn Brand Emergency Care: Laura Booze Resolutions: Maxie Skeen

Membership: Patsy Wingfield Finance: Harry Householder 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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Chancellor Volunteer Fire Truck Escorts Contest Winner to Elementary School Submitted by Sara Hunt PR Riley Baker-Schiel, a thirdgrade student at Chancellor Elementary, earned a very cool ride to school in a fire truck on March 20 for winning first place in the 2nd Annual Fire Safety Drawing Contest, sponsored by Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue (CVFR). After learning many important safety tips about fire prevention and how to call 911 during a presentation by CVFR members in January, the students were invited to create a drawing that included a picture of Sparky the Fire Dog mascot and a fire safety message based on the information from the session.

“The students had been deeply affected by recent news of a young girl’s death in a house fire,” said Steven Dove, who organized the contest and safety session for CVFR. “They really listened to our advice about how to stay calm in case of fire, as well as the importance of exiting a burning building quickly and ‘once out, stay out!’” The second place winner was Camie Cofer and the third place winner was Luc

Oster. “All of the submissions were outstanding, making the selection process very challenging for the judges,” said Dove. “We look forward to continuing the contest next year because the students get

so excited about it.” Other CVFR members who worked with Dove on this project were Philip Gouldman, Jessica Dziak, Angie Burris, Jacob Mahoney, Mike Passera and Brandon Murray.

Riley Baker-Schiel poses with her teacher, Mrs. Azzarelli, and Sparky the Fire Dog after arriving at Chancellor Elementary School in a Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue vehicle. She won first place in an annual drawing contest about fire safety to earn the special escort from CVFR. Official

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Colonial Beach Juniors Have Fun Earning to Learn Submitted by Sara Hunt PR When it comes to finding unique ways to earn money for EMS conferences and training sessions, there’s no limit to the creative fundraising tactics dreamed up by members of the Colonial Beach Junior Volunteer Rescue Squad. Some of their innovative money-making ideas have included a dog wash, a

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Golf Ball Drop (they dropped 500 numbered golf balls from an 80-foot bucket truck to a target below and closest to the pin won a cash prize) and Cow Patty Bingo (Oh the sweet smell of success!).

“These entrepreneurial Juniors are working hard to pay their own way to Rescue College at Virginia Tech and to the VAVRS Conference in Virginia

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Beach, where they will learn about the latest techniques in EMS work,” said Wesley Melson, Rescue Chief of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad. “We’re proud of their determination and their initiative to be proactive about making their EMS dreams come true.”

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Virginia Office of EMS Technical Assistance Coordinator Carol Morrow Retires After 25 Years Photo and article submitted by Bobby Hill For 25 years, Carol Morrow, Technical Assistance Coordinator at the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services has provided countless hours of public service in support of Emergency Medical Services Providers across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Several years ago when the Virginia Fire-EMS Recruitment Retention Network took form, Carol stepped up to the plate and became the unofficial VA-OEMS liaison to a group of unofficial career and volunteer recruiters.

Her skills and knowledge of the inner workings of Virginia EMS proved to be invaluable in the growth of the VA Fire EMS R-R Network.

Carol would attend the Network meetings across the Commonwealth, offering advice and support.

At a recent retirement luncheon, Dave Tesh, VA Fire-EMS Recruitment Retention Network Board Member, presented a plaque to Carol thanking Carol for her support of the VA Fire-EMS R-R Network.

“Carol we wish you all the best in your retirement.

You will be missed. Thank you for being there for us.�

Dave Test (right) presents a plaque to Carol Morrow (left)

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The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip convicted of a crime, fighting, continually causing disruption within the organization, embezzlement, actions not becoming of a squad member, etc. I personally know of three people that lost their Life Membership for just cause.

Submitted by J.C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian Can a Life Member of an organization loose their Life Membership? YES, a Life Member can loose their Life Membership for just cause. Just cause can be, but not limited to, stealing from the organization, falsifying records, breaking a civil law, be

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There are different procedures that squads use for a member to obtain Life Membership. Some members achieve Life Membership automatically by pulling 10, 15, 20 or 25 years as an Active Riding Member. Some squads vote on Life Membership when a certain number of years is accumulated as an Active Riding Member. Some organizations

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vote to give Life Membership to a member that is permanently disabled in an accident while on call. The procedure to obtain Life Membership should be stated in the bylaws.

Just remember, as long as you behave yourself, you can keep your Life Membership. As the Bible says, "The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away." The squad giveth Life Membership and the squad can taketh it away.

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Waynesboro FAC Auxiliary Submitted by Cece McCormick and Jill Stachowski Hello everyone from Waynesboro FAC Auxiliary.

We had our first snow fall of the new year on February 21.

My what a snowstorm that was.

We received about 12 inches.

The auxiliary prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner and we served our crew, fire department, police department, and for EOC. The auxiliary hosted a fundraiser on Friday and Saturday, March 6th and 7th with the crew sponsoring an indoor yard sale in honor of Jesse Stepp, whom is a nurse at Augusta Health's Emergency Department. The auxiliary served food all day long on both days. All of the proceeds that were made were donated towards her medical expenses.

The total of the donation from

the auxiliary was $1000. On March 5th we had another snowstorm. We again provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner for personnel from fire, police, EOC and our crew. At our March 18th business meeting the Masons presented us with a plaque framed award. The award is the "Award of Excellence". On March 23rd

we all attended the district meeting in Fairfield which was a beautiful day and we enjoyed seeing all the other auxiliaries and we thank Fairfield again for the wonderful lunch. The soups were amazing. Our new oven has arrived!! (see photo).

Hope to see everyone at the Camporee.

AVAVRS President Submitted by Sharon Campbell, AVAVRS President

I look forward to seeing many of you in Fredericksburg.

As I sit here at work looking out the window I have hopes that "Ole Man Winter" has gone for this year and spring is on the horizon. Things are starting to turn green, the trees are blooming and I hope to get my flip flops out soon.

It is almost time for the Spring Officers Workshop and

Remember, if you are an officer you need to come prepared to give a verbal report and TWO COPIES of your written report (one for me and one for Dolores as our Secretary). Hopefully we can save a tree by not making so many copies of things. If you have anything that you would

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like the officers to address, please let me know so that it can be added to the agenda.

Also let me know (if you haven't already) if you plan to attend the SOW meeting so that we will have adequate seating, the more the merrier.

To each of you I wish you blessed Easter holiday with family and friends.

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RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

Submitted by Fran Phillips, Chair When I find a program that may be utilized by any squad or fire department that will promote community safety and has excellent public relation potential I will let you know about that program through this media. My husband, J. C. Phillips, is on the Chesterfield County Emergency Planning Committee [CEPC] representing the four county rescue squads.

The county representative on this committee is Sherri Laffoon. She is the author of this article. Thank you Sherri for an interesting and informative article.

Sherri is the Emergency Management Planner with Chesterfield Fire & EMSEmergency Management Division, responsible for the public education and outreach program. She is also the Coordinator for Chesterfield’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program. Sherri has been with Emergency Management since Official

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October 2009 and worked in the Chesterfield Emergency Communications Center for three years prior. She is a member of the Central Virginia Emergency Management Alliance as well as the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Administrative Professionals Section. Sherri has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and has earned the Professional Emergency Manager (PEM) designation.

Chesterfield County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) CERT was developed by the Los Angeles, California Fire Department in 1985. After major disasters, well-intended people will self-deploy to help others. However, many are not properly trained and often end up as victims themselves.

Chesterfields’ program began in 2004. Since its inception, more than 950 people have completed the program. We will reach 1,000 this year.

Grant funding has allowed us to conduct the classes free of charge to the participant.

However, funding has begun to wane forcing CERT programs across the country to look for other ways of sustainment.

The 24-hour training teaches people the proper skills and techniques for assisting others

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after a disaster strikes, as well as in non-disaster times. The training students receive includes Disaster Preparedness, CERT Organization and the Incident Command System, Medical Operations (or First Aid), Fire Safety and Suppression, Disaster Psychology, Light Duty Search and Rescue, and in Chesterfield County, Emergency Communications (or 911). There is a lot of hands-on training to include bandaging, splinting, triage, the proper way to use a fire extinguisher, and patient transport. The class ends with an exercise to test the students on what they have learned throughout the course. Students who complete all eight classes will receive a backpack stocked with a few emergency supplies, a certificate of completion and an identification card.

The class, which is free, is open to anyone 18 and older. There are no physical limitations; you will not be asked to do anything you are physically unable to do.

Classes are held two nights or two mornings a week for four weeks. [You may miss up to two classes but must complete those classes missed within one year in order to receive the backpack and be an “official” CERT member.] After graduation, there are opportunities to continue the

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training through refresher courses, as well as training that is not included in the initial training. Examples include a presentation once a year to learn about the MedFlight program where they are able to speak with the flight paramedics and see the helicopters up close. CPR/AED classes are offered throughout the year so members can become certified. Regional exercises which allow CERT members from the region to come together and train. If a CERT member wishes to become a Level II CERT member, he or she will be required to take additional training. Level II CERT members submit to a background check and become volunteers with Chesterfield Fire and EMS. There are also opportunities to volunteer. We attend multiple events throughout the year to promote the program as well as preparedness. Members also assist our public safety

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departments with exercises by role-playing as patients.

During times of disasters, our CERT members are notified via phone or email of the county’s need for volunteers. CERTs also provide us with information such as damage reports in their neighborhood.

These reports give us a snapshot of what our public safety officials are dealing with before they arrive to the scene. If a CERT member is called out for anything, an After Action Report is submitted.

CERT members are covered under The Virginia Code §44146.23 Immunity from Liability, which states individuals are not liable for death or injury to persons or property if engaged in emergency services activities.

sponsor a program as described above. The Police, Rescue, and Fire departments may consider a joint program. This is an excellent way to let your community know about your emergency services [police, rescue squads or fire departments], your members and your training requirements. Imagine having personnel in your locality who have some training when a disaster or other major event strikes. They are able to give immediate First Aid, telling dispatch what the problem is and to triage the incident. How many times have persons stopped to help in an emergency situation but have no training to help that person or persons? How many times does a neighbor have an emergency and ask their neighbor for help? This program brings neighbors together and puts your squad or fire department in an excellent position to recruit membership.

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Consider asking your County/City to help March

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These slides and other information were covered at the VAVRS Instructor Update on March 7, 2015 at the VAVRS State Office and Training Center.

Over 75 instructors attended, provided input and discussed the plans for completion of the program update process.

This memo was sent to all instructors on March 12: To: VAVRS EVOC Instructors

Submitted by Gary Dalton, VAVRS EVOC Co-Coordinator

Offering on-line program and updates

On February 11, 2015 representatives from the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc., Virginia Department of Fire Programs and Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services met to discuss updates and additions to the 2010 EVOC Program.

Recertification or continue education changes

Curriculum update considerations included:

Increasing the test bank to 100 questions

Emphasizing a hand position change to 8-4 preferred Add Virginia specific examples of emergency vehicle crashes Additional obstacles for the cone judgment course

Addressing the need for special modules for Class 4 and Class 5 Legal updates including new laws, etc.

Distracted Driving

Spotter training

Securing occupants/equipment do’s and don’ts

Adding information on distracted driving and fatigue

3 NIOSH videos

Adding information regarding restraint of all devices, equipment and occupants

Patient restraints Backing/spotter positioning Top Tend Safe Driving Behaviors

Adding the ACES acronym

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As a result of the meeting the VAVRS Course Coordinators put together over 30 additional PowerPoint slides covering -

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At the 2015 VAVRS Instructor Update, held Saturday, March 7, 2015 in Oilville, it was announced that every VAVRS EVOC Instructor must complete a Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Course and provide documentation to the VAVRS Office by March 31, 2016. If you have already completed the course please forward that documentation to the VAVRS Office by email or fax and it will be placed into our records.

We appreciate the attendance of 76 of our current 182 EVOC instructors the VAVRS Instructor Update held in Oilville on March 7, 2015. Those instructors not able to attend will be given the opportunity to attend updates held within the 9 VAVRS Districts between now and December 31, 2015. Please make every effort to attend one of these District updates as we are putting out a lot of updated and new information this year that you will need to be familiar with to teach to the current EVOC standards.

We will post district updates as soon as we are provided with dates and times on the VAVRS Website at www.vavrs.com/evoc.

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1. Eliminate distractions 2. Don’t drive drowsy 3. Maintain a safe following distance 4. Don’t speed, know your limits 5. Communicate your intentions to other drivers and pedestrians 6. Continually survey your surroundings 7. Slow down in rain, snow, ice and fog 8. Be cautious of every intersectionregardless of right-of-way 9. Never roll-through a stop sign 10. When backing up, use a spotter Page

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Down Time?

Hobby Time Joe working on his miniatures and learning how to play.

Submitted by Harold Good, Southside Virginia Emergency Crew

Paramedic Joe Grau has a particularly interesting way of spending his free time.

As we all know, EMS is not one of those jobs where you spend eight, ten, or twelve hours straight actively performing your duties. Down time is a significant part of this profession, whether you have a few minutes or a few hours to spare. Granted, during normal work hours we typically stay pretty busy with house duties, training, and other non-service related duties, but at some point or another most of us have some time to kill at work.

There are many different ways that people spend that down time; some folks work on homework for college courses, while others spend that time reading or otherwise relaxing.

Personally, I spend my free time either playing pool in our day room or reading.

Joe has been employed by Southside Virginia Emergency Crew for eight years, of which he has been a paramedic for seven of them. In addition to working here, he also teaches ALS courses with J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. In his free time, Joe plays a game called Warhammer, which he has been doing for twentyeight years. The basic concept of the game is pretty simplebuild an army and try to beat your opponent with it. This game is reminiscent of playing with little green army men as a child, however when I made that remark to Joe, he said that it was quite literally ‘child’s play’ when compared to Warhammer. While researching for this article, I spent a couple of shifts with

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So the first thing that happens when one decides they want to play Warhammer is that they have to choose an army. There are all sorts of different armies and they all have interesting names such as Imperial Knights, Space Marines, Tomb Kings, and High Elves. Each one has different strengths and weaknesses, giving players options for their style of play. Once you have picked and purchased an army, then everything has to be built.

The models come disassembled, so first comes the task of cutting all of the tiny pieces out of the plastic sheets they come in. Each individual piece has to be trimmed and testfitted with the rest of the pieces before they can be glued together. There are few single -piece figures anymore; most models now come in anywhere from three to approximately fifty pieces, with the average being between six and ten.

This step takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size of the unit you are assembling. Once everything is assembled and placed on a standing base, then it’s time for paint.

Painting one of these figures is an extremely detailed process.

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custom designs so he can reproduce them without the work involved of the initial design.

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Joe, having done this for years, can finish a layer of paint on a unit of miniatures in a couple of hours. My attempts at painting were much less efficient, however, which gave me a true appreciation for the skill and patience required for this hobby. Each figure starts off with a coat of primer, followed by a base coat for the primary colors used on the model.

Once all the base coats have been applied, the model begins taking shape. From here, Joe spends hours painting highlights and shading so that the final product looks as realistic as possible. The final painting step is where all the intricate details are applied, such as painting eyes, gems, and any symbols or crests of the unit he is working on. Once all the painting has been completed, each figure is sealed with a finishing spray and is set to dry. This entire process, for an entire army, can take months to complete.

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hobby shops took as much as eighteen months to complete.

At this point, hours upon hours have been spent creating these impressive armies, and none of that time has been spent playing the game!

In addition to the armies, Joe also builds and paints terrain for the armies to play on. He starts with foam panels and modeling clay and transforms them into a realistic landscape with terrain elements and fortifications. The terrain panels are built from two foot square cardboard panels with foam glued on top, which forms the basis of his sculpting. Two of his most impressive landscapes to date include a World War I-era trenched battlefield and an expansive artic glacier. In addition to making the originals, Joe has created molds of many of his

One of the most difficult aspects of doing this while on shift is that, at any point, Joe can be dispatched to a medical incident, regardless of how involved he is in a particular project. Because of this, Joe has become exceedingly adept at being able to save his progress at a moment’s notice without ruining his hard work.

To say that this is an extremely precise set of skills is an understatement.

However, the most important skills in this set are ones that we try to cultivate in EMS. Attention to detail is paramount in our profession, as is planning, patience, and creativity. Skill in a hobby requiring similar skills does not necessarily make anyone a good EMS provider, but it is definitely interesting to see what extracurricular activities are enjoyed by those in our profession.

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District Five

Submitted by Joan Smoot, District 5 Historian On March 14th & 15th, District 5 held a Training Weekend under the leadership and guidance of District VP, Frank Smith at the Danville Life Saving Crew Training Center.

Classes in Grant Writing, EVOC, EVOC Trailer and ATV were conducted and well attended.

As this was the first training weekend for District 5 in a number of years, it was definitely challenging but well worth it. Frank combined it with the bi-monthly district meeting so we not only had classes going on, but actual competitions during the day as well. Thanks to the many instructions that gave their time and talents for making a successful weekend and to the students who participated in the classes. Instructors for the EVOC classes were Bob Marion and Mike Smoot; EVOC Trailer and ATV classes, Gerald Official

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Layne, Barry VandeVeer and Roger Vassar; and Grant Writing, Frank Smith. Thanks to Keith Smith, District 5 Training Officer for coordinating all of the instructors for these classes.

won by Gladys Fire Department.

Our district meeting, hosted by Danville Life Saving Crew, was well attended. We had nine individuals compete in EVOC; two teams competed in ALS (Appomattox, 1st place, Danville 2nd place); three teams in BLS (Danville, 1st place, Appomattox -Team B, 2nd place, Appomattox -Team 1, 3rd place). For the ALS Call of the Quarter, Danville Life Saving Crew won this award. The BLS Call of the Quarter was awarded to Campbell County Rescue Squad.

Rescue Call of the Quarter was

On a more somber note, we have had to say goodbye to several of our members over the last few months. Joseph Carderelli of Campbell County, Cecil Jones of Concord, Barbara Moore of Altavista EMS, Ed Cook of Gretna Rescue and Edward Epperson of Kenbridge Emergency Crew. We will miss each and every one of these members and extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to their families.

As you can see, we were busy at our district meeting. We hope to have even more teams competing at the next meeting to be held on May 2, 2015 at Appomattox.

Hope to see each of you soon!

EVOC Winners: 1st-Jason Morgan; 2nd- Frank Smith; 3rd- Doug Wright; 4th- Sam Campbell; 5th- Bob Marion; 6th- Julia Ferguson; 7th- Woody Connor; 8th- Nancy Adams; 9th Penny Saponakos VAVRS

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Danville ALS Team in Competition

Bob Marion teaching EVOC class

Appomattox ALS Team in Competition

Gerald Layne teaching Trailer EVOC class

1st Place ALS – Appomattox

Barry VandeVeer teaching ATV class

2nd Place ALS – Danville & 1st Place BLS

Students taking a break and enjoying lunch at Training weekend.

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2nd Place BLS – Appomattox B Team

ALS Call of Quarter – Danville LSC

BLS Call of Quarter – Campbell Co

Burleigh Vassar Award – Danville LSC

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Rescue Call of Quarter – Gladys Fire Dept.

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District 2 Meeting March 28, 2015 Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad On March 28th, 2015 the Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad hosted the District 2 meeting.

Photo on Left: Ambulance Competition: 1st Place Greensville and 2nd Place Brunswick.

Bubby Bish awarding trophies to the participants in the Junior ATV-Cart competition.

Top left: Takera-Greensville Junior-4th Place Top Right Maygan-Brunswick Junior-3rd Place Lower right: Jared-Brunswick Junior 2nd Place Lower left: Tyler-Brunswick Junior 1st Place

Jimmy Lee Pair, President Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad-acting recording secretary & Chris Florio Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad VA Beach-Vice President District 2.

Ambulance judging during the District 2 Meeting

Erica and Maddie: Erica is from Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad in VA Beach with her daughter Maddie.

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Gerald Layne, Course Coordinator for Special Events and Off Roads OperationsVAVRS speaking to the group about SEOR-OPS training opportunities.

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National EMS Memorial Service Announces Names of 2015 Honorees Submitted by Sara Hunt PR Colorado Springs, CO – The National EMS Memorial Service Board of Directors has announced the names of the 15 individuals from 8 states to be honored at the 2015 National EMS Memorial Service.

The National EMS Memorial Service has, since 1993, been honoring America’s Emergency Medical Services providers who have given their lives in the line of duty. The 15 individuals being honored this year join 644 others previously honored by the National EMS Memorial Service.

Each year at the service, members of the honoree’s families or EMS Agency are presented with a medallion, symbolizing eternal memory; a U. S. Flag which has flown over the Nation’s Capital,

symbolizing service to their country; and a white rose, symbolizing their undying love.

The 2015 National EMS Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 27 at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs, CO. The Service is part of the Weekend of Tribute. The Weekend begins with the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride-Colorado route, continues with a ceremony at the Air Medical Memorial and concludes with the Service in Colorado Springs.

In addition to the presentations made during the service, each honoree’s name is engraved on a bronze oak leaf which is added to the “Tree of Life,” the National EMS Memorial.

See list on adjacent page for

names of 2015 honorees.

Additional information and updates can be found at www.nemsms.org and www.weekendoftribute.org.

NOTE: The NEMSMS board also recently announced that the annual commemorative service will transition its location to Virginia effective with the 2016 service. More information about the transition will be forthcoming following the 2015 service in Colorado Springs.

2015 National EMS Memorial Service Adopt-A-Family Each year there is a need to financially support some of the family expenses for the service. You or your department can help by “adopting” one or more of the families by sending in a taxdeductible contribution of $350.00 for each family that you would like to adopt.

your donation will go towards offsetting family lodging and other expenses of the National EMS Memorial Service. You will also be provided with information on your “adopted family”.

If you decide to adopt a family,

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Remember your financial support allows these families and friends the opportunity to attend a memorial that will be

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remembered and treasured.

For additional information or to sponsor a family or families please contact Kevin Dillard, Past President via email kdillard@lifecare94.com.

Make checks out to National EMS Memorial Service and mail to Kevin Dillard at 1170 International Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22406.

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National EMS Memorial Service 2015 Honorees Raymond ‘Ray’ Bernard Allison of Sterling County EMS, Sterling City, TX, who died in the line of duty on February 11, 2014 of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision.

James ‘Jamie’ Butler of TriState CareFlight, Santa Fe, NM, who died in the line of duty on July 17, 2014, of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

David Cavigneaux of TriState CareFlight, Santa Fe, NM, who died in the line of duty on July 17, 2014 of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

Monica Chavez of Elite Medical Transport, El Paso, TX, who died in the line of duty on August 27, 2014 of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

Erasmus ‘Johan’ van der Colff IV of Air Evac Lifeteam, Duncan OK, who died in the line of duty on October 22, 2014 of injuries sustained in an October 4, 2014 medical aviation accident.

Benjamin J. ‘Jay’ Finney of Sedgwick County EMS, Wichita, KS, who died in the line of duty on October 18, 2004 of a duty related cardiac event.

Gerald ‘Garry’ Hammer of Parkview-LaGrange County EMS, LaGrange, IN, who died in the line of duty on January 31, 2014 of a duty related cardiac event.

Micheal Howard of Jewett EMS, Inc., Jewett, TX, who died in the line of duty on September 13, 2014 of cardiac arrest while on a call.

Juan Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Martinez of Elite Medical Transport, El Paso, TX, who died in the line of duty on August 27, 2014 of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

Dennis Houston Rushing of ASAP Ambulance, Laurel, MS, who died in the line of duty on June 24, 2014 of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision.

Rebecca Serkey of TriState CareFlight, Santa Fe, NM, who died in the line of duty on July 17, 2014 of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

William ‘Alan’ Smith of ASAP Ambulance, Laurel, MS, who died in the line of duty on June 24, 2014 of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision.

Leslie Stewart of Air Evac Lifeteam, Duncan, OK, who died in the line of duty on October 8, 2014 of injuries sustained in an October 4, 2014 medical aviation accident.

Taurean Summers of Elite Medical Transport, El Paso, TX, who died in the line of duty on August 27, 2014 of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

William “Will” Wiita of Coldspring-Excelsior Fire Dept., Kalkaska, MI, who died in the line of duty on September 8, 2014 of a duty related cardiac event.

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Group Pictures from the District 2 Meeting held March 12, 2015 hosted by Greensville VRS

Colonial Heights Fire & EMS Submitted by Kenny Frenier Colonial Heights Fire & EMS check for injuries after a large pine tree was snapped during high winds on February 14.

Wind gust were clocked at 67 MPH and a burst of snow fell over the area. The tree fell onto an apartment building crushing the roof to the floor of the second floor. Lucky for the occupants of 2 of the 3 damaged apartments, no one was injured. One tenant found

shelter at another apartment while another was assisted by the Red Cross. Fire and EMS personnel assisted with shutting off utilities to secure the structure.

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especially during the session. The bills passed and the Governor has signed them into law.

The “Real� Attic Even though I begin this article in the first week of March, the General Assembly has completed their work a day early (a first in a long time).

Then it is supposed to rain the next two days, change to snow, and get cold again. I am stuck indoors battling the G/A Crud that waited until the session was over.

This session started with a bang as most of the legislators hit the ground running and we finally got a chance to catch up on what was going on at crossover. Legislation that would have had an enormous negative effect on the EMS system and $4 for Life funding were left in committee. The first was SB 754, which would have increased vehicle registration fees by $1.25 cents each year for ten years until it reached $12.50 additional fee. All of these funds were to go to the Virginia State Police or a "Public Safety Fund". The bill was left in House Appropriations as amendments were added to the budget to take care of some of the issues this was trying to correct. The second bill, HB Official

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1379, out of Stafford County, would have changed the way we pay the registration fees. You would pay the two-year cost when you purchased a vehicle, changed storage locations, or sold it. This would have completely decimated $4 for Life funding. The patron told us that he wanted people not to have to visit their local DMV but just a few times, not every year. He would not budge on it and it was left in committee without any questions. VAVRS spoke against this one both in a private meeting and in subcommittee.

The long expected EMS terminology bill went through both houses with approximately two dozen amendments that came from a state agency, trial lawyers, and a couple we found.

The bill was the longest of the session, 126 pages, and thanks go to Senator Richard Stuart and Delegate Chris Stolle for being patrons and putting up the changes that came about.

We also need to thank Ms. Sarah Stanton and all of the lawyers in Legislative Services for their excellent work over the past two years and VAVRS

The EMS Compact bill met a less than glorious fate in committee. HB 1660 carried by Delegate Tom Rust of Loudoun County was tabled in a house subcommittee. The senate version, SB 877 passed the Senate without any problem, but it met the same fate in the same house subcommittee and was tabled.

I wish to thank those from the EMS community who came to the Senate hearing in nasty weather to speak in favor of the bill and those who showed up for the house hearings also.

Still have some work to do on one delegate who for some reason does not like compacts.

A major bill introduced relates to revamping the Line of Duty Act, HB 2204. The original version of the bill in defining what LOD is, basically left out all volunteers, both fire and EMS. This has been corrected in the second version. This bill moves LOD from the Department of Accounts to the Virginia Retirement System for determination of eligibility and to Human Resources Management for benefits. It also provides for a workgroup, which will meet a number of times between now and Page

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December to work on issues.

This is a small workgroup that includes all of public safety and local government. An appeals board is proposed in the bill also. Finally, the bill with any and all agreed upon changes will be voted on again in January 2016 for final approval. A letter signed by almost all of the public safety organizations, including VAVRS, supporting this bill, has been delivered to the Governor. The bill has been signed by the Governor.

To briefly run through a few bills that may have an effect on EMS are as follows: Three bills on the administration of Naloxone (Narcan) by the public, law enforcement and fire. It will be interesting on how this works out. All three want to do the same thing, but they are worded a little bit differently.

A bill to expand response for missing persons that add a VSP 1st SGT as the coordinator, but would include training provided

by VAVRS and VDFP.

Two bills involving epinephrine pens - one would allow the pens and oxygen tanks to be kept in pharmacies for use in medical emergencies and a second that will allow the pens in private schools. Another bill that would allow them at day camps, etc., was tabled. The medical society is discussing forming a workgroup, which will include VAVRS. A number of legislators are retiring at the end of the year, making for control of the Senate an issue with the November elections. The biggest loss for EMS is the retirement of Delegate Tom Rust of Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. Tom has been a major supporter of EMS over the years and has carried some difficult bills for us, including this years EMS Compact bill and previously the twenty-five cent increase in $4 for Life that goes to training. Delegate Rust also has chaired the Fire / EMS Legislative Caucus since its inception. His aide, Carol

Sinclair, has done a wonderful job in getting the meeting notices out, arranging for meeting space and handling the agenda. We appreciate their work and will greatly miss both of them.

During the session, we tracked approximately 86 pieces of legislation out of the 2,776 pieces that were introduced or 3% of those bills. VAVRS had a hand in a number of these bills, but were responsible for the introduction of the terminology and compact bills. During the session, members of the VAVRS Legislative Committee joined your legislative team and visited a number of delegates and senators. A new face that joined us was the new VAJVRS President, Victoria Gaudin, in her first visit to the General Assembly. All were introduced from the gallery at the beginning of the session on the day they visited.

The VAVRS Legislative Committee should be meeting this spring to discuss the VAVRS Legislative Agenda for the 2016 session, which is the "long" session. Suggestions from you the members are always welcome.

In conclusion, we will probably be on the road this summer visiting with you at district meetings. We look forward to seeing you then or the conference in September. Have a good spring.

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District One Call of the Quarter Winner Waynesboro First Aid Crew

Submitted by Amy Markham, District One Secretary November 26, 2014 at 0815 hours the crew was dispatched for an unresponsive male with difficulty breathing. Just prior to responding, the Waynesboro EOC notified the patient was in cardiac arrest.

Arriving on scene at 0820 hours the 50-year-old patient was found outside lying supine in the snow along the roadway.

He had no pulse, no blood pressure, and no respirations.

CCR was immediately started, and the patient was placed on the stretcher and into the ambulance. Once inside the unit the patient was stripped of wet clothing and the Lucas 2 device was applied. CCR protocol continued with 15 liters of oxygen via nonrebreather mask, nasal cannula, and oral airway. Defibrillation pads were placed to patient's anterior chest. The initial rhythm was V-fib, and the patient was defibrillated with 200 joules at 0826 hours. The patient was converted to a perfusing rhythm but the pulse was quickly lost.

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however, was not successful initially. However, on the second attempt intubation was successful using standard laryngoscope. The tube was visualized passing through the vocal cords, bilateral chest rise and fall was verified, bilateral lung sounds were present, and there were no epigastric sounds.

The tube was monitored with waveform capnography. The patient maintained a box waveform with normal ETC02 values.

Venous access was achieved via Intraosseous in the right tibia.

In addition a 20 gauge IV was accessed in the right antecubital.

ACLS protocol was followed for V-fib to include vasopressin at 0831 hours, epinephrine 1:10,000 at 0834 hours, 0838 hours, and 0842 hours. Sodium bicarbonate was delivered at 0843 hours, followed by amiodorone at 0845 hours.

Additional epinephrine was given at 0853 hours, 0902 hours, and 0910 hours. At 0845 hours a second shock was advised, after which the monitor continued to show Vfib. A third shock was delivered at 0847 hours, with V -fib remaining to be shown.

VAVRS

At 0849 hours the patient showed pulseless electrical activity. He remained in PEA for several minutes then converted to a perfusing rhythm with a rate in the 80's at 0915 hours. An EKG was obtained showing lateral wall ST elevation MI. At 0901 hours transport was begun to Augusta Health Emergency Department.

Transport was delayed due to weather conditions, with the ambulance arriving there at 0919 hours.

Report was given to emergency department staff and patient care transferred to them.

Follow-up with Augusta Health showed that after treatment the patient made a full recovery from his cardiac arrest.

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District Three Submitted by Cindy Swann, District 3 Historian District 3 February Meeting was held at Henrico VRS. We had a pretty good turnout. Our next meeting will be Saturday, May 2nd at Forest View VRS. Warren Winner brought up that all dues needs to be paid up on time. At the same time it was brought up that it is important that activity reports are submitted on time. This is for all Districts.

As everyone is probably aware by now that the Memorial Service will be coming back to Virginia. Everyone was pleased to hear it. We were told it may

District Three Life Members (l to r) Kenny Frenier, Cindy Swann and Vernon Wilson be up in the DC area. With all the Memorials in the area this may be a great location to have the Rescue Squad Memorial.

This was the first time we have had any Competition for quite some time. It was great even it was only EVOC. Anita Baxley took 3rd Place, Bubby Bish took 2nd Place and Walter Bishop

took 1st Place. We Thank Henrico VRS for their hospitality and great meal.

Hope everyone had a safe trip home. Hope everyone had a Great Easter and also hope that everyone who attended the Spring BOG meeting got a lot of necessary information and had a safe trip home.

Kenneth Bennett On February 22, 2015 former Rescue Captain for Lake Anna Rescue, Inc., as well as former Chief of the Bumpass Fire Department Kenneth “Kenny” Bennett passed away. Kenny Bennett not only served his God and Country proudly as a Marine, he served his community proudly. In his lifetime, he had multiple occupations, but ended with his two favorite as manager of Lake Anna Marina and bus driver for Louisa County Public Schools. He has been a true inspiration to many of us over the last few years as he battled cancer and continued to “answer the call” and run rescue. Kenny was buried with full military honors on March 2nd. Heartfelt sympathy to family, friends and to his Fire/EMS family.

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District Seven

Submitted by Curtis Crawford, District 7 Secretary Tucked in Freestone Valley, on the Smyth and Tazewell County lines, there is Tannersville Rescue Squad. Chartered in 1984, Tannersville has been a member of the VAVRS District 7 since 1988. On February 28, Tannersville held the District 7 meeting. The meeting had been cancelled the week before due to inclement weather. This weekend the weather would work to our advantage.

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The district used the week postponement to grieve and pray for the family of John Pauley of Longshop McCoy Fire and First Aid INC. John Pauley is a District 7 Life Member and the active Chaplin.

He also served as Sargent at Arms during the BOG meetings.

He passed on February 20, 2015 at Lewis Gale HospitalMontgomery at the age of 89.

John Pauley was a very active member of the community of McCoy. His dedication will be missed by our organization and the community that he served.

Competitions are in place to sharpen our knowledge and skills. With Tannersville having 6 inches of snow still on the ground, the decision was made to use the snow to our advantage. Cones were set up in the snow in four obstacles, Parallel Parking, Blindside Backing, Serpentine (forward and backwards), and Line Drill.

A Kubota Side by Side was driven through the course in four wheel drive. The Competition began with a snow ball fight, which continued on and off during the rest of the evening. The driving was competitive when 12 members VAVRS

took to the curse. The course was tight and became tougher as each person drove due to ruts being created. The winners are as follows: 5th place Jolaine Kooger, 4th place Holly Saul, 3rd place Danielle Hannuksela, 2nd place Dustin Mitcham, 1st place Gregg Pfaff. All the winners in EVOC competition hailed from Riner Rescue Squad. “Trophies are great, but more competition would be better,� quoted Gregg Pfaff, talking about needing more people to compete at each meeting. The ALS and BLS competitions were held in an ambulance as intercepts for hypothermic patients. Winners of the BLS competition were as follows: 2nd place Shawsville Rescue Squad and 1st place Riner Rescue Squad. Winner of the ALS competition was Riner Rescue Squad. Shawsville Rescue Squad submitted an ALS call of the Quarter.

Shawsville responded to a male (Continued on page 35)

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that fell from a tree stand, breaking ribs and puncturing lungs. The patient was flown by Lifeguard to Carilion Roanoke Memorial. Patient made a full recovery.

After a beautiful invocation by Nancy Frye of Tannersville, the meeting was catered by Southern Catering with pulled pork on a bun with sides. There was plenty of amazing food.

Tannersville members provided some sides and multiple desserts. The meeting was called to order by Coby Fizer.

Competition awards were handed out to the winners.

Riner Rescue Squad had the most members present and Shawsville Rescue Squad traveled the most miles to the meeting. John Pauley was recognized for his years of service to our district. A half and half drawing for 33 dollars

was won by BJ Holmes of Tannersville, VA. Scott Davis, State Secretary, gave a report from state. Coby Fizer, District 7 VP continued the meeting with old news. The District voted to donate 100 dollars to Longshop/McCoy Fire and First Aid INC, in memory of John Pauley. After new news was brought forward, the meeting was adjourned.

The Next meeting for District 7 will be held at Nellies Cave Park in Blacksburg Virginia.

This is the district’s annual picnic.

John D. Pauley

John Pauley, died February 20, 2015.

He was a Life Member of the LongshopMcCoy Fire and Rescue Squad and District 7 as well as Chaplain and served as one of the Sergeant-at-Arms during VAVRS Board of Governor Meetings. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to family, friends and to his Fire/EMS family.

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Bike Team Shamrock Marathon Ocean Park Rescue Squad on Cardiac Call

Chesapeake Beach Rescue Crew Julia & Thomas Sunny Day Duty at Chic's Beach

VB EMS Marine Rescue Team Polar Plunge Standby Official

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Plaza Heavy Squad Truck 16

VBVRS Chief Ellen McBride Mentoring New EMT Intern Page

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Feb 17th Snow Storm Rescue 14 Volunteer Night Crews Feb 27th Snow Rescue 5 ambulance

Photos from around Virginia Beach submitted by Bobby Hill

Jack Dye & Bobby Hill Recruiting at Centura College

VBVRS Rescue 14 Shamrock Oyster Roast Caddy on Display Page

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Plaza Rescue Duty Crew-During Snow Storm March

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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, I experienced my first colonoscopy. I know that colonoscopies are important medical procedures that have saved lives but I do not want to go through that again!

Feeling Weird Dear Weird, Now you know how a Muppet feels!

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you ever had trouble sleeping at the squad building.

There are many nights I just can’t get to sleep because of weird noises. Can you relate?

Sleepless in Staunton Dear Kim, I know how you feel, for a long time I would get into a bed at the squad and would think there’s somebody under it. I was in so much fear that I thought about going to a psychiatrist. I found out they charge about $200 per hour and they wanted me to come twice a week for two years. I found an alternative and it cured my fear instantly—I cut the legs off the bed.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Got a short story for you: I asked a patient with a broken leg to describe his pain level on a scale of 1 to 10 and he said, “It is definitely a “10”.” So I asked him how much morphine he wanted and he said, “Give me the maximum-allowable dosage, figure out what will kill me, and then back it off a little bit.” Funny?

Laughing in Luray Dear Scott, I asked one of my patients "On a scale of zero to ten with zero representing no pain and ten representing excruciating pain, what would you say your pain level is now?"

Dear Rescue Ranger, Anything going on in your home life?

Curious in Chancellor Dear Kevin, After a checkup with my doctor he asked me, “Is there anything I’d like to discuss?”

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Dear Rescue Ranger, Got a story for you: I’d just come home from my sixth medical appointment of the week with one more to go, so I was in a lousy mood when my daughter called. After I recited my woes, my daughter said, "Well, six doctors is better than one coroner."

Sick in Southside Dear Bubby, My wife was admitted to the hospital prior to a procedure, the clerk asked for her wrist, saying, "I’m going to give you a bracelet."

"Has it got rubies and diamonds?" She asked coyly.

"No," he said. "But it costs just as much."

She shook her head. "Oh, I don’t know. I’m not good with math."

“Well,” I said, “I was thinking about getting a vasectomy.”

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He said, “That’s a big decision.

Have you talked it over with your family?”

I said, “Yes, we took a vote … and they’re in favor of it 15 to 2.”

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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 Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc. PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129 (800)833-0602

(804)749-8191

Website: www.vavrs.com Email: vavrs@vavrs.com

HAVING AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR NEEDS AND GOALS IS THE WAY WE SERVE YOU The Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads is THE voice of EMS…. the advocate for our members, Virginia’s EMS agencies and providers. We link members and agencies for the purpose of sharing ideas, giving you a voice at the General Assembly, on state advisory boards, as well as on state and local committees.

When our members have training issues or needs, they come to the VAVRS. When our members need assistance from leadership to budgets they come to the VAVRS. We help rescue squads throughout the Commonwealth thrive and succeed so they can provide prompt, effective patient care 24/7 in the communities they serve.

Celebrating our 80th Anniversary