VIRGINIA LIFELINE - VAVRS November-December 2012

VIRGINIA LIFELINE NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2012

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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: December 10, 2012 for January/February February 10, 2013 for March/April April 10, 2013 for May/June June 10, 2013 for July/August August 10, 2013 for September/October

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

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 (E-MAIL) gdalton@vavrs.com

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

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From the VAVRS President Submitted by E. B. ―Bubby‖ Bish, Jr., President

I hope everyone had a great convention! As most you are aware by now we made a few historic changes in our organization. I realize some of these changes are putting us in a direction we never thought we would be going.

Unfortunately we can‘t predict the future and the economy being in the shape it is, we certainly don‘t know what direction we may have to go into next.

One thing you can be certain of is that the officers are striving desperately to achieve all the goals of making VAVRS a strong and independent organization.

I would like to thank everyone for their support during these difficult times, but we will survive.

The General Assembly will be in session in January, and with the assistance of Ed Rhodes, Fern Puckett, and the Legislative Committee we will be working on the Line of Duty Death Benefit and the return of interest for Six of Life. Just these two legislative moves are going to take a lot of effort from everyone. We will be contacting you to talk to your delegates for their support.

During my term as President, I was asked questions like, what the squads and auxiliary could do to assist our organization.? We need everyone‘s help for new ideas to make our organization stronger and prepare for the future. I know the auxiliaries are having difficult times and so are the juniors. We as a family must group together, share and listen to new ideas so we can continue to grow and be a very strong organization.

If you have ideas, please feel free to contact me as your President, Fern Puckett, Auxiliary President, or Cora Fearnow, Junior President.

Again, thank you for your continued support to me and 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 District 6 V. P. June Ann Wilkes District 7 V. P. Thomas E. Harris “Ted” District 8 V. P. Blake Byrd District 9 V. P. Darrell Beavers District 10 V. P. Matt Tanner V I R G I N I A

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From JSW/FEW Scholarship Committee Submitted by Carolyn Brand, Chair And The Winners Are… The following people won $1,000 each in scholarship money! This money is mailed to the college to be applied towards the winter/spring semester tuition.

Julian Stanley Wise Scholarship - Casey A. Walker Casey is attending Eastern Kentucky University and plans to work in the Emergency Medical Care and Fire Protection field. He is a member of Covington Rescue Squad.

Julian Stanley Wise Scholarship - Taylor B. Bellamy Taylor is attending Virginia Wesleyan College and would like to become a physician. Her mother has been a member of Stony Creek Rescue Squad for the past seven years.

Fred E. Weymouth, II Scholarship - Rebecca Mays Rebecca is attending Eastern Kentucky University and is studying arson investigation. Rebecca‘s father has been a member of Westvaco Rescue Squad for 22 years.

Garry Clatterbuck Scholarship – sponsored by the Clatterbuck family - Rebecca Mays Rebecca is attending Eastern Kentucky University and plans to make of career of arson investigation.

Rebecca‘s father has been a member of Westvaco Rescue Squad for 22 years.

If you would like to apply for scholarship money for next year and see you name listed here, it‘s easy.

Just go to www.vavrs.com, click on FORMS, scroll down and you will see the list of scholarships available.

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Committee Chairs Nominating—R. Bruce Stratton Membership/Human Resources—Rickey Hodge Life Membership—Ronnie Slough Bylaws—Bruce Edwards Hall of Fame—Ford Wirt Convention—Ford Wirt EMS Representative—Dreama Chandler EMS Representative—Wayne Myers, Jr. Rescue College Co-Chair—Rickey Hodge Rescue College Co-Chair—Wayne Myers EMS Advisory Board—Dreama Chandler EMS Advisory Board—Wayne Myers Grant—Elizabeth Enos JSW/FEW Scholarship Fund—Carolyn Brand National EMS Memorial Service—Kevin L. Dillard EMS Exchange Program—Jane LaVerne Recruitment and Retention—Fran Phillips Course Development—Doug Eberhardt Facility Manager—Lin Matthews Redistricting Study—Wanda B. Morehead Volunteer Management—J. C. Phillips Legislative—Dreama Chandler

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From VAVRS R & R Committee 2012 - 2013 MEMBERS OF THE RECRUITMENT & RETENTION COMMITTEE If you have ideas you would like to share, on either Recruitment or Retention, let us know. Each VAVRS District should have a person designated to help their district with R & R issues. Those on the VAVRS Recruitment & Retention Committee for 2012 - 2013 are listed below.

Fran Phillips, Chair Post Office Box 1118 Midlothian, VA 23113 Cell Phone: [804] 794-5208 Email: rs1va@aol.com Bobby Hill, Co-Chair 740 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Phone: [757] 647-2789 Email: recruitment@vbrescuefoundation.org

Amy Markham Representing Members of the VAVRS 1422 Aiken street Staunton, VA 24401 Cell Phone: [540] 960-1334 Email: amarkham134@gmail.com Darlene “Micky” Grodski Representing the Junior Association 10914 Drayton Road Chester, VA 23831-1368 Cell Phone: [804] 745-6701 Email: Dmicky777@aol.com Marie Householder Representing the Auxiliary Association 125B Clubhouse Drive SW #5 Leesburg, VA 20175 Home Phone: [703] 777-5898 Cell Phone: [571] 215-6737 Email: mhousehold@aol.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2012 VENDER VOUCHER WINNERS! There were twenty-five $20.00 Vender Vouchers given out during the Vender’s Reception after the Opening Ceremony on Thursday evening. The winners were: Jesse McGrady [Bassett], ”Bubby” Bish [SouthsidePetersburg], Jim Hargrave [Forest View], Linda Berkstresser [Lexington/Glasgow Auxiliaries], Janis Slough [Lexington Auxiliary], Kenny Frenier [Colonial Heights], Stan Squires [Buena Vista], Mike Smoot [Lynchburg Rescue/Campbell Co. Aux.], Alfred Smith [Blacksburg], Barbara Cherry [Forest View Auxiliary], Cheryl Wright [Gretna 10], Judy Frame [Bensley-Bermuda], Joe Garrett [Washington Co.], K. R. Cope [Mecklenburg LS & RS], Kenneth Smith [Forest View], Ronnie Lusk [Bassett], Gary Frame [Bensley-Bermuda], Tammy Lewis [Medix Billing], Scottie Adams [Cool Branch], Jean Garrett [Bristol Aux.], Jason Morgan [Campbell Co.], Carl Cherry [Forest View], Margaret Miller [Bensley-Bermuda], Lin Matthews [Forest View], Jack McKeen [Madison Co. RS].

2012 CONVENTION GIFT FOR REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS: A “VAVRS Lanyard and green tote bag” was given to all registered participants at the 2012 Convention. These items were presented as a gift to “THANK YOU” for your many hours of service to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Please save the lanyard so you may use it next year.

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3rd Annual Fall Rescue Camp for Kids Submitted by Steve Dove, VAVRS Treasurer District 10‘s 3rd Annual Fall Rescue Camp for Kids was held on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at the Fredericksburg EXPO & Conference Center. This year‘s camp included several training seminars and many hands-on activities for the kids. The morning began with the American Heart Association‘s Friends & Family CPR. Participants practiced pushing hard and pushing fast on the manikins while incorporating breaths between compressions. This is an activity that is repeated each year at the Fall Rescue Camp. We believe it is extremely important that as many people as possible are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and can step in quickly to help someone that may be suffering from a cardiac emergency. Beth Addington with the Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department conducted this valuable life-saving training. The younger generations adapt easily when demonstrating proper hand placement on the lower half of the sternum and work effortlessly in maintaining a two inch depth while performing compressions. They listen intently as they perform the head-tilt chin lift technique to open the airway and provide a breath which they witness clear rise and fall of the chest indicating that their breath was successful.

After a good morning workout performing CPR the kids attended two brief seminars. The first conducted by Wesley Melson and Mike Nance of the Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad focused on the importance of driving while avoiding distractions. Kids learned the importance of safety restraints and devices that are in motor vehicles. In addition, the danger of texting while driving was the topic of discussion. Teens are the least experienced drivers and distracted driving is the number 1 killer of teenagers on the roadways throughout the country. The second seminar of the morning was conducted by Kelly Southard with Orange Volunteer Rescue Squad and Jimmy Rice of Altavista EMS. Prior to rappelling from the roof of the Fredericksburg EXPO & Conference Center a safety lecture was held. Kelly and Jimmy talked to the group about the importance of safety while they demonstrated the proper way to wear (Continued on page 9)

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the safety gear. They talked about how the rope would be used to control their descent to the ground from the roof.

After the morning training seminars the kids were divided into five groups ranging in ages from 8 to 18 and set out on a journey to participate in group stations.

Each station had something unique to offer the participants. Rappelling from the rooftop approximately three stories off the ground would be a challenge to

overcome the fear of heights in some of the kids and trusting the safety devices and rope would create some hesitation in others to participate in this exciting station. Those that did were given a ride in the bucket of Tower 1 from the City of Fredericksburg Fire Department‘s aerial apparatus. Once on the roof kids (Continued on page 10)

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would learn that walking down a wall like a comic book hero would be something they could check off their bucket list. Kids also had an opportunity to tour the Fredericksburg Fire Departments Command Vehicle. This apparatus is available throughout the region to aid in any large scale emergency incidents. Kids learned that communications is the key in any incident and that having a mobile command post help alleviate those issues. Kids were amazed at the high tech equipment that was utilized in the Command Vehicle. The participants would also be able to take part in an obstacle course that would prove to be a challenge. Donning turnout gear and crawling through a pipe with a fire hose, exiting the pipe to drag a simulated unresponsive patient to a wheelchair course that challenged the kids to go backwards and at some point blindfolded and finally doing a three-legged race on crutches. There was also an Automated External Defibrillator Station that the young ones would take part in. This station would test the CPR skills the kids learned earlier in the morning adding the use of an AED. Kids would learn how to assess a scene for safety hazards and determine the responsiveness of their patients.

Concluding that the patient was not responsive and did not appear to be breathing initiated immediate CPR. Soon the kids would be turning on the AED and attaching pads to the patient‘s chest to deliver a shock with the AED if warranted. Kids learned that even if the AED delivered a shock they would immediately begin CPR after the shock was administered. Another group station that proved to be the biggest challenge to the kids was related to the dangers of inattentive driving. Kids would navigate an ATV through a cone course while simultaneously attempting to respond to a text message.

Needless to say many cones were not left untouched during each of the participants attempt to maintain control while attempting to send a text message.

After a busy morning of activities, the kids were provided lunch and used the time to get to know others in their groups. Not only did the camp provide interactive ways for the kids to learn about the functions of the public safety system but many new friendships were created during the camp.

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After lunch the kids would participate in two additional brief training seminars. The first conducted by Nicky and James Moore of Spotsylvania County discussing Search & Rescue techniques specifically focusing on grid searches.

Kids learned how working as a team they could cover a larger area finding items that may have become lost. They would later put these skills to use as they would participate in a group activity which would require them to be about an arm‘s length apart as they search a grassy area looking for a lost piece of jewelry. The second seminar provided a basic overview of triage during a Mass Casualty incident.

Eric Lasky, with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, explained to the kids how patients were color coded in a large scale incident based on injuries. The kids would also participate in a group station in which they would triage moulaged patients that had been involved in a simulated motor vehicle crash involving a FRED Transit bus. Kids would enter the bus and determine the priority of patient care based on the severity of the patient‘s wounds.

In addition to the Search & Rescue and Mass Casualty group stations the kids would take part in three additional group exercises in the afternoon. The kids would also participate in an Ambulance Operations Station. At this station they would have a chance to place oxygen on a patient, apply the leads for the electrocardiogram monitor, attach and (Continued on page 12)

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flush the tubing to a bag of IV saline, practicing putting on and removing exam gloves, and get an overview of the patient care compartment of an ambulance. At another station the kids would learn how to properly immobilize a patient with a suspected spinal injury. They would also have a chance to apply ridged splints to a patient with an extremity injury. Finally the kids would have a chance to meet one of the newest members of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff‘s Office, an eight month old bloodhound. Deputy Myrick introduced the kids to his K-9 partner and explained the importance of bloodhounds being used as a resource to help aide law enforcement in recovering evidence or searching for lost individuals. The kids enjoyed spending time interacting with Deputy Myrick and this K-9 partner. Deputy Myrick explained how keen the sense of smell is with dogs.

While humans are able to walk into a room and smell the aroma of a freshly baked cake is close by, a K9 is capable of separating the aroma and smell of each individual ingredient used to bake the cake. A dog will smell the egg, flour, sugar, vanilla each as individual scents and not as a cake.

The day concluded with a brief graduation ceremony for the kids that completed the 3rd Annual Fall Rescue Camp for Kids. Each participant was given a certificate of completion along with a medal for their participation in the camp. Each kid also received a goody bag of items that had been donated by public safety agencies and businesses in the region.

District 10 has been thrilled to offer this camp each year for the kids in the Fredericksburg region.

The months of preparing the logistical support for this day-long camp certainly pays off each year as we witness the excitement and smiles on the kid‘s faces. The planning phases of the 4 th Annual Fall Rescue Camp are underway and additional information will be forthcoming on the exciting events we have planned for next year‘s camp.

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District V “Drives Thru” Convention EVOC Competition Submitted by Connie Moore, VAVRS Secretary After many combined years of faithfulness to competing, three gentlemen from District V brought home the ‗brass‘ by sweeping three of the six trophies offered at VAVRS Convention EVOC Competition.

John Smith of Southside Rescue Squad won 3rd Place in EVOC Competition

Jason Morgan from Campbell County Rescue started the win-streak by taking the 6th Place trophy (and being noted the ―most cones hit‖ award), followed by 3rd Place winner John Smith from Southside Rescue Squad, South Hill. Capping off the streak, Woody Conner from Kenbridge Emergency Squad took home 2nd Place, and giving District V its first glow of success in EVOC. All three gentlemen have competed for many years at the State and District level, with this being the first time they‘ve taken high honors at the State.

Pictures of all three are included, and the pride that they all feel is evident in their faces. Congrats to each of them for representing District V and their home squads by putting their best foot forward and taking home the trophies!

Keep up the good work!

L-R—Woody Conner of Kenbridge Emergency Crew won 2nd Place EVOC Competition, President Bubby Bish won VAVRS Officer of the Year Award and Jason Morgan of Campbell County Rescue Squad won 6th Place EVOC Competition.

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Capnography Submitted by Brian Talty NREMT-P ~EMS is a common proving ground for new practices, medicines and tools to enhance patient care both in and out of hospital. We successfully proved the worth of end tidal carbon dioxide monitoring during cardiac arrest. As we tend to do with everything else, we are taking it to the next level in EMS. Capnography is no longer just for the dead. ~Capnography can be used to determine the severity of respiratory emergencies and to establish initial therapies. As part of continued care we can use capnography to track the effectiveness of therapies we are administering. ~The stimulus to breathe comes from carbon dioxide levels in the brain and pH of cerebrospinal fluid.

Respiratory effort is triggered when chemoreceptors in the brain detect these levels increase. Oxygen is inhaled and taken to the cell for use in the metabolic process. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of metabolism and carried in the blood to the lungs and exhaled so we may measure what is coming out.

This measurement helps us assess the efficiency of breathing and circulation. ~The first use of measuring end tidal carbon dioxide was solely used to determine if carbon dioxide was coming out of a endotracheal tube. We knew this by attaching a plastic device to the tube and watching for a piece of paper to turn colors. This led to capnography, which allowed us to monitor exhaled carbon dioxide with each breath and determine the effectiveness of our resuscitative efforts. This has now advanced to monitoring capnography on breathing and conscious patients in all age groups via a nasal cannula that allows us to deliver oxygen and measure exhaled carbon dioxide at the same time to treat our patients. If your agency does not have these CO2 measuring cannulas speak with your clinical team and logistics to implement a plan to deliver the highest level of patient care possible. ~Normal values of ETCO2 in a health adult should be 35-45 mmHg, less than 35 is hypocapnia and greater than 45 is hypercapnia. Hypocapnia is usually due to one of three conditions; hyperventilation, hypoperfusion or hypothermia. Hyperventilation is because they are blowing off more CO2 than they are making. Hypoperfusion could be a cause in many of our cardiac patients. If CO2 doesn‘t get to the lungs it can‘t be blown off so be aware of shock, pulmonary embolism, hypotension and cardiac arrest. In hypothermia there is decreased metabolism which produces lower amounts of CO2 and that will give you hypocapnic readings. ~Hypercapnia may indicate hypoventilation (making more CO2 than they can blow off) and high levels of exhaled CO2 means there are high levels of CO2 in the blood. We know this because exhaled CO2 is relatively close to that of CO2 levels in the blood, usually within about 5 mmHg. Hypercapnia in the acutely ill patient can be exceptionally dangerous because this will lead to acidosis. Right about now everybody who paid attention in EMT class is thinking about the COPD patients who retain CO2 all the time, how can we tell if the hypercapnia is chronically elevated? Despite what EMT class engrained in your brain, give them oxygen to find out if they are chronically hypercapnic. If they are a hypoxic breather like some chronically ill COPD patients are, giving them oxygen may decrease their stimulus to breathe, which will lead to hypoventilation that will lead to further hypercapnia. Easy enough right?

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Surrrrrrrre. ~What about that squiggly thing on the monitor? No not the ECG, the one below that goes up when the patient exhales and down when they inhale. An ETCO2 without a waveform is the same as a heart rate without an ECG, it‘s only half the picture. If the capnogram is square, there is no obstruction to the flow of CO2.

However, bronchospasm causes uneven alveolar emptying that in turns creates an uneven waveform.

Some alveoli may rapidly dump their CO2, however most other are constricted so it takes longer for the CO2 to escape. This is what produces the severe angle on the upstroke and plateau of the waveform. ~So a patient with shortness of breath, wheezing and ETCO2 of 55 mmHg with angled waveform represents acute respiratory failure with delayed alveolar emptying. You initiate a duoneb treatment and the patient looks like they are breathing better and their ETCO2 is now 40 mmHg with a square waveform. However, the same patient and same treatment on re-evaluation shows an ETCO2 of 58 mmHg and a waveform that is still angled. This will let you know that your treatment is not working, your patient is still in acute respiratory failure and you will need to initiate more aggressive therapy to prevent the disastrous effects of respiratory acidosis. ~That is just an example of a bronchoconstrictive patient. Look back at all the reasons for hyper or hypocapnia and you can see how measuring exhaled CO2 in the conscious and breathing patient will let you know breath by breath how effective your treatment modality is. Told ya it‘s just not for the dead anymore. ~An education is expensive but knowledge is free, please feel free to distribute this to whoever you like. ~The person that knows HOW will always have a job, the person that knows WHY will always be their boss. ~Remember to always act in your patient‘s best interest, always use sound clinical judgment and always follow your protocols.

~Sources: 1. Slap The Cap, Bob Page 2. http://guidelines.gov/content.aspx?id=34784 3. http:// www.aboutbreathing.com/articles/capnometry.htm 4. http://www.jems.com/article/patient-care/ capnography-helps-conscious-patients-too *This is supplemental educational material that is researched and distributed by Brian Talty. I attempt to ensure accuracy but there may be some instances of incorrect facts or material or grammatical errors that mislead the reader. These are written from experience, EMS books in my library and research done on the internet. These are meant to bring out things that you have forgotten in the back of your brain and to encourage critical thinking. The base of the subject is given here but the core must be researched on your own and application is pursuant to your agency protocol. These in no way replace your protocols and should never jeopardize patient care. Please remember that I try to ensure 100% accuracy but I am human and mistakes may be sent out. If there is something that does not look right, question it or research it on your own to eliminate confusion. I may be reached at 804-874-8724 or by email, btalty@raaems.org. *

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The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip

Submitted by J. C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian It is a sad and somewhat difficult thing to do, but how do you remove a President of a squad from office? When I speak of a President, it could also be the Captain, Chief Operations Officer or any other elected officer. For this example I will use the office of President as the top officer of the squad. Unless it is covered in your bylaws, Robert's Rules of Order has a procedure on how to remove someone from office.

For example, if your squad had difficulty finding someone to run for President and a member says that since no one else will run for the position, he or she will run, even though he or she did not really want the job. This has happened more that you might imagine.

Now, you have a President that really didn't want the job in the first place, but accepted it because no one else wanted it. The organization now finds out that the President has neglected the duties of the office of President, and/or has abused their authority and/or is engaged in other types of misconduct.

What do you do now? A motion can be made to remove an officer for just cause. On page 653 of Robert's Rules of Order (11th edition) it states, "The vote required for adoption of such a motion is (a) a two thirds vote, (b) a majority vote when previous notice has been given , or (c) a vote of the majority of the entire membership--any one of which will suffice." However, if your bylaws require that charges be preferred, an investigation be made and a formal trial be held, then this is the procedure you must follow. The trial must be held in Executive Session, unless your bylaws say different.

As the VAVRS Parliamentarian, I would suggest that the organization not remove an officer by just a vote, unless it is for a serious situation such as being involved in a criminal act. By going through the trial process, this gives the individual the chance to defend him or her self. If there is proof that the charges are serious, I would give the individual the chance to resign the office or resign from the squad. This would avoid the difficulty of dealing with a formal trial.

I hope this information will help if your organization should have to go through this situation in the future.

―On a brighter note, I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving a very Merry Christmas and Holiday Season.‖ V I R G I N I A

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Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Announces New Officers - Colonial Beach, VA (September 4, 2012) – Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad announces the new operations officers who will lead the organization through the end of this year. The operations officers and their positions include: Wesley Melson – Rescue Chief; Pat FitzGerald – Assistant Chief; Robert Rivenbark – Lieutenant; Danny Stinson – Lieutenant; John Chomeau – Lieutenant and Mike Nance, Sr. – Lieutenant. ―Everyone on the new board is excited about the opportunity to move the organization forward and to build on our strong tradition of service to the Colonial Beach region,‖ said Wesley Melson, Rescue Chief of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad.

In December 2012, the organization will elect operations officers for 2013.

About Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad: Since 1950, Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad has served the Town of Colonial Beach and CBVRS VEHICLE GETS SECOND LIFE WITH CBPD Westmoreland County.

The Colonial Beach Police Department has a new Mobile Assistance Currently, the organization Unit that was donated by the Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad. has over 30 all-volunteer The former ambulance, a 1996 Ford E350 4x4, will be used by the personnel that operate five CBPD for many purposes including evidence recovery, warrant ambulances covering 240 executions and traffic details, among other uses. "The four-wheel square miles and a 22-foot drive capability will be so helpful during floods or heavy snow," said rescue boat covering the Chief Kenneth Blevins Sr. "This is another example of different local Virginia waters around the agencies working together to make things better for the community." area. For more Pictured from left to right are: CBPD Officer Edward Moss, CBPD information, visit Chief Kenneth Blevins, Sr., Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad’s www.cbrescue.com.

Rescue Chief Wesley Melson, CBPD Lt. Kenneth Blevins, Jr. V I R G I N I A

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The Gift of Compassion Submitted by Captain Annie Edwards NREMT-P Southside Virginia Emergency Crew When it comes to EMS, many of us conjure up images of daring rescues, gruesome vehicle accidents, and traumatic events. Many times we forget about the emotional aspects of our profession. It is so common as an EMT to be compassionate and caring; it is second nature to many of us. As providers it is not uncommon for us to offer a hand of compassion. I have often witnessed providers go above and beyond the call of duty when their patients need them most. It has been from these compassionate providers that I gleaned the most information. Some of the more profound and useful lessons were not learned from a text book, rather instilled within us all, it is a gift. It is this gift of compassion that draws us into this profession. Those who are interested in Emergency Medicine know that we do not do it for the money. Often times we are placed in dangerous situations. We have all been in dirty, foul places we would not conceive of stepping if it weren‘t for our dedication to our fellow man. It has been said that, ―charity never fails‖. When we act with compassion we will not fail our patients.

Sir William Osler (1849-1919), known as the father of modern medicine, would often say, ―Listen to your patient, he is telling ―Listen to your patient, he you the diagnosis‖. Often, we find this telling you the diagnosis.‖ to be true in many situations. Usually it Sir William Osler takes a bit of convincing or even coaxing to get our patients to open up to us. We are strangers to them, yet despite this fact, we are there in their crisis willing to care for their needs whether physical or emotional.

is

One of the most profound experiences of my patient ‗telling me her diagnosis‘ occurred to me one cold, rainy evening. My partner and I were dispatched to the home of an elderly woman for a fall and lifting assistance. It seemed straight forward and an easy call. When we arrived, we lifted this woman from her kitchen floor and noticed that her clothing was soaking wet and covered in grass and leaves. We asked if everything was alright and if there was anything more we could do for her. She did not want any further assistance and was quite ready for us to leave. I could not shake the feeling that things weren‘t as they seemed and questioned further. I wanted to know how she came to be covered in grass.

She reluctantly told me that she had been doing yard work when she fell. This seamed reasonable.

However, as I thought about it further, the timing seemed wrong. I continued the line of questioning wondering how long she had been outside. Finally, she told me that she had indeed, been outside that day, but had fallen much earlier. She lay in the yard hoping to die. This revelation shocked me. The most overwhelming sense of concern consumed me and I genuinely wanted to help this sweet woman.

She expressed to me feelings of depression, regret, and humiliation. For more than forty years she had been a nurse. She was always helping others and recently began depending on others for help. She went on to say that she was not just losing her health and independence but even her home. She began crying (Continued on page 21)

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and when she did she could not stop. I encouraged her to seek further help. I explained that there could be a myriad of medical reasons as to why she might be feeling depressed and many more emotional reasons as well. I reasoned with her that medications could be prescribed to help her cope during these strenuous times and that someone may have the resources she needed to help with her living situation. Most of all I wanted to reassure her that there was no shame in feeling depressed. I wanted her to feel supported and to receive the necessary treatments.

In the end, I invested twenty extra minutes of my day. I feel as though it was a good investment and if given the choice, would do it again. She ended up being transported to the Emergency Department and I gave report to the nursing staff as I always do. However, this call will forever stand out in my mind, reminding me to show compassion for all. I never knew of the outcome and will probably never know.

One thing is certain, I felt as though I made a difference. I may not have heroically saved her life but I was able to give quality to her life. She mentioned several times how she felt as though no one cared about her but on this day a stranger cared. My hope is that the gift of compassion instilled within me that day was a blessing for her. I will be satisfied knowing that she felt as though she was worth the time and energy, that she is an integral part of society no matter what stage of life she‘s in.

Despite our heavy call volumes, strenuous hours, and stressful calls let us not forget the gift of compassion bestowed upon us as E.M.T.‘s. It is this gift that sets us apart as providers. I am always uplifted by the kindness and compassion of my brothers and sisters in E.M.S. Your example inspires me to be a better provider. Thank you for sharing your gift everyday and in every situation whether on duty or off.

VAVRS Life Members Bob Wingfield-Cave Spring First Aid and Rescue Squad Fran Phillips-Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad John Craig-Staunton-Augusta First Aid and Rescue Squad

The VAVRS is honored to recognize the newest life members of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads.

Congratulations!

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These VAVRS Members were memorialized in the 2012 VAVRS Convention Memorial Service Virginia M. Adams - Henrico VRS Auxiliary

William Jennings - Monelison VRS

Evelyn Armistead - Millwood Station VF&R

Elworth Johnson - Franklin Co RS

James E. Arnold - Goshen FAC

William A. Johnson - Forest View VRS

Fred I. Bays - Fredericksburg VRS

Edith B. Kelley - Cave Spring FA&RS

John S. Bell - Westvaco RS

Mary Lou Lail - Colonial Beach VRS Auxiliary

Dhwani Bhatt - Greater Manassas VRS

David V. Lawless - Fieldale-Collinsville VRS

John G. Bogg - Bristol LSC

William G. Laws - Davis Corner VFD & RS

John H. Brandt - Lake of the Woods VRS

Carolyn H. Layne - Holly Grove VRS

Richard L. Bridge - Colonial Heights F&EMS

Carol Jean Lindsay - Westvaco RS

Alice Bryant - Waynesboro FAC

Molly Mauldin - Danville LSC

Percy G. Caldwell Jr. - Covington RS

Clyde E. May Sr. - Prince George EC

James R. Carroll Jr. - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Nancy W. McCutchen - Clifton Forge RS

Dennis Cash - Monelison VRS

Earl W. Newman - Bassett RS

James P. Catron Jr. - Saltville RS

Alex R. O‘Bryhim - Fredericksburg VRS

Rawleigh G. Clary - Brunswick VRS

Irving F. Painter - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Tracy D. Crabtree - Washington Co LSC

James V. Pelter - Buena Vista RS

Allison Davis - Madison Co RS

Edward A. Perkins III - Colonial Heights F&EMS

Carman S. Davis - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Jameson G. Powell - Henrico VRS

Randy Davis - Danville LSC

Russell A. Ragland - Amherst LS & FAC

Mildred S. Dawson - Henrico VRS

William A. Ragland - Nottoway Co ES

Clarence Deaner - Campbell Co VRS

Helen S. Reece - Clifton Forge RS

William Dickson - White Oak VRS

Karen O. Robinson - Washington Co LSC

Cary A. Fadeley - Woodstock VRS

William L. Sibistowicz - Colonial Heights F&EMS

Gail Ferrell - Danville LSC

Timothy ―Kyle‖ Southern - Waynesboro FAC

Bernard H. Ferron - Cool Branch VRS

Billy Sparks - Danville LSC

Floyd Foster III - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Calvin C. Staton - Clifton Forge RS

William G. Frank - Colonial Beach VRS Auxiliary

R. Benjamin Summerlin - Axton LSC

Victor A. Franklin - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Patricia A. Swisher - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Herbert L. Gardner - Stafford VRS

Franklin D. Taylor Sr. - Rescue 945

George Gill - Henrico VRS

Opal L. Taylor - Clifton Forge RS

Mary Anna C. Greene - Manchester VRS

Charlsie R. Thompson - Glade Spring LS

James Gregson Jr. - Danville LSC

Robert L. Trayer - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Anne Gwaltney - Surry VRS

Ralph O. Tucker - Amherst LS & FAC

Sidney A. Hall - Franklin Co RS

David Weeks - Virginia Beach VRS

Ricky D. Helton - Lebanon LSC

Malvin L. Wells - Elliston VFD

Joyce Hevener - Bath Highland VFD

Edwitt Witt - Bent Mountain FAC & RS

Spence H. Hudson - Brooke F & SA

Bobbie Lee Wood - Westvaco RS

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VAVRS Chaplain Submitted by Darleen Ferguson

Thank you so very much for my election as VAVRS Chaplain for 2012-2013. I 'am here to serve you.

Please take time to recall your blessings for the year, reflect and give thanks to the one who sent them.

During Thanksgiving and Christmas some may be over come with grief due to the lost of a love one, sickness or misfortune due to the lost of a job or circumstances beyond their control. If a listening ear is needed I have two. I can be reached at: Home (434) 848-2581—Cell (434) 532-6573—Squad (434) 848-3020—Fax (434) 848-4753 Email darleen.ferguson@yahoo.com

2012 VAVRS Convention Competition Results—First Place EMT Contest Waynesboro FAC District 1 ALS Contest Virginia Beach VRS District 2 Rescue Contest Wintergreen Property Owners VRS District 1 Light Rescue Truck Contest Southside RS—South Hill District 1

Heavy Rescue Truck Contest Staunton-Augusta FA&RS District 1 Ambulance Contest Covington RS District 1 EVOC Non-Instructor Contest Wesley Melson Colonial Beach VRS District 10 EVOC Instructor Contest Sammy Nance V I R G I N I A

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The Legislative Attic Submitted by Ed Rhodes The ―Real‖ Attic

I certainly enjoyed seeing everyone at the convention in September and especially friends that I had not seen during my travels this year. Many thanks to Dr. Bill Hazel for being the keynote speaker again this year and Delegate Barry Knight for his enthusiastic welcome to Virginia Beach. Finally, thanks to Sheriff Ken Stolle for filling in for his brother, Delegate Chris Stolle, and presenting a memorial resolution to Kay Laws.

I also appreciated the invitation by President Fern Puckett of the AVAVRS to speak the auxiliary members on the Friday morning of convention. This was a wonderful experience and enforces the fact that they are getting involved in the legislative process.

2013 VIRGINIA'S FIRE

AND

EMS LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

By the time you read this article your squad should have received by electronic mail a copy of this booklet. Please print it and use it to contact your legislator prior to the beginning of the session. This is the Legislative Agenda of Virginia's Fire and EMS community. Here is what it covers: $4.25 for Life funding for EMS In 2009, the budget removed the interest that is earned annually by the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund, approximate average is $170,000.00. These dollars went into the RSAF account for distribution as grants to requesting agencies. The grants are for equipment, supplies, training, recruitment, and retention and are only for volunteer agencies, non-profits, and local governments.

Grant requests totaled $15.0 billion and of the 243 requests, 196 were funded (80%). The largest amount was for the purchase of ambulances and other EMS vehicles, the second was ALS and BLS equipment.

A committee of the EMS Advisory Board has developed a Needs Assessment to be completed by EMS agencies and provided to members of the General Assembly during the 2013 session.

The purposed solution is that the Governor and General Assembly restore the interest earned by the $6.25 for the purpose as stated in the Code of Virginia.

Fire Programs Funding Being in 2012, VDFP is no longer allowed to make "mini grants" from interest earned by the VDFP fund.

These funds came from the State Corporation Commission prior to distribution to localities. The interest on this fund is the same as the RSAF fund where the interest is now reverted to the General Fund and not be used for its designated purpose.

The "mini-grants" were designed to limit grants to projects and programs that positively impact and/or (Continued on page 25)

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further fire service training within the Commonwealth. The maximum grant was $10,000.00. These funds allowed small departments to obtain much needed training equipment that otherwise would have to have been purchased.

VDFP also conducts an annual needs assessment of Virginia's fire service. Accordingly, the current report states that the fire service in Virginia needs are $524 million.

The proposed resolution is to restore the interest funds back to the fire programs fund.

Line of Duty Death Benefit Funding In 2010, the funding for the Line of Duty fund as shifted from the Commonwealth to the localities, creating an unfunded mandate to the localities. This also created the possibility of for inconsistencies in benefits and a loss of cost efficiencies in the administration of the program. The LODA is currently funded either through contributions from local government employers to a fund established for the LODA and managed through the Virginia Retirement System or employers may self-fund the program benefits.

The LODA guarantees health care protection for the families of all public safety employees throughout the Commonwealth who are killed or are permanently disabled in the line of duty. This also includes our volunteers. The LODA also aids in the recruitment and retention of volunteer and career fire and EMS providers providing a consistent benefit to all first responders throughout the state.

The proposed solution is that the Governor and the General Assembly reform the LODA to create a permanent and dedicated funding stream. Law enforcement, fire and EMS stakeholders have reached consensus to fund the LODA through an 18¢ surcharge on cell and land line telephones.

This is a lot of information for this article but it breaks down the booklet, which is longer.

January 9, 2013 begins the 2013 General Assembly session. The officers of the VAVRS and for the first time, officers of the AVAVRS will be visiting legislators with the association's agenda. Besides the three items listed above, VAVRS has other items that they will be pursuing during the session.

Briefly, they are: National background checks for those joining EMS agencies. There is new language in the new EMS regulations that require this, but there needs to be a code change for it to work.

Changing the requirements for recertification of EMT, etc.

12 lead EKG grant funding - working with the American Heart Association Moreover, as always, we will be defending attempts to use the $4.25 for Life funds for purposes other than for EMS. You may always contact a member of the legislative committee directly to inquire as to the status of legislation. If you do contact your legislator, use the material that you will be provided, and you may direct them to me should they have questions.

Have a wonderful holiday season and see you after the first of the year.

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From the Junior Squad of the Waynesboro FAC Submitted by Acting Historian Zachary Stachowski Greetings from the Junior Squad of the Waynesboro First Aid Crew. We have our meetings every 2nd Tuesday of each month. We are working on fundraising. One is a reflective address signs for 911 addresses.

We attended the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads‘ Convention this year. We took 2nd place in the Virginia Junior Volunteer Rescue Squad‘s EMT Competition and we also took 2nd place in the VAJVRS Scrapbook Awards. We also attended the Jr. BOG meetings at convention. In the month of October we will be voting on Junior Officers for the 2013 and 2014 year.

Officers President Cora Fearnow Vice President Emily Snyder Secretary/Treasurer Aryn Onnen Chaplain Dakota Looney Historian Shannon Cain District 3 V. P. Cora Fearnow District 7 V. P. Dakota Looney District 9 V. P. Christina Stanley Advisor, Chair Alfred Smith Advisor Woody T. Connor Advisor Brandon Baugus Advisor Woody Connor Advisor Micky Grodski Advisor Kim Craig V I R G I N I A

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President - Fern Puckett

Convention - Janis Slough

Vice President - Sharon Campbell

Convention Co-Chair - Vickie Arnold

Secretary - Dolores Hudson

Life Membership - Ruth Swicegood

Treasurer - Kitty Campbell

Nominating - Carolyn Brand

Chaplain - Clara Craig

Resolutions - Harry Householder

Historian - Heather S. Fox

Emergency Care - Ailease Short

Parliamentarian - Harry Householder

Membership - Sharon K. Campbell

Immediate Past President - Joan Smoot

Finance - Kitty Campbell

Midwestern VP - Sheila Gordon

Roll Call - Jean Garrett

Northeastern VP - Eddie Ann Orndoff

Roll Call Co-Chair - Valarie Becker

Southcentral VP - Patsy Wingfield

Recruitment & Retention - Marie Householder

Southeastern VP - Fay Browning

Fund Raising - Linda Berkstresser

Southwestern VP - Jean Garrett Western VP - Debbie Rohr

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From Auxiliary of the Waynesboro First Aid Crew Submitted By CeCe McCormick Auxiliary of the Waynesboro First Aid Crew Historian Happy fall ya‘all from the Auxiliary of the Waynesboro First Aid Crew. Now that Convention is over we would like to Congratulate our teams. All of our Scrapbooks took 2nd place. Auxiliary, Sr. Squad and the Jr. Squad. With the JR EMT team taking 2nd place and our Sr. EMT team taking 1st place as EMT State Champions. We the Auxiliary paid $500.00 towards food and drinks for our squad in the Hospitality room, where we all had a great time and fellowship .The last project we had finished the free clinic lunch that we prepare a lunch for all the employees with the Waynesboro Free Clinic. Search and Rescue class went well. We also prepared lunch for that. Our cabinets are in and up the countertops came shortly after. Thanks again to Danny McCormick and his pastor Gary May for all their hard work on installing all of the cabinets and countertops .With drill right around the corner we will be doing our normal dinner before drill on Thursday and Breakfast for Friday morning drill as a gift we give our Crew. With the picture project up and coming we hope to have a great turn out. We have had our monthly meeting with voting in a few projects. Our Birthday dinner will be in October at Red Lobster. Well that is about all for now see you all at the next District meeting in Lexington.

From AVAVRS Treasurer Submitted by Kitty Campbell Convention has come and gone, and the weather is ever changing. As we prepare for the new year of 2013 I come with reminders.

This is a reminder to make sure your auxiliary/support group has taken care of state and district dues. State Dues are $5.00 per person and are to be sent to the AVAVRS State Treasurer. Life Members of the AVAVRS are exempt from state dues. Remember, if you add any new members to your roster in the coming months, you should pay dues for them, so they become a part of the AVAVRS family as quickly as possible.

District dues vary depending which district you are in. They are to be sent to your district secretary/treasurer. Dues play an important part in the AVAVRS budget. Do your part and help the association meet its obligations.

Please submit your state dues to Kitty Campbell, 308 Shenandoah St SE, Leesburg VA 20175. Dues should be received no later than January 31, 2013.

Thank you for your support of the AVAVRS. Take care and feel free to contact me if you need anything. I am here to assist you and your auxiliary/support group.

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From AVAVRS Vice President Fantastic 2012 Convention Submitted by Sharon Karlet Campbell I hope that each of you had as much fun at the Beach as I did. My only regret is that I was unable to visit with you all more. It seemed as if I was always in high gear rushing from one thing to another.

The AVAVRS accomplished a lot and I appreciate your help with that. Congratulations to our newest AVAVRS Life Member, Fern Puckett: Fay Browning was recognized as the Outstanding Service Award Winner. Loudoun County received the AVAVRS Emergency Care Award and Glasgow was honored as the 2012 Auxiliary of the Year. WOW!!! Did you get a chance to look at the scrapbook? It has been awhile since I have seen that many great books in one place. Ladies and gentlemen, you have much to pat yourself of the back for. Yes, you want to have a pretty book but the majority of the score is on your activities and this is one busy group. Congratulations to the Western District for placing 1st with their scrapbook and to the Southcentral District for placing 2nd. Glade Spring had a beautiful scrapbook and received Honorable Mention in the individual category. Greater Manassas placed 4th with Bridgewater placing 3rd, 2nd place was won by Waynesboro and the 1st place winner was Cave Spring.

Congratulations to the members of the Colonial Beach Support Group who received their Membership Certificate on the Saturday morning of Convention. Let‘s all work together and try to at least double that next year. Make your crew‘s aware of the amount of money an Auxiliary can help them raise for much needed equipment. The dinners they cook cannot be surpassed and they can help with things around the crew hall, mailings, etc. An Auxiliary/Support Group or whatever you want to call them can be an asset. I am more than willing to send information or come for a visit.

Following is the application that Glasgow submitted for the ―2012 Auxiliary of the Year‖. My thanks to Maxine Kerns, Debbie Smallwood, Jean Garrett, Gary Frame, Sheila Gordon, Debbie Rohr and Patsy Wingfield for being the judges of this competition.

AVAVRS Participation: We attended all three meetings held in our District We competed at the District Meetings taking the EMT Quizzes One of our members hold a District Office Position Three Members attended Spring Officers Work Shop in Richmond Attending Convention were seven of our members where we also attended all business meetings All seven members attended the AVAVRS Breakfast meeting We provided 21 gifts to Convention for daily drawings and gifts for Friday night‘s President‘s Social We helped selling raffle tickets before and during convention Several Members helped with the 50/50 at Convention We have submitted pictures to our District Historian We had one member to attend Rescue College at Virginia Tech We hosted one of our Districts meeting Service to the Community: We have collected for our local Food Pantry We held open house for our Community We had health screening and distributed safety material at open house Several Members provided meals to the shut-ins (Continued on page 33)

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Senior and Junior Members host a monthly dance for our teens to help keep them off the streets We helped with the Relay for Life cake walk We deliver are food baskets and toys at Christmas We feed our local Raritan Club their annual Christmas Dinner.

They raise money for the community Several of our members donate to the ―Goodwill Industries‖ All of our Members are CPR Certified We assist Santa visiting with the children after our Christmas Parade Recruiting Program: Crew is kept informed of our activities by our President who attends their monthly business meeting We talk to new people about joining our organization and where we stand as an Auxiliary We hold our Annual Dinner for our Auxiliary Members for conversation and relaxation At Christmas, we share Christmas Dinner with our Squad where we all have a good time Super Bowl Sunday is spent with our Squad watching the football game, eating and have a GREAT time Setup, along with our Squad, applications for recruitment Service to our Squad: We provide refreshments for our Squad‘s Board Meetings We provided food for the EMT classes held at the building several times Served refreshments for Installation of Elected Officers We keep our squad building clean Decoration of tables done by Auxiliary Members for several events We provided sodas for our Holiday Dinner Food was prepared for our members that were fighting a huge fire We purchased for our Squad, State and Local Flags for the crew hall Purchased blinds for the windows in the crew hall We provide a jar of cookies or candy in the radio room for our crew We helped clean and set up for District Meeting At the Squad and Auxiliaries Annual Awards Banquet, held in Oct. we presented our Squad with a donation of $2250.00 for training materials We purchase cleaning supplies for the building The Auxiliary stuffs and stack per mailing area the fund drive letters twice a year Cards and/or flowers are mailed by us to Crew Members and Auxiliary Members Several of our Auxiliary Members run call Increased Community Awareness: We participate with our Squad holding Open House Along with our Senior Squad we participated in the Trunk-or-Treat at Halloween held at a local church We help with the Annual Christmas Parade and decorate our town for Christmas We keep our Community updated on our activities through the local newspaper and internet In honor of EMS Week, we chose to give our Squad Members, our Town Fire Fighters and our Town Police Sergeant a meal ticket to be used at any Event we have from July till November The Glasgow Auxiliary is active each month in holding and/or participating in 2-3 projects. Some of these projects lasting several days.

2012 Auxiliary of the Year!

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Cave Spring Rescue Squad Auxiliary News Submitted by Sharon K. Campbell August found several of our members busy finishing the scrapbook for competition. They worked hard, late into the night and finally finished it so that it could be delivered to the AVAVRS Historian. Delivering the book was a good reason to have a road trip and lunch in a new town. We have fun anytime we can.

At the crew‘s September business meeting it was announced that the refrigerator in the downstairs crew hall kitchen was on its last legs. It is a good thing that we have a good relationship with a local appliance store, because once again we headed there to find a replacement.

They ordered a new refrigerator and installed it the next Saturday. We also spent a lot of time in September getting things in order for our Annual Fall Chicken Barbecue which was scheduled for the Saturday following convention.

Several of us traveled to Virginia Beach for the Convention and had a wonderful time visiting with old and new friends. Congratulations to all of the convention winners and of course special congratulations to the members of the Cave Spring Auxiliary for their 1st place scrapbook award. On Saturday night we helped sell 50/50 raffle tickets at the convention center and three of our members were installed as officers of the AVAVRS. Sharon Campbell will be serving her second year as the AVAVRS Vice President, Vickie Arnold is continuing as the Convention Co Chair and Patsy Wingfield was installed as the AVAVRS Southcentral District VP. We also want to congratulate Crew Member, Bob Wingfield on obtaining Life Membership in the VAVRS. On Saturday, October 6th we held our Annual Fall Chicken Barbecue. It was a windy day which meant more charcoal and more barbecue sauce but the day was a total success with a profit of over $4000.00.

We had many customers eating at the crew hall this year and they seemed to enjoy sitting and talking with each other. As usual it is a long hard day but we had a lot of help and it was great seeing some of the old crew members who came back to lend us a hand. A lot of preparation goes into this project but it is a wonderful PR day and the community always supports us.

We continue to host the Virginia Tech Master Gardeners Class at the crew hall twice a week. They will be meeting there until the second week of November. It is a fairly easy project as we just have to be sure they have everything they need and be there if they have a problem.

We welcome Daniela Santos as our newest member. Daniela was a member of the crew but decided to go back to school so she didn‘t have the time to continue to run calls and this gives her a way to stay involved with the crew and the community.

We continue to sell RADA products and are always looking for something new and different to use as money making project. If anyone has ideas, I hope you will share. It is always interesting to hear the Auxiliary Reports at the District meetings and see how busy everyone is and what they are doing to raise money.

Fall is here so I know that winter cannot be far behind. If the squirrels and nuts are any indication, this year is going to be a bad one.

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Here are your humorous captions to this photo of District 1 VP Scott Masincup and VAVRS Rescue College Co-Chair Wayne Myers at a recent meeting: From D. Chandler—‖It‘s hard to look right at you baby. But here‘s my number, so call me, maybe?‖ From D. Akers—‖This telephone just doesn‘t work the way they said it would, do you see a problem with it?‖ From M. Ayers—‖I don‘t care if you pick your nose, but you don‘t have to show me!!‖ From R. Ranger—‖My fingers always do this when I look over my glasses at a bearded man. Do you think that is weird?‖

In each of the 2012 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 VAVRS Parliamentarian J. C. Phillips taken by Carl Cherry at the VAVRS Convention. All entries will be (after censoring) printed. Send your captions by email to gdalton@vavrs.com.

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Dear Rescue Ranger, I have been told by my EMT Instructor that is possible for an unresponsive patient to hear what‘s going on even though they are unconscious.

Could that possibly be true?

Out of It in Olympia Dear ―Out of It‖ Yes, and from my experience here are some examples of what not to say in front of unresponsive patients:: ―Bo Bo, Bad Dog, bring back that severed hand.‖ ―Better save that. We'll need it for the autopsy.‖ ―Wait a minute, if that is supposed to be his nose, then what's that? ― ―Oops! Hey, has anyone ever survived 500 ml of epinephrine before? ― ―Ya' know... there's big money in kidneys...and this guy's got two of 'em.‖ ―Could you stop that thing from beeping? It's throwing my concentration off. ― ―That's cool! Now watch me make his leg twitch!‖ Well guys, this procedure will be a first for all of us, good luck.‖ ―Partner, did this patient sign the organ donation card?‖ ―Rats! Page 47 of the protocols is missing!‖ Dear Rescue Ranger, If time heals all wounds, how come the belly button stays the same?

Doug E Dear Rescue Ranger, You are such a role model. I was told you are always polite and chivalrous. In fact I heard you went out of your way to give a woman your seat on the DC Metro last week. True?

Proud in Petersburg Dear Doug, Well to be honest I was traveling to a Washington Nationals game with my son and gave her my son‘s seat. He was sitting in my lap.

Dear Rescue Ranger, How would you define the kind of apathy found within the a squad from time to time.

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Dear Caring, Let me tell you a little story, titled ―That‘s Not My Job…It‘s a story about four people— Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry 'bout that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done. That‘s my story about apathy.

Dear Rescue Ranger, I love a good mystery novel, I can solve almost any complicated story I have ever read….want to try me?

Thinking in Tannersville Dear Thinking, Listen closely.

Three elderly ladies are excited about their first World Series baseball game.

They smuggled a bottle of Jack Daniels into the game. The game is very exciting and they are enjoying themselves drinking Jack Daniels mixed with soft drinks.

Soon they realize that the bottle of Jack Daniels is almost gone and the game still has many innings to go.

Using the clues given, what inning is the game in and what is the status of the game?

Think! Think! Think!

Think some more!

Give UP? Ok, The Answer: It's the bottom of the fifth and the bags are loaded.

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 The sun over the ocean in Virginia Beach as another VAVRS Convention comes to a close.

Make plans to attend next year—September 25-28, 2013 P.S.—Brenda Skalsky—Thank you for the beautiful photo and the wonderful comments regarding the Memorial Service. God has truly bless us all.