Lifeline sep oct 2015

VIRGINIA LIFELINE

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Membership: Harry Householder Finance: Patsy Wingfield Roll Call: Donna Porter Roll Call: Valarie Becker Fundraising: Stacey Frame Fundraising: Tracey Frame

Deadline for the Upcoming Issues of the VIRGINIA LIFELINE Articles may be submitted by any member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS and VAJVRS. Feature articles are encouraged. Photos and/or graphics are acceptable and can be returned if requested.

Contact the Editor if you need assistance in writing an article at gdalton@vavrs.com Deadline for future issues as follows: October 1, 2015 for the November/December 2015 Issue December 1, 2015 for the January/February 2016 Issue February 1, 2016 for the March/April 2016

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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Washington County Life Saving Crew Pictures and story submitted

by Katie Mattox and Christie Groover

Crew chose to take that month to showcase some of it's members in various #moveover pictures.

June was “Move Over Awareness Month� and the Washington County Life Saving

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The #moveover campaign gave the public a glimpse into who the members are outside of EMS, while also giving the members a personal chance to remind the community, why it is so important to safely move over when they see emergency vehicles.

children, and even some four legged children got to share the spotlight.

Members enjoyed involving their spouses and significant others, as well as their

The pictures were shared both on the WCLSC Facebook page and Instagram.

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Chaplain Report “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Katie Barrick Woodstock VRS Auxiliary

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Kenny Wayne Bennett Lake Anna RS Karen Aldridge Bornstein Prince George EC

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Paula Thomas Brandt Brunswick RS

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Submitted by Mike Smoot, VAVRS Chaplain Conference is now upon us.

Listed below are the names of Squad and Auxiliary Members we will be recognizing this year at the Memorial Service on Saturday.

Luther David Adkins Wise RS Terye Akers Forest View RS Tony Barr Bristol LSC Official

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Debbie Brill Millwood-Station VF&R

Edward Epperson Kenbridge EC

Nelson Wayne Brookman Williamson Road LSC

Mary Ann Fellows Colonial Beach VRS

Wade Brooks Bristol LSC

Bobbie France Franklin County RS

Richard Douglas Brown Buena Vista RS

Kathy George Davis Corner VRS

James Hubert Browning Fort Lewis RS

John V. Goodall Fieldale-Collinsville

William (Jesse) Burgess Altavista EMS

Julian B. Griffin Hot Springs RS

Joseph Carderelli Campbell County RS

Robert (Bobby) Guyer, Sr. Colonial Beach VRS

David M. Coddington West Hanover VRS

Kerry D. Haga Bristol LSC

Mildred Coffman Clifton Forge RS Auxiliary

Douglas Wayne (Bo) Hall Bristol LSC

Edward Cook Gretna RS

Mary Jane “Mickey” Harden Millwood-Station F&R Auxiliary

David Burton Cronk Cleveland LSC

Gladys Heflin Mountain View RS Auxiliary

Jesse James Croome, Jr., Ettrick-Matoaca VRS

Cecil Jones Concord RS

James (Jimmy) W. Dean, Jr. Roanoke LSC

Hazel Jones Madison County RS

Jon Reed Donnelly Manchester VRS

Alma Perry Kerns Millwood Station F&R Auxiliary

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Betty Kidd Northumberland Rescue

Elmer R. “Randy” Pugh, Jr. Virginia Beach RS

Leo Herschel Rutherford Bristol LSC

Paula Lindsay Lakeside VRS

Gayle Ragland Bensley-Bermuda RS Auxiliary

Carl Wayne Salyers Scott County LSC

Barbara Moore Altavista EMS

Patricia Reamy Colonial Beach VRS

Mary Sanger Waynesboro FAC Auxiliary

Becky Parham Clifton Forge RS Auxiliary

Mike Reid Eagle Rock F&R

Leon F. (Bud) Stedman, Jr. Bristol LSC

Danny L. Parsons St. Charles VRS

H. Blair Reynolds Gretna RS

Anne Sterrett Buena Vista RS Auxiliary

John Pauley Longshop-McCoy VF & FA

Richard P. Ridgell Millwood Station VF&R

Mary Switzer Creeds VRS Kenneth Templeton Campbell County RS Rebecca Thompson Clifton Forge RS Auxiliary Retha Marie Carr Thompson Roseland RS Everett Vaughan Southside RS Lloyd Gene Walker Kilmarnock-Lancaster RS Robert Kehrer Wilcox Lakeside VRS/Southside EC Wallace Roger Witcher Altavista EMS Stanley Wright Strasburg VRS Please continue to keep the office and myself informed of anyone needing cards and in the event of the loss of a member.

My email is msmoot53@hotmail.com.

“God Bless Each of You and our Troops.

Keep Them Safe.”

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The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip Submitted by J.C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian Just how secret is a meeting held in Executive Session supposed to be? The answer is simple, everything that goes on in an Executive Session is a secret. I have written about Executive Sessions before, but now I am going to cover how information gets out about what went on in a meeting held in Executive Session.

I have attended many meetings held in Executive Session. At one meeting the President reminded all members in that meeting not to talk to anyone

about what went on in the meeting, because Executive Session Meetings are held in secret due to a sensitive issue. As soon as I left the meeting a member approached me and said, "Why did the Executive Board only give John Doe a 90 day suspension?" Someone talked within a few minutes after the meeting. This relates to the old saying, "If you want to get the word out in a hurry, tell someone it is a secret and not tell anyone."

An Executive Session can be held in a Board Meeting, a Committee Meeting, a

Disciplinary Committee Meeting, a Membership Meeting, or any other type of meeting an organization may have. Can the Membership request what went on in a meeting held in Executive Session? No, because what went on is a secret that contains sensitive information. If the Membership wants to have the right to know what went on in another meeting held in Executive Session, then they would have to make a bylaw amendment to allow this.

If the Membership wants to settle all kinds of rumors about what went on in an Executive Session, then it would have to be covered in your bylaws. I don't know how many organizations has this requirement stated in their bylaws but I don't thing it is very many. If most organizations do this, then you would only hold all Executive Sessions in Membership Meetings.

Remember, if you are present in a meeting held in Executive Session keep your mouth shut after you leave the meeting.

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Waynesboro FAC Auxiliary Submitted by Waynesboro First Aid Crew Auxiliary Historian Cece McCormick and Assistant Jill Stachowski Hi everyone it's hard to believe spring is almost over. We just received our new warmers for our kitchen. Boy, it really looks nice and we can't wait to use it for next banquet or special event at our building. April was a little busy—we had two fundraisers—a bowling luncheon and then an all day scrapbooking event. We started a new community service project by helping out at Springdale Senior Living Apartments. It's BINGO-we provided door prizes, snacks, and other foods and a good time. May was a little slow but several of the crew and auxiliary members attended the VAVRS Camporee. It was a great time had by all.

With EMS week over we had a little EMS picnic at our building. Crew and auxiliary members and their families attended. We had cornhole, water balloons, a bouncy house and plenty of food for everyone provided by the auxiliary. The Auxiliary provided food for the squad at training updates for two days.

We're still providing meals for Thursday night and Friday morning drills. We also meet for Auxiliary birthdays once a month at a restaurant of their Official

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choice. Everyone stay cool and have a wonderful summer and from the words of our historian keep smiling..

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Never Underestimate the Power of an Amazing Auxiliary!

Each year I ask an Auxiliary to write an article telling what they do for "their squad" in hopes that more Auxiliaries will be formed to help their squads. This year I asked the Chief of Colonial Beach what his Auxiliary did for the Colonial Beach Squad. Thank You Wesley for the informative article. Fran Phillips, VAVRS Recruitment & Retention Committee Chair

Submitted by Wesley Melson, Chief, Colonial Beach VRS According to the Webster’s Dictionary, the word Auxiliary means providing supplementary or additional help and support.

In Colonial Beach, we have been blessed with an amazing auxiliary unit “Support Team” that stands ready to assist at a moment’s notice. But what they really do day in and day

out behind the scenes for our organization is rooted much deeper. It’s much more meaningful, and it’s the number one reason I would challenge each of you to never underestimate the power of an awesome support system.

While volunteer EMS providers across the Commonwealth often respond to emergency calls, until someone actually

Photo of the attendees to the AVAVRS Auxiliary Workshops.

An exciting two-day class for Auxiliary and Support Group Members as part of the VAVRS Rescue College in Blacksburg.

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dials 9-1-1, they rarely think about the wonderful services we provide. Let alone what’s going on down at the station tonight or when the next hot meal is coming for the crew.

Additionally, many volunteer EMS agencies are struggling with a lack of volunteers.

However, what we have found in Colonial Beach is there is another group of individuals that while responding to emergency calls isn’t their cup of tea, giving back to their community is. What better place to do that than at their local volunteer rescue squad?

While CBVRS has had a long history of outstanding auxiliaries, years past proved something was missing. Our squad and auxiliary were run like two completely

independent organizations, and over the years it sometimes created challenges. So began the process of building our Support Team from the ground up. In the past, we felt like auxiliary units, maybe even our own, felt like outsiders, or unimportant. Moving forward, we knew this would have to be addressed. Your title was irrelevant, whether you pay the bills, perform data entry, or handle patient care, our most valued asset must ALWAYS be our people! So we changed the bylaws. We created one organization where everyone is equal.

Second, maybe it’s only in Colonial Beach, but we had become territorial. Our projects were OUR projects and change was bad. Two

things that I believe are the silent killer in volunteer EMS. So we started rewarding members who found creative ways to get everyone involved.

Before long, our Support Team members were serving as our data entry clerk, VHPIB Administrator, Scheduling Coordinator, and the list continues to grow.

Today, our Support Team seamlessly works side by side our active squad members.

Whether serving as a committee chair, finding creative ways to retain new members, and teaching hands only CPR, or heading up new and creative ways to raise money we are certainly grateful for the amazing support structure we have and couldn’t imagine our organization without it.

From the AVAVRS Chaplain I have received information and pictures on all of them with the exception of one and hope to have that by Conference time.

The ladies we have lost this year are as follows:

Submitted by Ailease Short, AVAVRS Chaplain We have 8 ladies from the AVAVRS that have passed away this past year and we will be honoring them at our Memorial Service on Saturday morning at Conference.

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Mary Jane “Mickey” HardenMillwood Station Auxiliary (formerly Winchester Aux.) Mary Senger Waynesboro Auxiliary Kitty Barrick Woodstock Auxiliary

Gayle Ragland Bensley-Bermuda Auxiliary Alma Perry Kerns Millwood Station Auxiliary Becky Thompson Founders Aux.-Clifton Forge Mildred Coffman Founders Aux.–Clifton Forge Anne Sterrett Buena Vista Rescue Auxiliary Look forward to seeing all of you at the Beach in September.

Enjoy the rest of your summer.

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Kempsville Rescue Squad New Wheeled Coach ambulance

Allen Stone Run Swim Run EMS Standby Collage

Photos Submitted

by Bobby Hill

Bobby Hill & Jack Dye at Everest University Recruiting Event

Dr. Amir Louka VCU Hospital ER Doc & Kempsville Rescue Squad Volunteer

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Sneak Peak Plaza Volunteer Rescue New Horton Ambulance

VA Beach Rescue Squad Saturday Morning Duty Crews and Zone Car Girl Power

Plaza Rescue in front of new VB EMS Free Standing EMS Station 15

Ocean Park Rescue Volunteer Paramedic Erica Waldron Page

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Ocean Park Rescue Volunteer Paramedic Erica Waldron September

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VAVRS District One Activities and Special Message On July 26, 2015, our District1 meeting was successfully hosted by the Goshen First Aid Crew in Rockbridge County.

Goshen’s crew led by EMS Captain/President Linda Arnold did an outstanding job organizing and implementing the event, especially being such a small agency. We had 90 members representing 13 agencies in attendance, along with (8) District-1 life members. We were honored to have had the following state VAVRS officers join us: Kim Craig, Steve Grayson, Cecil Leach and Page Entsminger.

The day was filled with fellowship, challenging

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Goshen First Aid Crew at our July District-1 Meeting competitions, a delicious lunch, and a full meeting agenda; followed by our competition awards presentation. Staunton -Augusta RS won 1st place in Senior ALS, Covington RS won 1st place in Senior BLS and Stuarts Draft RS won 1st place in Junior BLS. Stuarts Draft RS won 1st place in Extrication; Patrick Scott with StauntonAugusta RS won 1st place in EVOC; Waynesboro FAC presented the best Activity Report and Staunton-Augusta RS received the VicePresident’s award. Our annual Bennie Rice Award for the most points scored for the EMS competitions throughout the year was presented by VAVRS Past-President Ronnie Slough to VAVRS

the Covington Rescue Squad volunteer members.

In June, I was honored to have attended District-1’s annual Life Members Dinner, which was hosted by the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad. Elizabeth Provost (Buchanan Rescue Squad), was voted in as the newest Life Member for our district. Elizabeth was inducted at District-1’s meeting on July 26th by life members Bobby Varner, Betty Dean, Glenn Drumheller, Greg Burton, Page Entsminger, Della Hylton and Robbi Blackburn (as pictured above left to right).

Also during our July meeting, the following members were voted in as our new district

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officers for the 2015-2016 year: Vice President-Patrick Scott (Staunton-Augusta RS), Alternate Vice PresidentSteve Southworth (Wintergreen RS), TreasurerBobby Varner (Falling Spring RS), and Chaplin-Della Hylton (Buchanan RS). Other district officers will be appointed by Patrick following his oath of office in September.

Congratulations and God speed to all of our leadership team!

Our District-1 plans are continuing to advance toward our 1st Super CE Day, which will be held at the Dabney Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge on Saturday, October 10, 2015. This project was born out of my 2014 VAVRS Leadership Challenge; however, our district Training and Recruitment Team grew the plans far exceeding my expectations. District-1 Training Officer Kate Burton has done an amazing job with the website, advertisement and speaker line-up. If you are looking for an opportunity to obtain quality category-1 CE hours, plan to join us for this event. Registration will begin on-line August 31st. Check out the event at www.vavrs1ceday. squarespace.com.

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Bennie Rice Award presented to Covington RS Covington Rescue Squad on Sunday, October 25, 2015. The volunteer members of Covington RS have been very involved in both District-1 and VAVRS Conference competitions throughout the years, and we are looking forward to them as our host.

I have proudly served VAVRS as the VicePresident of District-1 for the past two years. I have enjoyed being part of such an incredible organization, from both the district and state level. As VP, I have experienced being a member of the VAVRS Executive Board, and the Legislative and Finance committees. I have

learned invaluable leadership lessons from an abundant of people, who have served VAVRS unselfishly for decades.

I am looking forward to staying involved with VAVRS, although I plan to take a step back and focus more on my family, serving at a local level, as well as doing what I truly enjoy, which is teaching EVOC. Thank you to all the wonderful fire and rescue folks I have met on this journey, and of whom I call my friends and extended family.

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District Five Danville Life Saving Crew

Joan Smoot, District 5 Historian Hello from District 5. In this issue, I want to highlight Danville Life Saving Crew (DLSC). DLSC was organized by sixteen men in 1944 when ambulances were being run out of funeral homes with little or no first aid. It was a scope and haul type of transportation to the hospital. These men knew that they had to have more training in order to provide better assistance to the public.

Beginning in March and July of 1945, the first Standard and Advanced First Aid Classes and Water Rescue Classes were held and DLSC members became certified.

The first dispatch system was coordinated in September of 1945, located at the Hotel Danville. Members were now ready to run emergency calls.

Calls were being run in their personal vehicles since they did not have any crew vehicles. Gas Official

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2015-2016 Danville Life Saving Crew Officers

at this time was $0.21/gallon.

It wasn’t until 1953 that DLSC purchased their first station wagon as a transport vehicle.

From 1960-1969, local car dealers loaned them two station wagons and one car per year for use on crew calls. At the end of the year, they would turn the vehicles back in and get new ones and the dealers would sell the cars as demonstrators. In 1970, they purchased two carry all trucks and a Low Band V.H.F. radio which was place in the Danville Police Department and Hospital for dispatch communications.

In 1972, EMT classes were started to offer further and advanced training for the squad members. As the classes were coming to a close, the funeral homes were working towards VAVRS

discontinuance of the ambulance service. In September, 1975, the first eleven Cardiac Tech’s completed the Advance Cardiac Life Support training course and two new Advanced Life Support Units were purchased.

An old police car was acquired in 1978 and equipped for use as a Cardiac Tech car and became the first ALS response vehicle in the State of Virginia. The Danville Police Helicopter began to assist the crew on calls in tough terrain in 1979. In 1986, DLSC built a helipad at the crew hall eliminating EMG ground transports to surrounding hospitals, thus decreasing patient transport times.

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The first Paramedic classes were completed in 1991 and the DLSC first National Registry Paramedics were certified. In 1993, a new First Responder program was coordinated with the City Fire Department with a new communication program which allowed the fireman to respond to calls as First Responders until EMS arrived.

DLCS covers the largest area of any rescue squad, over 293 square miles and answers the second highest volume of emergency calls per year.

In 2004, DSLC dedicated a new Training Center that provides an improved training area with up to date equipment. Classes are taught on regular basis and students come from around the State to attend these classes.

Numerous hours are spent in training.

The DLSC continues to be an all volunteer organization providing medical services to the Danville and Pittsylvania County communities. The DLSC has a Peer Review Committee that reviews Patient Care Reports to make sure that proper medical attention is provided in every case.

DLSC just celebrated 70 years of service to the community. At the Installation of Officers Banquet held recently, the Board’s President reported that the DLSC answered over 6,000 calls last year including 27 on Page

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Nick Sapounakes received Chief’s Award from Robbie Woodall

Christmas Day. Chief Woodall praised the crew members for their dedication and stated “When you do something you love, you don’t mind the challenges. It’s a calling. It’s a passion. My hobby is the life saving crew.”

Many awards were given out at the Installation Banquet. John McKinney was recognized for 50 years of service; Odell Tate, 45 years; Tommy Barber, 25 years; Ryan Anderson, 15 years; Jason Keesee, 10 years; and J. D. Motley, 10 years. Tyler McGaughey received the DLSC Member Association scholarship. Mike Brandon presented the Gerald Bostic

Award to Jason White and Tyler McGaughey. The James E. Greer Award, which is an award for a new member going above and beyond their normal duties, was presented to Penny Sapounakes. The Ovid Hogan Basic Life Saving Award, which highlights outstanding patient care was presented to Ben Crozier. Crystal Harbour was presented with the Leonard Coon ALS Award for her “sharp skills” as a responder. James Mullins was presented with the Herbert P. House EMS Excellence Education Awards.

Marilyn Basden received the Raymond C. McNeely Lifetime Achievement Award. The (Continued on page 22)

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John McKinney received 50 Year Service Award from Tim Holman and Robbie Woodall

Odell Tate receives 45 Year Service Award from Tim Holman and Robbie Woodall Photo to Right Penny Sapounakes – James E. Greer Award

Photos submitted

by Joan Smoot Photo to Below Ben Crozier – Ovid Hogan Basic Life Saving Award by Demetrius Monroe James Mullins presented with Herbert E. House EMS Excellence Education Award by Gary Ryan (Continued from page 21)

Chief’s Award was presented to Nick Sapounakes.

The DLSC Officers for 2015-2016 were installed by Clayton Lester, VAVRS Life Member and a member of DLSC for 53 years.

Robbie Woodall, Chief; Tim Holman, deputy chief; Wayne Caldwell and Keister Whitt as assistant deputy chiefs; Chris Elliott as communications captain, Tim Basden as recruitment and retention captain; Brian Conner as training captain; Nick Sapounakes as Official

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maintenance captain; Scott Campbell as special operations captain; John McKinney as building and grounds captain; David Rodgers as supply captain; Roy Craft as oxygen captain; John Geyer as secretary; Bill Hankins as business manager; and Odell Tate as chaplain.

The Auxiliary Officers were also installed by Joan Smoot, Past President of the AVAVRS. Darlene Hylton, President; Lisa Pleasant, Vice President; Wanda Greeson, Secretary; Christy

Woodall, Treasurer; and Brenda Smith, Chaplain.

The Polly Greer Service Award was presented to Lisa Pleasant.

Odell Tate, Chaplain of the DLSC ended the program for the evening by stating, “We will face challenges this year and experience difficulties, but remember God is with you and He’s in control. Help us to deliver the best patient care we can in this community.”

That’s all that we can ever hope for, that we deliver the best care we can, and remember, God is in control.

Marilyn Basden & Mike Brandon presents Gerald Bostic Awards to Jason White and Tyler McGaughey

On the District 5 level, Clayton Lester was given the honor of District Life Member at the July meeting. Clayton has been Chaplain for the District and served on numerous committees throughout the years and has been a mentor for many members during his time coming to the meetings. We are so proud and honored to have this special man in our District and are truly blessed to have him as a friend. Congratulations Clayton on joining the other Life Members in District 5!

See everyone at Conference.

Danville Life Saving Crew Auxiliary Officers for 2015-2016

Marilyn Basden received Raymond C. McNeely Lifetime Achievement Award from Jon Yeaman

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National EMS Memorial Returns to Virginia Submitted by LeRon Lewis, BS, NRP, Employee Development Manager On July 15, 2015, the National EMS Memorial completed its journey from Colorado Springs, Colorado to LifeCare Medical Transports in Stafford County, Virginia where it will remain until a permanent home in the Commonwealth can be built.

Four members of the Chancellor Volunteer Fire and Rescue (CVFR) Honor Guard traveled to Colorado Springs where the National EMS Memorial Service had been held for the past five years. There, they received the 23 “Tree of Life” memorials from the Colorado Springs Honor Guard. Each of the 23 “Tree of Life” memorials lists the names of those EMS providers who had lost their lives in the line of duty during each of the past 23 years. The memorials, as well as the other items related to the service, were vigilantly watched and

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honorably transported across the country during the four day journey.

Kurt Murray, Brandon Murray, Ryan Passera and Gerald Calaway – members of the CVFR Honor Guard – made several stops along their journey including Kansas City, KS; St. Louis, MO; Louisville, KY; Charleston, WV; and Roanoke, VA. Political officials and members of the EMS, Fire, and Law Enforcement communities in these cities gathered to pay tribute to the Memorial, while the CVFR Honor Guard honorably stood guard. On the morning of July 15th, the Memorials arrived in a procession consisting of The CVFR Honor Guard, representatives from the

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Stafford County Fire and EMS community, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Department, Chancellor Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, and LifeCare Medical Transports.

An official arrival ceremony was held at LifeCare immediately following the procession. The CVFR Honor Guard, along with members of the Stafford Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard, presented the colors and stood guard beside the Memorial through the ceremony. The Honorable Gary (Continued on page 25)

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Snellings, Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, and Gary Brown, Director of the Virginia Office of EMS shared their remarks with the crowd. Kevin Dillard, President of LifeCare, thanked all of those who participated in this historic event. The 2015 Memorial Service tribute video honoring the most recent line of duty deaths was played.

Afterwards, Stafford County EMS Chief Lori Knowles read the names of the 15 recent honorees while CVFR Honor Guard member, Brandon Murray, tolled a memorial bell.

The National EMS Memorial Service was founded in Virginia in 1993 to honor America’s Emergency Medical Services providers who have given their lives in the line of duty. It is the official National Memorial Service having been approved by the United States Congress.

Kevin Dillard, Founder and Immediate Past President of the National EMS Memorial Service, offered to house the Memorial at his LifeCare Medical Transports in Stafford County, VA, until a permanent home for the Memorial can be found. For more information about the National EMS Memorial Service and how you and your EMS agency can help build a permanent home, visit the National EMS Memorial Service website: national-emsmemorial.org.

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VAVRS President

Submitted by VAVRS President Rickey Hodge The 40th Annual VAVRS Rescue College was held in Blacksburg from June 12-21, 2015 at the Inn at Virginia Tech. We had a GREAT College those 9 days.

My thanks to the Co-Chair Wayne Myers, Committee Members Cecil Leach, Ronnie Slough, John Craig, Scott Davis, Kelly Walters, Roger Vassar, Bubby Bish, Liz Papelino, and Kathy Eubank for all their hard work day in and day out. We had instructors from all over the Commonwealth come and donate their time to educate our members. Thanks to each of you!!!

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We also had the largest Rescue Explorers Group we have ever had. We had 35 kids participate. We had so many good things happen at this event, and if you didn’t attend….well you missed a great part of YOUR ASSOCIATION. Each year we have countless “behind the scene hard workers” as well as committee members that work so hard to make this event go flawlessly. Gene Mason and his son Bubby with wrecker assistance, Floyd Childress for unlimited use of his farm, Chief Keith Bolte and the Blacksburg Fire Department for use of the training center for classes.

Chief Dave English and Blacksburg Rescue Squad for vehicles for the Rescue Explorer Group and the Auxiliary of the Christiansburg Rescue Squad for their van as well. We will have the brochure for next year’s college at the 81st Conference again this year.

I hope this will give you time to make plans to attend the 41st Rescue College in Blacksburg on VAVRS

June 10-19, 2016. 40 years is a long time for an event like this to continue and survive and I feel it just gets better with time. It did not just happen every year. It took countless hours of hard work from the previous Chairs and Co-Chairs.

People like Ken Morgan who came up with the idea of having such an event and previous Chairs and Co-Chairs: Neal Turner, Tim Carroll, Roger and Becky Hudson, Karen Wagner, Darrell Beavers, bubby Bish, Roger Bryant, Same Langley and I’m sure I missed a couple. My hats off to these fine members for their service. We cannot ever forget how we got to where we are if we don’t know how we got here in the first place.

The 81st Annual Conference of the finest “grassroots” organization takes place on September 23-27 in Virginia Beach. Make plans to attend and get needed CE Hours, compete in many contests, and attend the Board of Governors Meetings. Don’t forget the (Continued on page 27)

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Cookout on Thursday at Camp Pendleton. Many, many activities to attend for sure.

One main ingredient to our Conference is our VENDORS! Go see them, make purchases and THANK THEM for attending our Conference.

Many, many hours of preparation have gone into planning the 81st Conference.

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This is your Conference. We hear every year that it takes money to put this Conference on and this year is no different.

We are doing the raffle again this year with hopes of raising money to offset and add to our conference.

That will be determined by you the members if it is to succeed. See you there!

There is one final word for this article and it is this… if you have been elected a new district vice president or going to run in September for an office, make sure you do two things. Know that your family understands the time constraint and ask yourself, are you ready to commit 24-7-365 to this Association and its members?

This is not a social club. The last 4 years has become 12 months of meetings with delegates and senators, fire/ EMS committees and if we are not at these meetings…well then

“they” soon forget what part we have in this Commonwealth as far as public safety. We simply cannot afford to do this. I can assure you that if we are at these meetings, the others in attendance want our input and ideas. Because quite frankly, at one time or another they each volunteer or have volunteered somewhere. Thank you for all your support over the years in the offices I have been elected to and I look forward to serving this Association in anyway I can.

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EMS Organizations Enter Collaborative Agreement to Honor Fallen EMS Heroes Efforts continue to coordinate a national EMS service and permanent EMS memorial

Submitted by Sara Hunt PR Washington, DC. (August 3, 2015) – The National EMS Memorial Service, the National EMS Memorial Foundation and the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, all charitable 501 c3 organizations, have agreed to collaborate on a strategic plan to honor EMS providers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Over the years, distinct efforts have been undertaken to honor these fallen heroes and their families. Representatives from the three organizations made the joint announcement to demonstrate that the worthy cause to commemorate the EMS providers’ sacrifice and service will move forward in a coordinated fashion.

“The service commitment and sacrifice of these providers is not measured in a moment, an hour or a day,” said Robert Morley, President of the Official

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National EMS Memorial Foundation. “The results of our efforts to honor our heroes must endure forever. The sole purpose of the NEMSMF is to establish a permanent National EMS Memorial in Washington DC.” Jana Williams, President of the National EMS Memorial Service, said, “We are delighted to join forces with these fine organizations on a unified plan to honor the fallen with the dignity and tribute that they so richly deserve. This collaborative agreement eliminates duplication of efforts. It further demonstrates our shared commitment to support families during the healing process.”

“The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride is proud to work with the National EMS Memorial Service and the National EMS Memorial Foundation in the effort to appropriately honor VAVRS

the sacrifice and celebrate the lives of EMS personnel who have given their lives in service to their communities,” said Elizabeth “Beth” Davis, President of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. “We will continue to spread awareness of EMS and honor these providers’ sacrifices through our long distance cycling events.”

The National EMS Memorial Foundation has worked closely with U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch to introduce legislation in the U.S. Congress (Bill H.R. 2274) that will allow the process of building a permanent memorial to move forward.

More information about the efforts of these three organizations will be forthcoming as updates are confirmed. # # # (Continued on page 29)

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National EMS Memorial Service

National EMS Memorial Bike Ride

Media inquiries and interview requests, contact: Sara Hunt, Public Relations Coordinator 804-994-1120 SaraHuntPR@gmail.com

Media inquiries and interview requests, contact: Trish Jubinville, Public Information Officer 315-212-1589 pio@muddyangels.org

About the National EMS Memorial Service The National EMS Memorial Service was established to remember and honor those emergency medical services personnel who have died in the line of duty and to recognize the ultimate sacrifice they have made for their fellow man. An all-volunteer effort, the Service is held annually for honorees families supported by participants and Honor Guard members from across the US and includes the National EMS Moment of Silence. For more information, visit www.nationalems-memorial.org. “Like” us on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/NEMSMS; Follow us on Twitter at @NEMSMS and @NEMSMSweekend.

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National EMS Memorial Foundation Media inquiries and interview requests, contact: Katie Orsino, Executive Director 617-596-9550 Katie@emsmemorial.com About the National EMS Memorial Foundation The National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation’s sole purpose is to establish a permanent EMS memorial in Washington DC or its environs to honor, recognize and remember the commitment, service and sacrifice of the Nation’s EMS heroes who have died in the line of duty and for those who continue this service commitment and sacrifice. For more information, visit www.emsmemorial.com. “Like” us on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/pages/ National-EMS-MemorialFoundation/139542192884813? fref=ts; Follow us on Twitter at @EMSmemorial

About the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Inc. honors Emergency Medical Services personnel by organizing and implementing long distance cycling events that memorialize and celebrate the lives of those who serve every day, those who have become sick or injured while performing their duties, and those who have died in the line of duty. For more information, visit www.muddyangels.org. “Like” us on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/ muddyangels; Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ NEMSMBR.

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Pictured from left to right: Betty Dean, Robert Varner, Greg Burton, Della Hylton, Barry Rose, Charles Jefferies, Charles Provost, Robbi Blackburn, Amy Markham.

Sitting: Glenn Drumheller and A. Page Entsminger.

District 1 Life Membership Dinner By: Amy Markham, District Secretary/Life Member In 2009, District 1 members of VAVRS voted to have a new classification of members added to the district, District Life Membership. This new classification would allow the district to recognize those members for their dedication and loyalty to the district through selfless acts of continued service and support of the district and to VAVRS. Official

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The qualifications for district life membership are 10 years of service within the District, be in good standing as a member in his/ her home squad, extraordinary service to the District through assisting in judging at district meets, serve/elected/appointed as past district officer/ committee, volunteers to help other agencies in need, etc. In July of 2009, the district inducted 15 members into VAVRS

District Life Membership. Each year following, up to three individuals can be inducted into life membership. At this time, the district has 22 life members. Since 2009, there have been seven new members inducted.

On June 6, 2015, Clifton Forge Rescue Squad graciously hosted the 6th annual District 1 Life Membership dinner. There were 11 members in attendance with a combined total of 390 years Page

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of service time and experience.

Steve Southworth, District 1 Vice President, was in attendance at the meeting.

The dinner provided was exceptional. A big thank you to the members of Clifton Forge Rescue for taking the time to prepare such a wonderful meal.

After the meal, members of the committee met to discuss the application (s) for life membership and any other items regarding the district.

This year we are excited to announce that Elizabeth Provost of Buchanan Rescue Squad will be joining us as the newest District 1 Life Member!!

Congratulations Elizabeth!

Elizabeth Provost receiving her Life Member Inductee Award from the Life Members present at District 1 Meeting on July 26, 2015

District 1 Life Members 2009

2010

Becky Anhold – Bridgewater

Charles Provost – Buchanan

John Bogan – Hot Springs (deceased)

2011

Betty Dean – Stuarts Draft Glenn Drumheller – StauntonAugusta Page Entsminger – Lexington Della Hylton – Buchanan Charles Jefferies – Westvaco Robert Leech – Glasgow (deceased)

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Robert Varner – Falling Springs 2012 Amy Markham – Wintergreen/ Waynesboro Dean Sutton – StauntonAugusta (deceased) 2013

Roy Markham – Covington

No Inductees

James Roberts – Waynesboro

2014

Barry Rose – Clifton Forge

Robbi Blackburn – Waynesboro

Grant Sensabaugh – Goshen (deceased)

Scott Masincup – StauntonAugusta

Ronnie Slough – Buena Vista

2015

Charlie Walton – Dunlap

Our newest member, Elizabeth Provost – Buchanan

Betty Wolfe – Boiling Springs Page

Greg Burton – Covington

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Colonial Beach EMS Volunteer Patricia FitzGerald Named To 2015 Allen & Allen Hometown Heroes Submitted by Sara Hunt PR

Pat!”

Colonial Beach, Va. (July 14, 2015) – Patricia “Pat” FitzGerald, Assistant Chief of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad (CBVRS), has been named a winner in the 2015 Allen & Allen HOMETOWN HEROES competition to celebrate local acts of kindness and heroism.

FitzGerald has held many positions of leadership within CBVRS. Some of her roles included serving as advisor to the Colonial Beach Junior Rescue Squad, being Rescue Chief for a time, and currently serving as Assistant Chief and Treasurer for the past 15 years or more. Still finding time to generously donate on behalf of others, she serves on the Rappahannock EMS Council’s Board of Directors.

The nomination for FitzGerald praised her outstanding record of service to the community, citing that she has answered over 10,000 emergency calls to help others in their time of need. She has been the squad’s Top Call Runner every year since 1993—a 22-year record of exceptional volunteer service. Also, at the CBVRS annual awards banquet in both 2014 and 2015, she won the organization’s most prestigious honor of Squad Member of the Year.

Melson added, “Pat is a thoroughly selfless person who lives each day in service to others. She is a respected role model of heroism for CBVRS squad members, our junior

“Everyone in the Colonial Beach and Westmoreland County area already knows that Pat is a hometown hero, so we are thrilled that Allen & Allen named her as one of the 50 recipients of their annual award,” said Wesley Melson, Rescue Chief of CBVRS. “She is so deserving of this prestigious recognition and we are very proud of her. Congratulations,

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members and the entire Colonial Beach community.”

“The winners of the 2015 Allen & Allen HOMETOWN HEROES represent the spirit of giving and define what being a community is all about,” said Trent Kerns, president of Allen & Allen, a personal injury law firm. “For over 100 years, Allen & Allen has been inspired by the everyday heroes around us— people who devote their time, energy and talents toward improving our communities.”

The winning Allen & Allen HOMETOWN HEROES will be honored at a series of events taking place in Richmond, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville in July.

For a complete list of the 2015 Allen & Allen HOMETOWN HEROES, visit http:// www.allenandallen.com/ hometown-heroes.

Patricia “Pat” FitzGerald, Assistant Chief of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad VAVRS

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National EMS Memorial Service “TREE OF LIFE” Travels from Colorado to Permanent Home in Virginia Submitted by Sara Hunt PR The Tree of Life, one of the most iconic visual elements of the National EMS Memorial Service (NEMSMS) to honor fallen EMS heroes, went on a road trip from Colorado Springs, Colo., to a new home in Virginia and was on display in several cities along the way.

Honor Guard members of Chancellor Volunteer Fire &

Rescue (CVFR), escorted all 23 years of the Tree of Life exhibit, along with NEMSMS memorabilia and gift shop items, in a vehicle with custom signage on a journey to a new permanent home in Virginia.

The National EMS Memorial Service will be moving its annual commemorative event from Colorado Springs to Virginia, effective with the service in 2016—a collaborative

agreement by the NEMSMS, the National EMS Memorial Foundation and the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride.

Each year, the names of the fallen are etched on bronze leaves of a representation of an oak tree, signifying strength, that is prominently displayed on the stage at the service.

Relatives and friends of the honorees often make rubbings (Continued on page 35)

Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Honor Guard members stand at attention while the National EMS Memorial Tree of Life is on display at St. Louis University Hospital during the trip from Colorado Springs to Virginia.

From left to right are: Honor Guard Commander Kurt Murray, Brandon Murray, Ryan Passera and Gerald Calaway.

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of the loved one’s name to honor their sacrifice and to remember their commitment of service to others.

The Tree of Life left Colorado Springs on Saturday, July 11.

Kurt Murray, Honor Guard Commander for CVFR, his son, Brandon Murray, along with Gerald Calaway and Ryan Passera made the return trip from Colorado Springs to Virginia from July 12-15, 2015.

As the Tree of Life exhibit made its way to Virginia, the leaves with the 2015 honorees were on display briefly in

several cities so that EMS providers and the public could pay homage to the brave men and women of our nation’s Emergency Medical Services who gave their lives in the line of duty while serving others.

Stops included St. Louis, Mo., Louisville, Ky., Charleston, W.Va., and Roanoke, VA., before finally arriving at LifeCare Medical Transports in Stafford, Va. According to CVFR’s Administrative Chief Kevin Dillard, the Tree of Life will be safely stored at LifeCare while awaiting the 2016 service next June. “The Tree of Life is a

treasured symbol of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man, and it deserves our utmost respect,” said Dillard, who was a founder of the National EMS Memorial Service, along with the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads.

CVFR’s Kurt Murray spoke on behalf of everyone on the travel team when he commented, “This was a once in a lifetime experience, and we were honored to play a role in bringing the National EMS Memorial Tree of Life back to its original home in Virginia.”

Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Honor Guard members (left to right) Brandon Murray, Kurt Murray (Honor Guard Commander), Ryan Passera and Gerald Calaway, at the start of their journey from Virginia to pick up the National EMS Memorial Service Tree of Life in Colorado Springs and bring it back to a permanent home in Virginia.

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LifeCare Medical Transports Begins 911 Service in King William County Submitted by LeRon Lewis, BS, NRP, Employee Development Manager

is surrounded by Hanover, Caroline, and New Kent Counties.

Effective June 29, 2015 LifeCare began providing 911 response to the citizens and patrons of King William, Virginia. King William County is bounded by the Mattaponi River to the north and the Pamunkey River to the south. It

Initial EMS operations include providing emergency and nonemergency response Monday through Friday, 6a-6p.

Currently, LifeCare works in cooperation with existing volunteer agencies to provide EMS services. The King William

operations are overseen by LifeCare supervisor, Sergeant Jerry Whitlock. LifeCare provides emergency and nonemergency transport services throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia to include Fredericksburg, Richmond, Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Rockbridge. As LifeCare continues to expand its services throughout the Commonwealth, additional trained and qualified EMS professionals will be needed to enhance the workforce.

Interested applicants can apply online - www.lifecare94.com.

Buena Vista Rescue Squad has a Gas Cooker for Sale. I was used maybe 3 times and comes with 100lb tank. It has been kept inside since new. Asking $1500 Call Steve at 540-784-8929 or Ronnie at 540-570-7404 Page

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The “Real� Attic As I begin writing the article that is due August 1, I look at my desk and see that the month of July only has a few items, one here and one there. This month will be spent trying to get away some, but more importantly, drafting some bills and amendments that will benefit you, the membership of VAVRS. In June, I met with Dr. Trump, Deputy Commissioner of Health, concerning two pieces of legislation that we will be pursuing. The first item is in the budget that VAVRS is working on to insure that funding is available to meet new federal specifications for cots and equipment. In the summer issue of the EMS Bulletin, the article on the new GSA standards reflects the importance of these funds. To paraphrase, when you submit a request for a new ambulance include the cost from a vendor to meet the new cot system requirement. This will be approximately $40,000.00 per unit. We will be meeting with the chair of the House

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Appropriations Committee in August for further discussions to have this included in the 2016 - 2018 budget language.

The second bill is the EMS Compact bill or REPLICA which will be the second time that this bill will be introduced. It was defeated on a motion by Delegate Orrock during the 2015 session. Since that time, EMS and others have developed an eight page "white paper" on REPLICA. Below are a few of the benefits of enacting REPLICA in Virginia: REPLICA protects the public through verification of competency and ensuring of accountability for patient-carerelated activities of licensed EMS personnel.

Creates a clear ability to manage and monitor EMS personnel by collective control and self-regulation through the creation of uniform rules, policies and procedures that multiple states will follow.

Provides basis for regulating EMS personnel certified in Virginia when they are

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practicing out of the state.

Eliminates the inconvenience and expense to EMS personnel of holding multiple state licenses for individuals that cross state borders in their day to day operations.

Expedites the processing of applications from veterans, service members separating from active duty and their spouses by recognizing their training as satisfying the minimum training and examination requirements for EMT certification.

EMS providers in Virginia will gain immediate recognition to practice in those states that join the compact.

Protects volunteer and career EMS personnel that cross state borders in the course of their official duties.

You can see that this is a mere sliver. The eight pages continue to explain different topics such as benefits, training and so forth, but too lengthy to include in this article. We have also put together a resolution for the EMS Advisory Board to Page

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vote on at their August meeting.

Since the close of the 2015 session, we have been working to put together a legislative agenda for 2016. Besides the two items already mentioned, we are looking at the Line of Duty Act legislation, the immunity driving bill (an amendment to this is being developed along with the Department of Fire Programs), besides watching some legislation that is not coming from VAVRS but may have an affect the members.

Scott Davis, Jane and myself attended the epinephrine auto inject pen workgroup meeting the end of May and the one the end of July. There seems to be very little if any support from the medical side. The manufacturer appears to be the only one supporting the legislation.

the EMS Advisory Board in July. One item that came out is the use of Naloxone by EMR's and Ocular anesthetics/ analgesics by EMT-B's. This still has to go through the advisory board and the Board of Health for final approval.

There was also discussion on EMS driver fatigue and this will be going to two other committees for review. This has become an issue with individuals working and then volunteering without any sleep to "recharge your batteries."

We continue to systematically revise and review our 2016 Legislative agenda. This includes the REPLICA (EMS Compact), Line of Duty, the volunteer driving immunity legislation, funding for the new stretcher requirements, along

with one that we are waiting on that VAVRS has been asked to support. The draft has not yet been received in order for the Legislative Committee to review. I feel very confident that there will be other bills that will affect EMS coming out towards the end of the year.

In closing, I look forward to seeing you at a district meeting, but more importantly at the 2015 Annual VAVRS Conference in September.

During the course of the conference, we will be more than happy to answer your questions concerning the legislature and what we (Legislative Committee, Jane and myself) are doing to enhance EMS for you the members of VAVRS. See you soon.

The months of July and August are a lot slower due to vacations, etc. Meetings that are scheduled are important EMS Advisory Board meets the first week of August just before the VAVRS Executive Board. The Governor's budget presentation to the money committees and the LODA workgroup meeting are all scheduled on the same day at the end of August. We have some district meetings on the calendar during August also.

We also attended the Medical Direction Committee meeting of Page

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District One—Call of the Quarter Submitted by Logan Parker, Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad Call of the Quarter Grottoes District 1 Meeting April 26, 2015 Dispatch: Sledding accident Date: March 7, 2015 The snow had finally calmed down through this bitter winter, but there was still plenty left on the ground for a nice view for some and activities for others.

It was around mid-day, and not much was happening over the pager. That changed quickly when Stuarts Draft Rescue was toned with Riverheads Rescue and Fire department to a residence for traumatic injuries from a sledding accident involving 5-6 pediatric patients.

This occurred on a weekend where we rely solely on our volunteers and we sprang into action. The ambulance from Riverheads marked responding along with two of our ambulances manned by volunteers – a medic and a rescue level truck. While enroute, dispatchers advised us that they are still obtaining information, but so far they have ascertained that there were confirmed at least 5 pediatric patients and one adult male – all with injuries. We were advised the ages were all under 11 years old with the exception of the adult. Dispatchers advised us that they were sledding on a “makeshift sled” that was actually a metal truck bed cover and that the “sled” had soared

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approximately 20 feet into the air and came to a halt by a tree.

Air medical services were immediately checked on for a status check. Lifeguard 12 was available and placed on standby.

Two couldn’t hurt. So we also placed AirCare 5 on standby. The Riverheads ambulance marked on location first and then we arrived not far behind. Stuarts Draft now had 3 ambulances enroute along with Riverhead’s.

We arrived on the scene and found numerous family members standing around the sled at the bottom of this massive hill where you could see the tracks from the sled. You could also see where this wasn’t the first venture down the hill. A handful of EMTs were dispersed among the children triaging them to determine which was the highest priority. I found myself with the patient the Riverhead’s crew was tending to who they stated was the highest priority. He was 8 years old and they had him laying down supine on the sled with cspine established. The little boy was awake and talking normally and had no complaints except he was cold. The Riverhead’s personnel advised me they felt an obvious closed, depressed skull fracture to the left cranium area. I carefully palpated the child’s head and sure enough it was quite the obvious depression about the size of a quarter. He showed no symptoms at this time but we knew he was a priority. Lifeguard

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12 was launched to the scene for the 8 year old. We carefully fully immobilized him and kept him warm with countless blankets.

Vitals were obtained. Everything appeared to be stable. The only abnormality found was numbness/tingling in his right arm. He could not feel me touch his right arm and was significantly weaker than the left. There was a pulse, but there was decreased motor/ sensory function. He was having involuntary movements in that arm also. Pupils were PERL. We got on his level and told him we were going to take great care of him and asked if he had ever ridden in a helicopter before.

We told him we wanted to avoid all of the traffic and wanted him to have a special ride to the hospital. He was doing great. He remained very calm and was so brave. Lifeguard 12 landed and we gave a full report to the flight nurse and flight medic.

They were very caring and took him in and said they would stay in touch with us on his condition.

After we had transferred care of the boy to the flight crew, I headed back to my ambulance as if the call was over. To my

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surprise, I found 3 more patients in the back of my unit sitting on the bench seat and there was one more in one of the other units. This was just beginning. The other unit with one little girl was already heading off to the hospital with a suspected femur fracture but she was stable. The three in my truck were walking wounded.

They had some scrapes, bruises, small cuts, and one possibly had a concussion. They denied head, neck, or back pain. I sent one with his father who was the adult on the sled and they went

to a different unit while I transported the other 2 boys. I tried to manage to have a fun conversation with them enroute to the hospital, but they were very worried about their brother who was airlifted. The boys were monitored enroute to the hospital and turned out to be just fine. Later, I found out the boy we airlifted underwent immediate surgery to his skull and was expected to make a full recovery. This call had teamwork written all over it. Any call that involves multiple patients requires a great deal of

teamwork and that was clearly seen between the volunteers of Stuarts Draft Rescue, Riverheads Fire, Riverheads rescue career personnel, Lifeguard 12, and Augusta ECC. Everyone worked great together to prioritize the patients and get them where they needed to be.

It was also amazing to see the dedication of our volunteers to respond 3 ambulances to the scene – in which all were used.

What a great learning experience and a phenomenal effort by all.

District Three Submitted by Cindy Swann, VAVRS District 3 Historian District 3 August meeting was held at Holly Grove VRS and Holly Grove was honored to host the meeting. We had a good turnout this time. Valeta Daniels had a training class covering diabetes and gave a lot of good and helpful information as always. If anyone needs CEU, you can contact Valeta or ODEMSA and they can help you.

Holly Grove prepared a country style buffet for dinner. Lily Bramble, Holly Grove President hopes everyone enjoyed it.

We had special guests.

Members running for VAVRS officer positions attended our meeting—Connie Moore and Kim Craig, both are running for

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President, Cecil Leach running for Secretary, and Greg Burton is running for Training Officer.

District 3 recognized our new Life Members for 2015, Andy Neagle, Fran Phillips and Kathy Eubank. Congratulation to the three of you for all you have done for our District and the VAVRS. A motion was made and passed to donate $250 to the Children’s Camp. Ed Rhodes covered some of the changes that may be coming up for EMS in the near future, which will be covered at the Conference.

For those who haven’t heard and I doubt there are very few that haven’t heard, the National EMS Memorial is back in Virginia. There is a great article on-line by Colonial Beach RS on the trip taken back to

Virginia and the celebrations that were held in Roanoke and Fredericksburg. At this time everything will remain in Fredericksburg until it is decided on a permanent location. Everyone enjoyed the meeting and the meal. Thank you Holly Grove VRS for your hospitality.

District 3 next meeting will be held Saturday, November 7th in Goochland.

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LifeCare Offers First HYBRID EMT Certification Program July 1, 2015 marked a historical day in the world of EMS training. This was the first day that a non-traditional EMT certification program could be offered in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The training department at LifeCare Medical Transports diligently prepared to meet that challenge by researching, designing and implementing a high quality hybrid EMT program utilizing both eLearning and in-house, handson training. This inaugural program began on July 1st at LifeCare’s corporate office in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

LifeCare EMT students practicing the proper use of a KED

Traditional EMT certification programs require students to attend more than 150 hours of in-house, instructor-led classroom education. This required “classroom” time has deterred many potential EMT students from registering for EMT programs due to other work and personal obligations.

Additionally, EMS providers are generally kinesthetic (hands-on learners), yet historically EMS education has been approximately 75 lecturebased.

LifeCare’s hybrid EMT program utilizes an online learning system for the cognitive elements of the program designed for all learning styles.

Although students must meet (Continued on page 43)

LifeCare EMT students extricating “patient” from a Fiat during an MVC scenario Official

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weekly assignment, quiz and test deadlines, the cognitive learning can be accomplished at the student’s pace based on the student’s schedule.

Comprehension is tested online after each chapter. Questions missed indicate areas that require remediation. The student is then given an individualized homework assignment along with tools such as videos, flashcards, and games to help improve understanding. Once the student has completed the chapter homework, the student is tested again to ensure competency. Weekly timed online multi-chapter tests are given to evaluate overall comprehension of the material.

online performance of the students in real time, the instructors can provide additional support when needed. Global weaknesses can also be addressed by adding hands-on group projects to the Saturday training days. LeRon Lewis, Employee Development Manager at LifeCare noted, “I have really been impressed with the comprehension level of our students. They are really

learning from the online program, and have been able to apply their newly acquired knowledge to the performance of skills and patient assessments during our Saturday practical sessions.”

LifeCare is looking forward to continuing the online EMT program in the future in Fredericksburg as well as other locations throughout the commonwealth.

LifeCare’s EMT students attend mandatory in-house training sessions on Saturdays.

Students are placed in teams and work with instructors to learn, practice and perfect the practical, psychomotor skills required. Students also engage in scenario-based training to bring the skill sheet learning to life. Also reinforced is the understanding of proper equipment use and patient moving skills. The students were recently challenged by a scenario in which one of the larger students in the program became an “unresponsive patient” in a Fiat.

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Holly Grove VRS 32nd Anniversary 2015 Submitted by Cindy Swann Holly Grove VRS Celebrated their 32nd Anniversary on July 12th. At our Anniversaries we recognize members for their service to the squad and the community and when there is an individual within the community that has gone out of their way to assist the squad we recognize them as Honorary Members. This year we recognized Aaron Dudley as an Honorary Member for his invaluable contribution to the squad.

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Members who have dedicated 10 Years of Service to HGVRS are recognized and honored as Life Members and presented with plaques. Members recognized were Dianne Montgomery, who has been one of HGVRS Presidents, Thomas Brown, Mary Kay Hughes and Beverly Rainey.

Steve Alford-NRP was honored as Squad Provider of the Year.

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Steve has been active within Louisa County for 31 years. HG has 4 new CPR Instructors, Thomas Brown, George and Malinda Hill and Lily Bramble.

Pattie Shanks a Life Member with the Auxiliary and who has been one of the Auxiliary presidents was presented with a 30 Year Service Award.

Steve Alford, Mark Stanley, Lauren Wyatt and Lily Bramble, were the crew that delivered a baby girl on the way to the hospital. They were recognized and presented with Stork pin.

This was the first delivery we have had for a long time.

Kacey Levines, Dale Comer and Steve Alford responded to a call, which they had to administer CPR and were able to resuscitate the patient.

They were very much recognized for their work and were presented with CPR Save pins. Everyone had a good time and as always had a great meal.

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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, How do you know that carrots are good for your eyesight?

Nearsighted in Namozine Dear Nearsighted, Did you ever see a rabbit with glasses?

Dear Rescue Ranger, Why did the cookie call 911?

Doughboy in Keeblerville Dear Doughboy, Because he was feeling crummy!

Dear Rescue Ranger, I noticed something about blonde Paramedics. They all carry a red ink pen. Why? Brown Hair in Bensley Dear Brown Hair, To draw blood!

Dear Rescue Ranger, Any interesting calls lately?

Anonymous Dear Bubby, Yes, the other day I was called to a multiple victim MVC and found two patients, one with a partially amputated leg and another with long piece of metal impaled in his cheek. I was working on the impaled object patient and was just barely able to keep his airway open. We decided to remove the object but had exhausted our supply of morphine on the partial amputation patient. So I told my EMT assist to take a 12 gauge needle and jam in into the butt check of the patient at the exact time I pull out the metal from his cheek. On my

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count we completed the maneuver and the patient barely moved. I asked him if it hurt and he said just a little but it must have been in there really deep!

Dear Rescue Ranger, Nice seeing you the other day.

Did you take my advise about a how I deal with migraine headaches? Remember I told you when I have a migraine, I go home, get in a nice hot bathtub, and soak for a while.

Then I have my wife sponge me off with the hottest water I can stand, especially around the forehead. This helps a little. Then I get out of the tub, take her into the bedroom, and even if my head is killing me, I force myself to have sex with her. Almost always, VAVRS

the headache is immediately gone. Now, did you give it a try?

Helpful in Henrico Dear Helpful, I took your advice and it works!

It REALLY WORKS! I've had migraines for 17 years and this is the FIRST time anyone has ever helped me!

By the way, you have a REALLY nice house."

Dear Rescue Ranger, I heard you tell someone the other day that you wanted to be cremated when you die. Is that true?

Hot in Hanover Dear Hot, Yes, I told my wife to promise me that I when I die that my remains will be cremated, put into an envelope and mailed to the Internal Revenue Service with a note that says, "Now you have everything."

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PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129 ISSN 0279-6023

NON-PROFIT ORGAN..

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

Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.

Phone: 804-749-8191 Phone: 800-833-0602 Fax: 804-749-8910 E-mail: vavrs@vavrs.com

"Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That A Man Lay down His Life For His Friends." John 15:13

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

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

Make Your Plans to Join Us at the Annual VAVRS Conference September 23-26, 2015 in Virginia Beach