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A Helping Hand…...For Our Fellow Man Submitted by Anna Vaughan. Reporter Vinton First Aid Crew Vinton First Aid Crew has served the Town of Vinton and surrounding Roanoke County area for nearly seventy-five years; the current crew has over forty active members. On June 28lh the Vinton First Aid Crew held their annual Installation dinner, where officers were installed and awards were given out. The 2013-2014 officers were installed by the Town of Vinton's Mayor, Bradley Grose. On a yearly basis officers are chosen by their fellow crew members. This year's officers are as follows: - Chief: Tom Philpott - Asst. Chief: Wayne Guffey - Captain: Aaron Albertson - 1st Lt.: Greg Meinel - 2nd Lt.: Jacob Watkins - Sergeant: Jason Peters - Chaplain: Tom Philpott - Reporter: Anna Vaughan - Secretary: Teresa Rogers - President: Mitch Vaughan - Vice Pres.: Jason Peters - Treasurer: Sydney Myers
The officers of Vinton First Aid Crew are not only active members of the crew, but they also keep the crew running smoothly. Also, each year at the installation dinner two awards are given out, Doug Adams, Mitch Vaughan, and Tom these are the most Philpott—the three members who have outstanding member and actively served for forty years the best all-around member. This year the most Receiving this award is a huge outstanding member award honor, and it comes in the form went to Tom Philpott, and of a clock. This award has only there was a tie for best allbeen given out twice before, around member, so the award and it is based on forty years went to Wayne Guffey and of active service with the Aaron Albertson. These awards Vinton First Aid Crew. are a great honor to receive. This year the award is given to However, this year's Mitch Vaughan. This award has installation had an extra special previously been given to Doug award that was given out. Adams and Tom Philpott. Not
many organizations can say that they have had multiple members who have actively been serving for this long.
2013-2014 Officers From (left to right): Anna Vaughan, Teresa Rogers. Mitch Vaughan. and Sydney Myers Back (left to right): Tom Philpott, Greg Meinel, Jacob Watkins, and Jason Peters Not Pictured: Wayne Guffey, Aaron Albertson Page
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The Vinton First Aid Crew is looking forward to another great year. This next year will lead up to the seventy-fifth anniversary of the crew. As the crew motto states, we are—
"A Helping Hand……… ……… For Our Fellow Man."
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For a complete list of the current courses being offered by the VAVRS go to www.vavrs.com
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VAVRS Officers 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
LIFELINE
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.
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
Acting District 10 V. P. George Langford
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 - Valarie Becker
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: October 10, 2013 for November/December Issue December 10, 2013 for January/February Issue
VAVRS Committee Chairs Nominating—R. Bruce Stratton Membership—Rickey Hodge Life Membership—Ronnie Slough Bylaws—Bruce Edwards Rescue Hall of Fame—Ford Wirt Convention—Ford Wirt Rescue College—Rickey Hodge Rescue College—Wayne Myers
AVAVRS Committee Chairs
EMS Advisory Bd.—Dreama Chandler EMS Advisory Bd.—Wayne Myers Strategic Planning—Karen Wagner
Convention - Janis Slough
Course Development—Doug Eberhardt
Convention Co-Chair - Vickie Arnold
Grant—Elizabeth Papelino
Life Membership - Ruth Swicegood
Scholarship Fund—Carolyn Brand
Nominating - Carolyn Brand
EMS Memorial Service—Kevin Dillard
Resolutions - Harry Householder
EMS Exchange—Jane LaVerne
Emergency Care - Ailease Short
Rec. & Ret.—Fran Phillips
Membership - Sharon K. Campbell
Course Development—Doug Eberhardt
Finance - Kitty Campbell
Facility Manager—Lin Matthews Volunteer Management—J. C. Phillips
Roll Call - Jean Garrett
Legislative—Dreama Chandler
Roll Call Co-Chair - Valarie Becker
VAVRS Web Page—Gary Dalton
Rec. & Ret. - Marie Householder Fund Raising - Linda Berkstresser
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The VAVRS lost and will be missing some great squad members again and some of those that have been leaders throughout the years. District 3 lost another one of those members. O.E. “Buster” Greene, 78, passed away on June 21, 2013. “Buster” retired as a Chesterfield County Police Lieutenant in 1992. He was a Life Member of Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad, a Past President and he served as Treasurer for the squad for many years. “Buster” was very active in the VAVRS serving as President, Vice President, Secretary, District 3 Vice President and in later years as Sergeant-atArms at the Annual VAVRS Convention. “Buster” was also a VAVRS Life Member and had been inducted into the Virginia Life Saving and Rescue Hall of Fame. “Buster will be missed, but is now in a better place. Page
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asked for a better meal. Members did do the dess9erts.
District Three Report Submitted by Cindy Swann, District 3 Historian
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The attendance at the Service showed how much “Buster” was loved. There is no question on how much “Buster” will be missed. Our prayers go out to the family. July 14, 2013, Holly Grove Volunteer Rescue Squad Celebrated their 30th Anniversary. A quick beginning history. Our first call was June 7th 1983, which was the day crew. The crew consisted of an EMT, Earl Pauley and Advanced First Aid members. Our original EMT’s advanced to Shock Trauma and most of the Advanced First Aid advanced to EMT’s. A few members become Cardiac Techs. Our Anniversary Celebration had a good turn out and everyone had a great time. We recognized the Charter Squad Members and Charter Auxiliary Members who have been with us for 30 years and are still active. Want to Recognize Special Guests. Starting with Dottie Reynolds who taught our first EMT’s class, Ron and Ann Taylor who taught us our first Advanced First Aid class. Next, were J.C. and Fran Phillips, VAVRS. Heidi Hooker, ODEMSA. Tommy Barlow, Willie Harper, Willie Gentry, Louisa County Supervisors. Don’t want to overlook their spouses that attended. Mill Valley Barbeques catered the meal and we couldn’t have Official
August 3rd attended District 3 meeting held at Ashcake VRS. Brad Dugai, Ashcake’s President welcomed everyone. Kenny Frenier District 3 Vice President welcomed, our guests, Connie Moore, VAVRS Secretary who we were pleased to see. Steve Dove, VAVRS, Treasurer and Ed Rhodes, Lobbyist, who do attend some of our meeting. It was great to see Shirley Bagby, Administrative Secretary, who we haven’t seen at a meeting for some time. Can’t forget Edward “Bubby” Bish, Jr., VAVRS President, who is also with District 3. We were unable to hold competition again, not even EVOC, not enough people signed up. I know I have said it many times. Squads please get together and work out some way that we can get back to having some competition at our District meetings. It was good to see everyone. Our next Meeting will be November 2nd. at Colonial Heights F & EMS at 7pm. Come and join us. We want to thank Ashcake for a great meal and their hospitality. Last but definitely not least. I want to thank J. C. Phillips for the report he sent me on “Buster’s” history, in order for me to put it in my report.
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SUCCESS = Local Rescue Squads' and Auxiliaries' working together to enhance their community!! “Yearly I ask someone from the AVAVRS to write an article for The Lifeline. The author of this article is AVAVRS President Fern Puckett. Thanks, Fern! “ Fran Phillips, VAVRS Recruitment& Retention Chair Submitted by Fern Puckett, AVAVRS President
Recruiting new members is an ongoing process for any organization. It's a continuous opportunity to reach out to the community seeking individuals who are interested in volunteering a few hours a week. Many Squads and Auxiliaries have a Recruiting Officer while others choose to implement a plan to achieve the best results for their agency and community. What does your Bylaws say about accepting new members? Is your membership open to the public? If so, start by letting your community know who you are and what you represent. This can often be accomplished by circulating a brochure on your organization throughout the community. One of the most important means of recruiting new members is by word of mouth. Other Official
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ways may include, advertising in the local paper, radio, setting up a table at a local fair, etc. Let the prospective member know that they are important, needed and would be a great asset to your agency. Many Squads and Auxiliaries have a program implemented that rewards their members on a point system. Members earn points by attending meetings, training sessions, or events that are scheduled throughout the year. These points may be used to attend Rescue College, Conference, or other events. Offer training and rewards for membership involvement. An Auxiliary or Support Group is VAVRS
an essential part of any agency. Although many Auxiliary members do not run emergency calls, they are an important part in the daily activities of the Squad. Having an Auxiliary is often the answer to a Senior Squad member's prayer when they find themselves with health problems and are no longer able to answer calls - they join the Auxiliary and stay involved. It is crucial to let your entire membership know that they are appreciated for their time and effort, given throughout the year, making your organization grow and be successful. Page
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From the AVAVRS Conference Chair Submitted by Janis H. Slough, AVAVRS Conference Chair Another year has rolled around and it's CONFERENCE time again. I hope that many of you are planning to attend this year. It is always an opportunity to see our state friends, to share what we have done over the past year, compete, and attend seminars. The Conference Committee met in Virginia Beach on August 9th and 10th making final plans for this years' conference. The VAVRS Annual Conference has changed over the years and even though we do a lot of things differently for economic reasons, our purpose remains
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the same. I believe this is what we need to keep in mind foremost. We have to reflect on what the various squads and departments do across the state every day and also how their auxiliaries support them. I have been proud to be a part of this fine organization for thirty seven years. So, I encourage you to come to Virginia Beach this year and join in the fellowship that we enjoy, along with training opportunities and gaining new knowledge through the excellent seminars officered. New this year, The Junior Association is having a raffle and AVAVRS continues with
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their raffle and of course, the 50-50 with the drawing on Saturday evening. Support these causes and help us all to, in turn, continue to support The VAVRS.
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AVAVRS Fund Raising Chair
Submitted by Linda Berkstresser, AVAVRS Fund Raising Chair Thank you Fern Puckett for asking me to serve along beside you as your Fund Raising Committee Chair. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work again as Chair of this committee. I did attend the Spring Officers Workshop and Rescue College and visited a few Auxiliaries at their meetings this year. I learn more and more every time I go (Good things). I would like to thank you each and every auxiliary for selling the Raffle Ticket Fundraiser for the AVAVRS. You sold every ticket the last three years. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to 2013 conference doing the same. I
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want to also thank each of the volunteers that helped with the selling raffle and 50/50 tickets at the conference all week. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The AVAVRS and myself as Fund Raising Chair would like to thank, Chesterfield Insurers for their sponsorship on tickets and support to us for the past four (4) years. Thank you to our Life Membership and members for teaching us the many ropes in following in your footsteps. Without you each and everyone just where would we be. I am looking forward to the Virginia Beach Conference this year. Hope you all have a wonderful time and a safe trip home.
Please, if you have any spare time to help sell the raffle ticket and 50/50 let me know. We need your help to make this a success. Thank you to all our volunteer rescue squads, JR’s, auxiliaries and associates across the state. Without you, many would not make it. Thank you for all your support. As I look forward to another year with the AVAVRS, I will not be staying on AVAVRS Fund Raising Chair. My plans are running for the office of AVAVRS Historian for 20132014. Looking for your vote in September at the Conference. I will be here to help in anyway I can. So lets keep up the great work.
To: AVAVRS District From: Fund Raising Vice Presidents Chair Please don't forget to get me your tickets and money before September 1st so that we have all tickets at the Conference by that Tuesday. We definitely need to sell all these tickets. Call your presidents, meet them or collect at your next meeting. Please make sure that when mailing these tickets that you insure them to protect yourself.
Linda Berkstresser
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Lexington (ALFRD) Auxiliary Submitted by Linda Berkstresser, President ALFRD Auxiliary Officers for this year are as follows: Linda Berkstresser – President Janis Slough - Treasurer Jane Rogers – Vice President Shorty Berkstresser – Chaplain Lana Nicely – Secretary Heather Fox – Historian
I would like to thank the Lexington Auxiliary for their hard work. Working to serve dinners every Tuesday night and clean up. Then having to go to work the next day. Not an easy task. I am proud of this auxiliary. We may be small in number but you get the job done. The Lexington Auxiliary hosted the first Western District Meeting on November 04, 2012, it was as enjoyed by all. We attended all the Western District Meeting for the year and paid District and State dues. ALFRD’s officers were installed on February 23, 2013 at the installation Banquet held at the Lexington Country Club and Golf Course. Joan Smoot was the installed us for the year 2013 and gave us little Serenity Angels to hang in our cars to go along with the AVAVRS Theme for 2012-
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2013. Several Officers from the Lexington Fire and Rescue Department attended installation and were presented with a check for $1700.00 at this banquet. Three members of the Lexington Auxiliary are either elected or appointed officers of the AVAVRS.
Heather Fox-Historian Janis Slough–Conference Chair Linda Berkstresser–Fundraising Chair
These three members attend the Spring Officer’s Workshop held in Lynchburg. At Conference attend all functions held by the VAVRS and AVAVRS including all meetings, Saturday morning memorial service. Life Membership breakfast, Officer’s Luncheon, President’s party, Saturday evening Awards and Memorial Service and Officer’s installation. Meeting on Sunday morning for new officers. We also helped by contributing gifts for our meeting and for the Presidents Party. Our members helped out in selling the raffle tickets and 50/50 tickets. We also have three members serving on the District level also either elected or appointed. Lana Nicely - Chaplain Janis Slough – Secretary/Treasurer Linda Berkstresser – Parliamentarian
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Our auxiliary continues to serve the Kiwanis Club their weekly meal for their meeting. They tell us meals are great. They said this was to be temporary solution to where they meet but the meals are so great they don’t want to go anywhere else. We love feeding them. We also continue to quarterly provide the local Realtor’s Association their breakfast for their meetings and continuing education classes. We feed the duty crews for the Lexington Fire and Rescue Department. Our Chaplain continues to send out card to the sick and those that have bereavements and to the ones that just need a kind word. Linda Berkstresser attended Rescue College and took a Parliamentarian and Auxiliary Workshop classes. The auxiliary continues to serve the community in anyway needed along with the department Thank you to this auxiliary for all the support you have given to me as president of this auxiliary. It is a pleasure working with each of you. I look forward to working with you all another year. I wish you all a safe trip to and from the VAVRS, AVAVRS & VAJVRS Conference. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Virginia Beach Conference this year. Publication
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New ER Doc at Riverside Credits Colonial Beach Junior VRS for Career Path Volunteer Fire Department, even as she was working on her medical degree and doing a residency at the Medical College of Virginia. “Fortunately, I don’t require a lot of sleep,” she laughed, noting that most 12hour shifts actually end up being 13-15 hours. “But I love it and wouldn’t want to do anything else.”
Submitted by Sara Hunt, Public Relations Coordinator Colonial Beach, Va. (July 29, 2013) – Riverside Tappahannock Hospital can thank the Colonial Beach Junior Volunteer Rescue Squad for the hospital’s newest addition to the ER staff: Dr. Lisa Dodd. As a young girl, she had dreamed of being a pediatrician, but everything changed when she began running emergency calls at age 15 as a member of the Colonial Beach Junior Volunteer Rescue Squad. The experience was an introduction to the medical field that altered the course of her life. “I realized that I enjoy helping people during a crisis when they need help the most,” said Dr. Dodd, who ran calls during Page
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the week and in the summer while earning a number of certifications such as First Responder, EMT and Cardiac Tech. After graduating from the University of Virginia, she worked for AmeriCorp and then pursued a master’s in sports medicine and completed her paramedic degree. Her D.O. medical degree, Doctor of Osteopathy, was earned at the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va. “I like the principles of osteopathy, which looks at the entire patient—mind, body and spirit—to determine the best treatment needed,” she commented.
She believes that it’s important for emergency personnel to understand that small kindnesses to the patients and the family members are just as important as the dramatic lifesaving moments. “Being sick is the worst of times for everyone,” she said. “The little things like listening and being respectful of family requests make such a big difference.” “We’re very proud that our Juniors program impacted her in such a positive manner,” said Wesley Melson, Rescue Chief of CBVRS, who had known Dodd since high school and was in the Juniors program with her. “She will be a wonderful ER doctor!”
Dodd continued to run calls for Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad and also for Oak Grove Official
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The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip What does a President do when a very important and controversial issue comes up at a meeting and he or she wants to get involved with the discussion? A motion has been made that involves this important and controversial issue. You, as the President, are supposed to remain neutral while conducting the meeting. As President, you have some important information that you feel needs to be presented and you want to join in the discussion phase of the motion that is on the floor. What do you do? There is a way that the President may get involved with this issue. You, as President, may give up the chair From the AVAVRS Nominating Committee Chair Carolyn Brand: The following is the slate of officers for the AVAVRS for 2013-2014:
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temporarily and turn over the meeting to the Vice President. If a Captain or Chief of an organization is conducting the meeting, then they could turn over the meeting to the next Operations Officer in the chain of command. Now, that you have turned over the meeting to the next officer in line, you are just like any other member of the group and may join in the discussion and vote when it is time to vote on the motion. During this process, you may stand next to the podium and be involved with this process. After the vote is taken on the motion and the temporary presiding officer states the results of the motion, you
2013-2014 AVAVRS Slate of Officers
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President—Sharon Campbell Cave Spring Auxiliary—South Central Vice President—Harry Householder Loudoun Auxiliary—Northeastern Treasurer—Patsy Wingfield Cave Spring Auxiliary—South Central Historian—Linda Berkstresser Lexington Auxiliary—Western Chaplain—Ailease Short Brunswick Auxiliary—Southeastern Chaplain—Jean Garrett Bristol Crewettes—Southwestern
should immediately state that you will now take back chairing the meeting. A President should not make a habit of giving up the Chair in order to express his or her opinion, but the process is there, if needed. Remember, a President’s duty is to conduct all meetings in a fair and just way and not show partiality, if possible.
2013-2014 VAVRS Slate of Officers
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President—Rickey Hodge Blacksburg—District 7 Vice President—Connie Moore Kenbridge—District 5 Vice President—Steve Dove Chancellor—District 10 Secretary—Scott Davis Giles County—District 7 Treasurer—Steve Grayson Madison County—District 10 Training Officer—Cecil Leach Churchville—District 1 Chaplain—Darleen Ferguson Brunswick—District 2 Official
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From the VAVRS Nominating Committee Chair Bruce Stratton: The following is the slate of officers for the VAVRS for 2013-2014:
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2013 VAVRS Conference Seminars
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2013 VAVRS CONFERENCE Pre-Conference Programs *MUST PREREGISTER TO ATTEND* METHODS OF INSTRUCTION 8 hour course Sun Sept 22 and Mon Sept 23, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day INFECTION DISEASE CONTROL BASIC 4 hour course Mon Sept 23, 2013 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. INFECTION DISEASE CONTROL OFFICER 8 hour course Tue Sept 24, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. TACTICAL MEDIC CLASS 16 hour course Tue Sept 24, 2013 and Wed Sept 25, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONSE TO TERRORISM 8 hour course offered at three different times Mon Sept 23, 2013 Tue Sept 24, 2013 Wed Sept 25, 2013 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Also…... “SO YOU THINK YOU ARE CRAZY” Special seminar being offered at the Virginia Beach Convention Center at the conclusion of seminars Tue Sept 24, 2013 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required via the website @ www.vavrs.com $25 registration fee will be required. Problems registering Call the VAVRS Office 800 833 0602
For a listing of all of the events and seminars being held in conjunction with the 2013 VAVRS Conference visit the VAVRS Website and download the entire brochure.
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Registration deadline for these programs Tuesday September 10, 2013. Virginia Beach Resort and Conference Center 2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 757 481 9000 or 1 800 468 2722
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2013 VAVRS CONFERENCE Pre-Conference Programs *MUST PREREGISTER TO ATTEND* GRANT WRITING 8 hour course Wed Sept 25, 2013 Or Thu Sept 26, 2013 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (sign up for whichever day works best for you!) Also…... “THE LOW DOWN ON THE HIGH SIDE; SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOTORCYCLE CRASHES” Special seminar being offered at the Virginia Beach Convention Center at the conclusion of seminars Thu Sept 26, 2013 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Also…... VIRGINIA ITLS INSTRUCTOR COURSE Fri Sept 27, 2013 Virginia Beach Resort and Conference Center To Register—Mail Application to Virginia ACEP/ITLS P O Box 911 Norge, VA 23127
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Submitted by Fern Puckett, AVAVRS President On July 7, 2013, the Washington County Life Saving Crew was honored to host a reception Celebrating the Life of Claude A. Graybeal. In attendance were Delegate Joe Johnson and Senator Bill Carrico, who together presented a resolution passed by the General Assembly to Claude Graybeal's family. The resolution, called Celebrating the Life of Claude A. Graybeal recognized Mr. Graybeal's life of dedication to emergency medical services and honored him as a true "Virginia Gentleman". Claude A. Graybeal passed away March 3, 2013.
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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5036 Celebrating the life of Claude A. Graybeal. Agreed to by the House of Delegates, April 3, 2013 Agreed to by the Senate, April 3, 2013
WHEREAS, Claude A. Graybeal, who faithfully served his fellow residents for 43 years as a member of the Washington County Life Saving Crew in Abingdon, died on March 3, 2013; and WHEREAS, in July 1969, Claude Graybeal joined the Washington County Life Saving Crew, serving as captain from 1981 to 1986 and in every line officer position; he also served as a member of the board of directors and was awarded life membership; and WHEREAS, Claude Graybeal maintained his certification as an Emergency Medical Technician and as an EVOC Instructor and was involved with designing manuals, bylaws, and logos for vehicles for the squad; and WHEREAS, Claude Graybeal served District 9 of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads as vice president and a member of the executive committee for 10 years; he also served as a district secretary and training officer and was a life member; and WHEREAS, for 37 years, Claude Graybeal served as the Washington County Life Saving Crew board of governors representative to the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.; and WHEREAS, Claude Graybeal always made every effort to attend the annual conferences of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc., whether they were in Roanoke, Richmond, or Virginia Beach; in September 2011, he was awarded the prestigious status of life member of the organization; and WHEREAS, Claude Graybeal faithfully served the Commonwealth when he was appointed by Governor Charles S. Robb to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council; and WHEREAS, Claude Graybeal was always ready to lend a hand to members of the community, the life saving crew family, and his family—if he was asked if a task had been done, he would only smile, knowing that it had been; and WHEREAS, Claude Graybeal's dedication to emergency medical services and to the members of the Washington County Life Saving Crew that he mentored never faltered; he was instrumental in the promotion and growth of the organization in the community; and WHEREAS, Claude Graybeal retired from Spcrry-Univac after 23 years and also was a truck driver for Abingdon Steel for 18 years; and WHEREAS, a true Virginia gentleman who touched the lives of numerous individuals through the volunteer life saving crew, Claude Graybeal will be greatly missed by his wife of 49 years, Pal; his children, Lisa and James; grandson, Jacob; numerous other family members and friends; and the residents of Abingdon; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a distinguished member of the Abingdon community, Claude A. Graybeal; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Claude A. Graybeal as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
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Greetings from Blacksburg and the conclusion of the 38th Rescue College Submitted by Rickey Hodge— VAVRS Vice President and Rescue College Co-Chair This year we had around 320 students from across Virginia came to Blacksburg and the Inn at Virginia Tech to attend the many classes we had to offer. Rescue College began on Friday Night, June 7 and concluded on the following Sunday June 16. It takes a lot of preparation, coordination and a lot of dedicated instructors, committee members and our many behind the scene workers to make this happen. I will start with our committee members that meet each year on the final day of Rescue College and go thru the many evaluations that the students fill out and we address ALL concerns that they have had. We go over all the classes we plan to offer the next year and begin work on the brochure. We meet again usually in February and go over classes and begin assignments and the logistics. It is our desire to have the Rescue College brochure ready and available at the Conference in September so that you can start to make your plans to attend the 39th. We have many behind the scene folks that help us each year and at no cost to the
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Association provide many services to us. Chief John O`Shea and Blacksburg Rescue Squad provided ice for our many classes away from the Inn for the entire 9 days. They also provided a 15 passenger van for the Explorer groups that attended Rescue College. Wythe County Rescue provided the second 15 passenger van for the group as well. This was done at no charge. Blacksburg and Christiansburg Rescue provided vehicles for the EVOC Instructor and Trailer classes. Chief Keith Bolte and the Blacksburg Fire Department allowed us once again to use their training grounds for Vehicle, Bus and Advanced Vertical classes. Floyd Childress in Christiansburg for allowed us on his working farm for the Farm Machinery and the Advanced Class as well. Last but certainly not least is the staff at Lane Stadium. Lester Karlin, Tom Gabbard and their staff open up the stadium to our Basic and Light classes and it is such a joy to have the relationship with these folks as well. Now, on behalf of Wayne Myers and myself, we want to thank the many instructors that came to Rescue College this year and gave the Association their time off from work but also their VAVRS
expertise in teaching their classes. I honestly feel we have an awesome Rescue College for our members and the contacts the students as well as the instructors make each year is just second to none. We enjoyed a cookout on Friday night with over 200 in attendance. Next year the 39th Rescue College will be held once again in Blacksburg and it is our wish that you will come back or for many of you come for the first time. I promise you it will be a positive experience for you and your squad with the training. We are offering new classes next year and one in particular is Advanced Vehicle Extrication. We are asking the Board of Governors for permission to have up to two pilot classes for this new class and we will return next year at the Conference to present the program for approval. Again thank you for allowing us to bring what we feel is a tremendous training opportunity. Hope to see each of you at the 79th Conference.
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2013 Rescue Explorers/ Camp for Youth Photos submitted by Gail Rice
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2013 Rescue Explorers/ Camp for Youth Photos submitted by Gail Rice
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Tradition...it’s a sweet thing at Woodstock Volunteer Rescue Squad Submitted by Karen D. Wagner, member of WVRS Tradition…. let’s define it…a long established custom or belief that has been passed on from one generation to another. Volunteer rescue squads are built on traditions, nothing new to those of you reading this article. At the Woodstock Volunteer Rescue Squad we are pretty proud of being in business coming up 50 years and one thing we know that continues to help push us to that pinnacle is Tradition. I would like to share with you one of my own squads’ traditions, one that has lived on despite all the other challenges we have faced as a “family in service to our community”. WVRS started providing emergency services in the 60’s, that’s 1960’s for you “Y” generation folks. Our squad, like most other rescue squads, not only covered the duty shifts, we had to raise the funds, all the funds, to purchase our ambulances, first aid and rescue equipment, fuel, uniforms, electricity, and insurance for the agency. Donations were the ultimate jackpot. We started with an annual door-to-door fund drive; next we tried the mail out
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letter drive, and then the phone fund drive. All were successful and all helped to provide the funding needed to keep the squad running for the next emergency call. When we needed a piece of equipment, we had public suppers and even Sunday breakfasts...the wives and moms of the membership came in, cooked a huge meal and we opened the doors taking free-will donations and fed the community. When we needed extra funds for something at the building, we had a bake sale. Again, wives, moms and the membership baked goods, set up a table outside the local
grocery store, and sold every cookie, pie and cake one could imagine. I recall an Easter bake sale where we dyed 125 dozen hard boiled eggs, made 20 coconut Easter bunny cakes in one night and raised enough cash to update the kitchen cabinets, to include new ovens
Making apple butter has been a main fund raiser for Woodstock Rescue Squad for over forty years. Barbara Simon adds sugar to the boiling apple butter. VAVRS
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and stove tops. There were cars washes, chicken barbecues, open houses, apple butter boils, blood pressure clinics and the list goes on and on and on. Soon, the demands of covering the calls, meeting the requirements of training, attending meetings, and “real life” jobs and family took a toll on the time membership had to give and less and less folks showed up to help with fund raisers. Now don’t think this is a sad tale of days gone by, indeed it is not. Instead it is a story of how our agency realized that if we were going to be good at making money we needed to pick one thing and do the best we could to assure we made the most of it. So we went with… TRADITION…..Making homemade APPLE BUTTER. Our founders used huge copper pots and long handled homemade wooden paddles, wood and lots of “elbow grease” to make the best apple butter
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you ever put in your mouth, and pots with fruit, adding the still in 2013, we are making sugar at the exact right Apple Butter as sweet as the moment, measuring, tasting, rich TRADITION our agency and filling the quart and pint was built on. Our agency sits in jars with perfect golden apple the heart of Virginia’s apple butter that brings the country. We need the community support to us. community to make profit…we So just how profitable is it…. still get our fruit from our local orchards and processing plants, sugar is donated by the local businesses, spices from our town drug store and jars from hardware and dollar store. The “secret recipe”…. you know we The pot yields around 240 quarts from each boil. could tell you but then we would have to over the years we have cleared kill you…. Yes it is still the same enough funds to have traditional recipe we used when purchased two ambulances, all we started making it in the the equipment needed to put 70’s. Some things have them in service and pay our changed, like apple snits have electric bill for 5 years. been replaced by applesauce However, as important as the and automatic stirrers have money raised, we continue a replaced “twice around the squad tradition when we make sides and once down the apple butter together as a middle”, but it is still the family. What’s your squad’s gathering of the members, tradition…find it and keep it starting the fires, filling the alive for generations to come.
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The Legislative Attic Submitted by Ed Rhodes
As I begin to write this article, it is mid-July and this needs to be in the hands of the Editor by mid-August. As many of you are aware, my wife and I became grandparents for the fourth time earlier in July. A grandson, Gavin Rhys, weighing 7-6, was born on the 7th and becomes the newest member of the “Legislative Attic” family. I really do not think that the chair will hold all of them at once, so may have to change pictures for each issue equality among the grandchildren. I had been invited to attend the presentation of a General Assembly Memorial Resolution in honor of Claude Graybeal, also on the 7th. We were unable to attend due to grandbaby watch, but I have
been told that the presentation by Delegate Joe Johnson and Senator Bill Carrico was exceptional. I am sorry that I missed the event and I am sure that Washington County Life Saving Crew certainly understands. Claude was a District VP the same time that I held the office in District 3 and we mentored each other and became close friends. I was able to attend the 75th Anniversary celebration of Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad, also in July, and had the opportunity to renew some old acquaintances from years gone by. A wonderful event with a good turnout and we really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks to the squad for the invitation. I have sent out over the past month information concerning the delay in the signature aspect of the pharmacy code and regulations, the waiver for recertification and now the delay in the background checks. The Board of Pharmacy regulations have been developed and are being worked through the system, and the waiver regulation is also being worked on. Background checks delay is due to not having the proper equipment delivered to OEMS. The public safety stakeholders are working now to develop a Fire / EMS / Emergency Management Caucus within the
The “Real” Attic General Assembly. We have met with certain legislators who we feel will be very capable to co-chair this caucus. By doing this we feel that our message will be heard by legislators and make our voice stronger when it comes to our issues. We tried to choose the leadership from different areas of the state so that all can be heard. This is something new, so we are gingerly moving forward. The overall legislative agenda in 2014 for the EMS and fire community will be the same as 2013. Line of Duty Act and return of interest for VDFP and OEMS budgets. These items will be discussed in more detail over the coming months and especially at the Fire Council Legislative Summit in mid December. Of course, this is not to say that these are the only items VAVRS will have in legislative proposals. I am sure that (i) something will come from the officers and/or membership, and (ii) there will always be legislation that we will have to amend or oppose in some form (Continued on page 29)
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The Manchester Vol. Rescue Squad has for sale two Stryker MX Pro Model 6082 stretchers for sale due to our routine equipment replacement schedule. Both stretchers have the X frame guards, IV pole, flat head end storage mat and single wheel lock.
Asking prices are: 2003 Model = $1,500.00 2004 Model = $1,800.00 Both units have had yearly Preventive Maintenance performed and are in good condition. All documentation and inspection reports are available at the time of sale. Photos are available upon request. If interested please contact Chris Snyder, Chief of Operations at chief@mvrs.org or via phone at 804-690-2287 (Continued from page 28)
or fashion. Remember, if you have an idea for a law; please get with a member (s) of the legislative committee to discuss it before you take it to a legislator. This way we can help you write and prepare it. Two important points I make to people is (i) what you think is good for your area also needs to be good statewide, and (ii) the best bill in the world probably will not come out the way it went in. The 2014 session is the "long" session and there will be a number of new faces in the legislature, along with new committee chairs and new committee members, many of whom have not heard the VAVRS history. This will be up to you, should you have a new delegate, to visit and talk to
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Training Announcement Emergency Medical Technician Class Date: October 6, 2013 – March 6, 2014 Times: 0900-1800 Days: Sunday Location: Southside Virginia Emergency Crew 425 Graham Rd. Petersburg VA 23805 Note: For those affiliated with SVEC, the EMT class will fall under “tuition reimbursement.” You will pay for the class and all materials necessary. After successfully completing the class and precepting you will receive reimbursement. To sign up please call 804-861-2739 or email liz.enos@gmail.com. Leave your email and phone number. The lead instructor will contact you with course details and application.
them about VAVRS. As I commented to the Executive Board in my report, if you know of or have heard of any legislative proposals, please let the Legislative Committee know. This way the committee can discuss and recommend to the Executive Board how to proceed. We certainly appreciate your assistance in this. Official
I look forward to seeing you in September at the 2013 Conference and hearing your concerns. Remember, this is an election year for the Executive Branch and House of Delegates, so make sure that you do vote in November. As always, should you have questions, please feel free to contact me or members of the Legislative Committee. Publication
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District District One Call One ofCall the of Quarter the Quarter Stuarts Stuarts DraftDraft Rescue Rescue Squad Squad
Submitted by Amy Markham, District One Secretary Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad June 22,2013 On an average Saturday in June, we were sitting around the squad. The on call crew had just responded to a routine medical call. Left at the building, was myself and another squad member to make a second crew. Soon after the first call was dispatched, we were dispatched for a motor vehicle crash with multiple calls reported on the incident. The call was reported as a 2 vehicle rear-end collision and further incident details informed us that there were people pulling patients from the cars. We responded with an ETA of about 3-4 minutes. We arrived
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on scene and there was heavy front end damage to one vehicle. When pulling up past the scene to block the road, we noticed many bystanders and citizens who stopped to help. There were so many people I couldn’t accurately tell how many patients there were at this time. I grabbed a jump bag while my partner took command. We were the first on scene. It was no more than about 3 minutes later when we realized we had a mass casualty incident here. Even though there were only 2 vehicles involved, there were a total of 10 patients. There were 6 occupants in one vehicle and 4 in the other. There was a squad member who showed up by personal vehicle who was quickly assessing a couple of the patients in the vehicle that was rear-ended. One was a child in a car seat who quickly got attention. Thankfully, the toddler was okay and had no signs of injury. I managed to make a lap around the entire scene asking who patients were and triaging each victim in approximately 4-5 minutes. After I finished that
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lap of triage, I found that about 3-4 patients needed to be fully packaged. In the meantime, my partner was asking me a dozen questions a minute and once the fire department arrived, the questions tripled. “Do you need additional transport units?” “Who is highest priority?” “What do you need me to do?” Yes, we needed more transport units. Another ambulance responded from our station and the first call crew responded from the hospital. We came to the conclusion that 3 still was not enough. So the next 2 closest rescue squads were dispatched and we received 2 more additional units. We used every single one of them. During all of this excitement, one individual approached me and introduced himself as a medic from Wintergreen and asked what he could do to help. I told him this patient right beside me was complaining of head and neck pain and needed to be packaged. He said he could take care of that. I handed him a backboard and a c -collar bag and he went to it.
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Another provider from Waynesboro also ended up witnessing the incident and stopped to help too. This was a big help. The highest priority patient ended up being a young male patient who was the only one in the vehicle upon arrival. Upon triaging, I found he had the most severe pain and mechanism of injury. The patient was sitting in the second row of the SUV but was originally located in the 3rd row. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown to the front of the vehicle and then came backward to the second row. Patient had minor lacerations and abrasions but complained of severe neck, back, and abdominal pain. Patient was in a sitting position and his neck was immediately stabilized with manual c-spine. A KED was placed on him and he was carefully removed from the vehicle onto a backboard. This patient was placed in my unit along with a relative of his with minor musculoskeletal injuries to an extremity. Overall, there were no priority 1 patients. Everyone ended up being priority 2 or 3, or green and yellow. All patients were transported in a timely fashion. It took 5 transport units, the fire department, on scene bystanders, other providers in POVs, and a massive amount of teamwork to safely and quickly execute this MCI. Even though it may have been a rear-end collision, don’t think for one Page
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second that you will just be obtaining patient refusals. The patient that was removed from the vehicle who I designated as highest priority was later transported to UVA via ground transport to treat possible spinal cord injuries. That KED and backboard that you spend extra time applying may very well be that patient’s life saver. One thing is for sure, this call is the definition
of teamwork from start to finish. Before fire/EMS arrived, bystanders worked together to help patients in trouble. Upon arrival, my partner and I took control and worked together and realized quickly what we had on our hands. Patients were triaged and the need for additional resources was established. Mutual aid arrived and everyone was safely transported and transferred to definitive care.
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By: Logan Parker, EMT-E Trauma 61 Logan Parker Josh Bean Rescue 65 Jamie Henderson Jeff Henderson Rescue 69 Joe Arbaugh Doug Broce Mutual aid ambulance units: Rescue 11 Rescue 25 Company 7.
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Ridgeway Rescue—1st Annual Casino Night & Silent Auction Fundraising Event—November 16, 2013 Travis Pruitt / 1st Lieutenant 276.226.0409 or rdvrs602@ridgewayrescue.com Facebook Event Page www.facebook.com/ rdvrscasinonight We are also soliciting sponsors for the event. I have attached an event invitation and also a sponsorship informational letter to this email.
this event, all the proceeds for the event will be going into our building fund. As you may or may not know we have some crippling mold/water damage in our basement and prices to fix the problem are already exceeding $100,000.00.
If you have anymore questions or concerns please let me know. We would appreciate any advertising that we could get on
Submitted by Travis L. Pruitt, 1st Lt Ridgeway District VRS Ridgeway Rescue will be presenting the 1st Annual Casino Night & Silent Auction Fundraising Event. It will be held on Saturday, November 16th, 2013 at The Galley in Martinsville, Virginia. It will be a night filled with Casino Games & DJ, a Silent Auction, Food & Cash Bar. We invite all the VAVRS members, families, and friends to participate in this fun annual event! Tickets are $40.00 in advance and $50.00 at the door. We only have 250 tickets available for the event. They are currently on sale and going fast. Contact information for the event is as follows: Official
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News from the Virginia Office of EMS 2014 EMS SYMPOSIUM Registration is now open Deadline is 10/4/13 at 5pm For a registration form visit the VAOEMS Website.
EMS Event Notification Tool—E.V.E.N.T Copied from the EMS News section of the Virginia Office of EMS Website
Notice-There is a delay in the Elimination of requirement to obtain medical practitioner signature on Prehospital patient care report Implementation of FBI Background Checks Implementation of changes to the recertification process for EMS providers in Virginia. A full explanation of all of the delays is available on the Virginia Office of EMS website http://www.vdh.state.va.us/oems
The OEMS apologizes for any inconvenience the delay in the implementation of the changes may cause. The OEMS will provide regular updates to the EMS community through their website and social media outlets. In the interim, if you have questions, please contact your area EMS Program Rep. or Michael Berg, Regulation and Compliance Manager, VA Office of EMS at 1-800-523-6019, 804-888-9131, or by email at michael.berg@vdh.virginia.gov
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Within EMS, very little data exists about many aspects of the profession. In an effort to address this shortfall, NAEMT, in collaboration with the Center for Leadership, Innovation and Research in EMS, has developed an anonymous system for EMS practitioners to report EMS and patient safety near-miss events, line of duty deaths, and incidents of violence against EMS practitioner by answering a series of questions in an online format. The purpose of the system is to collect and aggregate data that will then be analyzed and used in the development of EMS policies and procedures, and for use in training, educating and preventing similar events from occurring in the future. No individual responses are shared or transmitted to other parties. This reporting system is called the EMS Voluntary Event Notification Tool (E.V.E.N.T.) and is available at www.emseventreport.org. VAVRS
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The aggregated data collected will be provided to state EMS offices and the appropriate federal agencies with jurisdiction over EMS on a quarterly and annual basis. Timely aggregated reports submitted through a variety of venues will make E.V.E.N.T. a living mechanism for change. It is envisioned that one of the primary end users of this data will be those responsible for the development of EMS policies at the state and federal levels. States urged to support system
Support of this online reporting tool by EMS organizations across our nation will be key to its success. State EMS offices, local and state EMS organizations, and EMS agencies are encouraged to become site partners for E.V.E.N.T. The National Association of State EMS Officials, as well as many other national and state EMS organizations, have already signed on as site partners. Upon request, NAEMT and the Center for Leadership, Innovation and Research in EMS are able to provide representatives to speak about the system at local and national EMS meetings or conferences. Please contact NAEMT at info@naemt.org with any questions about the system.
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Photo Caption Contest Well, we didn’t get any submissions so we solicited some help from the Rescue Ranger, here goes… “To our fellow squad members, look what we did, we bought an ambulance with a “one track” mind?” “I’ve been working on the railroad, all the live long day, we at least for one afternoon!” “This is the sturdiest mobile home I have ever seen, I believe it will withstand any wind storm.” “Pull this caboose over here, I know the rest of the train went this way, I can see it’s tracks!”
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 an attendee at the VAVRS Rescue College and VAVRS Life Member and Vehicle Extrication Course Coordinator Cecil Leach. All entries will be (after censoring) printed.
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cranky on occasion. How about you? Busy in Rustburg Dear Tommy, Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.
Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, I know your entire life is EMS but do you have any other special interests? Busy in Surry Dear Tommy, Yes, I do, thanks for asking. I started Karate lessons just last week and after only one lesson I can break boards with my cast. Dear Rescue Ranger, Did you ever notice that people look at you funny when all you talk about the squad, EMS calls and trauma? Busy in West End Dear Tommy Yes, I also notice that people look at you kind of funny when you walk down the street naked with a gun in your hand but that’s another story. Dear Rescue Ranger, I love EMS. I love the squad. I love everything about it but I must admit that sometimes it makes me very moody, even Official
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Dear Rescue Ranger, You are so successful in everything that you do. What is your secret? Hard work, intelligence, dedication? Busy in Boyce Dear Tommy, There are two rules for success in life: Rule 1: Don’t tell people everything you know. Dear Rescue Ranger, I am a little worried. The EMT book emphasizes safety, safety, safety! I must admit I can’t keep that on my mind. I just love taking risks. Should I worry? Busy in Tannersville Dear Tommy, You should never knock on Death’s door. Instead, ring the bell and run. Death hates that… Dear Rescue Ranger, I am having real trouble with the trauma portion of my EMT course. We are studying wounds, you know; avulsions, bite wounds, lacerations, puncture wounds and incisions. Can’t keep all that straight. You have an suggestions? Busy in Brunswick Dear Tommy, Not really...well, one suggestions is that you remember in puncture wounds it’s not the bullet that kills your patient, it’s the hole. VAVRS
Dear Rescue Ranger, It was good to see you the other day at Tyson’s Corner. You wouldn’t think that as far away as we live from each other and as big as that place is we would just bump into each other. Small world isn’t it? Busy in Bristol Dear Tommy, It is a small world, but I wouldn’t want to paint it. Dear Rescue Ranger, Prior to your involvement in EMS what did you do? Busy in Blacksburg Dear Tommy, I used to be a lifeguard, but some blue kid got me fired. Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you had any luck finding a companion? Busy in Colonial Heights Dear Kenny, I’ve been on so many blind dates. I should get a free dog.
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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." - St. John 15:13
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL MEMBERS! Your agency was recently forwarded two proposed budgets for 2014. The 1st budget keeps the Class Registration Fees, because there have been concerns by many squads the 2nd budget eliminates the Class Registration Fees, but increases the dues from $5 per member to $10 per member. Please keep in mind that the Finance Committee worked very hard and eliminated as many expenses in the upcoming year without having to jeopardize the quality services and training the VAVRS provides. To maintain a balanced budget a revenue source was needed to offset those expenses. It should be noted that it was not a decision taken lightly to double the dues, but this was required to balance the budget when doing away with the Class Registration Fees. Looking back we found that dues had not been increased in over 20 years and that previous requested increases were not favorable by the Association. Each proposed budget covers the needed expenses and establishes a balanced budget. It is important that each agency review the proposed revenue sources (Class Registration Fee vs. Dues Increase) to determine which proposal is more favorable for their agency. The Executive Committee wants to give each squad ample time to review and determine which budget would be most advantageous to them. Please direct any questions or concerns to Steve Dove, VAVRS Treasurer @ smd604@aol.com