VIRGINIA LIFELINE - VAVRS September-October 2012

VIRGINIA LIFELINE SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 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: September 1, 2012 for Convention October 10, 2012 for November/December December 10, 2012 for January/February

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

THE VIRGINIA LIFELINE ISSN 0279-6023 is the official bimonthly publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc. 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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Executive Committee Meetings September 27, 2012 VA Beach Resort and Conference Center 10:00 a.m.

November 3, 2012 Oilville 9:00 a.m.

Upcoming Events September 26—29, 2012 VAVRS Convention Virginia Beach November 5—11, 2012 Virginia EMS Symposium Norfolk Waterside Marriott

Diamond Reflections "Diamond Reflections" a book regarding the first 75 years of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads is now available from the VAVRS Office by calling the VAVRS Office at 800-833-0602 The more than 250 page hardback book has chapters about our history, our Past Presidents, Life Members, Hall of Fame members, VAVRS/ AVAVRS/VAJVRS officers, State Conventions, Rescue College, and much more.

For only $30.00 plus $5.00 shipping, you can own your own copy of this beautiful documentation of 75 years of the VAVRS. V I R G I N I A

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

As many of you are aware the Finance Committee has been working very hard in efforts to obtain a balanced budget for 2013. I would like to commend the Finance Committee for their efforts and ideas to make sure VAVRS is a successful and prosperous organization. There are going to be decisions made and believe they are going to be tough.

The VAVRS Convention is right around the corner. It just amazes me how strong the competition is between the teams and after the competition we work together and discuss the efforts made by all.

We certainly have a great organization.

As we continue to grow we need to continue to support the auxiliary and our junior organizations. These organizations work very hard to support VAVRS, and sometimes we are so involved in other issues we don’t think to recognize them. I was a junior member of my squad and if it wasn’t for the assistance given to me, I probably wouldn’t be involved in Emergency Medical Services today. It only takes a few minutes each day, week, or month to help a new member. Give a fellow member the help, encouragement and assistance they need and want.

President Edward B. “ Bubby” Bish Jr. As most of you know, it really is a rewarding feeling.

Vice President Rickey Hodge I will never forget those that were there for and Secretary Connie Moore helped me. Please be safe and see you at Convention!

Officers

Treasurer Steven Dove

Training Officer Scott Davis Chaplain/Editor Gary Dalton Historian Mike Smoot 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. Thomas Gwaltney District 4 V. P. Karen Wagner 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. Teresa F. Whitlock District 9 V. P. Claude Graybeal District 10 V. P. Ronald Ridgley

Committee Chairs Nominating—R. Bruce Stratton Membership/Personnel—Rickey Hodge Life Membership—Ronnie Slough Bylaws—Bruce Edwards Hall of Fame—A. Page Entsminger 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 V I R G I N I A

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District One News Submitted by Amy Markham, District One Secretary District One “Call of the Quarter” - July, 2012 The Covington Rescue Squad has had many different calls for service over its many years of existence, but to work a trauma call for a friend right after, “all hell had broken loose”.

The evening of Friday June 29th was another very hot, sticky day. The temperature in Covington had reached 104 degrees that day.

Our citizens were begging for some rain to cool the summer air. What we got at about 2025 hours was rapidly darkened clouds like no one had ever seen. Then it hit! What the weather service had later called, ―Derecho‖. All hell broke loose, catching our rescue squad totally off guard. Winds of a ―Derecho‖ are normally about 50-60 MPH. The wind storm that devastated Covington were estimated by the weather service in Blacksburg to be around 100 MPH. This was rare, but due to an exceptionally hot air mass. These winds are about the strength of a category 2 hurricane. Rescue Squad members were being chased and trapped on the roadways by flying debris and falling trees while responding to the many calls for help that immediately started during the storm.

Electric power to the whole city and surrounding area was lost, and remained out for (6) days. The rescue squad normally answers 60 calls for service in about 2-3 weeks. We answered 60 calls for injuries, illnesses, and home oxygen machines failing, all in a six (6) day period. Most of our crew and their families made their new home at the rescue squad building, cooking on a grill. With the thawing meats in freezers, I must say the crew ate well. If one good thing came out of this storm event, it was the rescue squad membership getting through this in a positive way through closeness in fellowship.

One call that stood out was an injured friend to many of our rescue squad members and a relative to one of them. At 2336 hours on June 29th this call was toned out to our members for a public works employee who was cutting a tree out of the roadway at the bridge on South Craig Avenue, and the tree split by the chain-saw, kicked back striking the 37 year old male on the side of the head, knocking him onto the concrete roadway of the bridge.

The crew immediately responded in Unit 36 EMT-B status. The on scene time was five (5) minutes from the time the call was dispatched.

Upon arrival the patient was found laying supine on the roadway and had been unresponsive at first, but was now awake, however disoriented to time and place. C-spine control was immediately taken and with the airway patent, oxygen was applied high flow (15-liters) via NRM. The patient was checked and found to have a full bounding pulse and respirations at 16 PM. The patient skin was pale and moist.

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The fire department as well as police were on scene to assist. Air transport was considered and called for, but was unavailable. The patient was ccollared and then placed on a long board. PMS before and after boarding was acceptable. The only injury noted was bleeding of the head and this was controlled by bandage and dressing.

Head trauma was suspected with the blood pressure at 2352 hours @ 191/110, pulse was 90, and skin was pinking up but still moist. The respirations were still at 16 with normal breathing. The patient was treated for shock.

The patient was somewhat a little more responsive and complained of a headache, and did not remember what had happened. With the hospital only 6 miles out, transport was immediately executed with arrival at Lewis-Gale @ Alleghany @ 2256 hours, twenty minutes from the time the call was toned. It was thought that the patient had a depressed skull fracture, however x-rays was unavailable due to no power in the x-ray department at the hospital, due to failure of a generator.

It was later learnt that the patient suffered a laceration and a concussion. He has made a full recovery.

When asking him recently on the streets of Covington if his head still hurts? With a smile, his response was, ―Like a Derecho‖. Respectfully Submitted, Roy Markham, Jr.

Waynesboro Wins Benny Rice Award Submitted by Robbi Blackburn, Waynesboro FAC Each year District 1 honors a squad with the Benny Rice Award. Benny was a member of the Buena Vista Rescue Squad. A few months after being elected VAVRS chaplain, Benny passed away. To honor his memory, Buena Vista developed the Benny Rice Award. This award is given to the squad in the district who has accumulated the most points throughout the year at district competition. Points are earned in various categories of competition and for their activities reports. This year the award was presented at the July district meeting to the Waynesboro First Aid Crew. It was especially meaningful to the WFAC as it was the first time we have won the award and it was given at the district meeting we were hosting.

The WFAC is honored to have won this prestigious award.

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Hopewell Emergency Crew’s First Summer Camp Submitted by Renee McCaver, Hopewell Emergency Crew The Hopewell Emergency Crew (HEC) held it's first Summer Rescue Camp July 18-21. The camp was directed at ages 13-17 years.

They had 13 participants for the four day program. The teens attended from 9:30 to 4:00 each day. Lunch was provided by the Crew.

The teens started with learning Family & Friends CPR and basic first aid. Presentations were given by various groups. The Department of Game & Inland Fisheries talked about gun safety, hunting safety, fishing & boating safety. The Hopewell Fire Department gave a presentation on fire safety, fire extinguishers and PASS (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).

Each of the participants had the opportunity to use the fire extinguisher to put out a fire.

Approximately 2/3 of the group said they had never used a fire extinguisher before but felt they could use one correctly now.

Day two featured the Hopewell Police Department talking about bicycle safety, internet safety and police services. A bicycle obstacle course was set up for the teens to negotiate. Each of the participants was given a bicycle helmet courtesy of the Hopewell Emergency Crew. A representative from Dominion Virginia Power gave a talk on electricity & the dangers of downed lines and ground transformers.

On day three, the teens were visited by A representative from HCA/JRMC who talked about careers in EMS. They toured the ambulances. Equipment was demonstrated and questions were answered. The teens had the opportunity to use both the manual stretcher and the power stretcher.

The final day featured a mini EVOC cone course which was negotiated with a golf cart. Each of the teens drove the cart through the course with a HEC member riding. The difficulty factor was increased by adding shuffle steering. The teens also participated in some EMS games which included stretcher races and a scavenger hunt where questions from the previous three days were used to obtain clues. A visit from the Virginia State Police finished the four day event. The trooper talked about driving safety & distracted driving.

A final evaluation was obtained from the teens with the EVOC course the favorite activity and the comment that they wished it was longer on most evaluations. Plans are being made for a camp in 2013.

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District Three News Submitted by Cindy Swann, District 3 Historian

District 3 Meeting was held Saturday, August 4th at Southside Virginia Emergency Crew. We had a pretty good turnout for the class and meeting.

District 3’s New Life Members: Congratulation to Tom Gwaltney, VP, Wayne Rapp, Treasurer and Lara Baker, Secretary. All three more than deserve this recognition for the work they have done for District 3 in one way or another throughout the years.

At the November meeting they will be made official and receive their plaques. We were glad to see Peggy Vorous back after her accident and doing so well. Those that don’t attend meetings really missed out on some very good classes that Peggy teaches and getting CE credits. We were also glad to see Kathy Eubank. If there are those that aren’t aware, Kathy had hip surgery in June and is doing real well and back at work.

Competition: The only competition we had was EVOC. We just had enough sign up in order for us to hold competition. If help is needed throughout the state, information is being compiled from each organization on what equipment they have available, vehicles, etc. This will make it much easier to know which organization should be contacted if and when help is needed.

As always had 50-50 raffle and drawing for door prizes. We want to thank Southside VA Emergency Crew for a great meal and a great time. Last, but definitely not least, it was time to elect a new District VP and Kenny Frenier, with no opposition, was again voted into that office. Congratulations Kenny. Hope everyone going to Convention has a great time and a safe trip.

In Memoriam—Charlie Wilson June 28, 2012 Louisa County lost Charlie Wilson a 21 year old, and a very special young man due to a single vehicle accident.

At the time of the accident Charlie was en-route to his assigned station. Charlie started out as a Volunteer running with Mineral Volunteer Fire, Louisa Rescue Squad and also Crozier Volunteer Fire. 2009 became a part time career EMT/Firefighter with Louisa County. August 2010 was hired full time.

Charlie was known as ―gentle giant‖. Charlie was a member of Mineral United Methodist Church where he served as an acolyte member of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and Youth Group. Charlie was also a member of Louisa Boy Scout Troop 3 and in 2008 attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Served as Assistant Scout Master for Mineral Boy Scout Troop 183. 2008 Charlie was recognized by ―Volunteers of Louisa‖ as the Youth Volunteer of the year.

Charlie’s image was chosen by VFCA SAFER Recruitment and Retention Committee in 2011/12 with banners displayed across Louisa Co. to best represent the face of volunteerism. Charlie never stopped helping other. Charlie followed in his parents footsteps. His father Blair has been a volunteer with Fire and EMS within Louisa Co. and recently completed his term as president of Louisa Volunteer Rescue. His mother, Barbara, recently retired as Louisa County Middle School Librarian and had been an integral part of the GED program, Santa Council and an Auxiliary Member of Mineral Volunteer FD. V I R G I N I A

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District Four News Submitted by Karen D. Wagner, 4th District Vice President

In 2011 District 4 purchased a pre-owned 10 X 6 trailer to be used for housing district training equipment. The trailer was in great shape, however, finding an affordable means to cover up the old painted logos on the sides of the trailer quickly become a challenge. Enter‌Hot Custom Signs of Winchester, VA‌ the vendor produced a wrap using photos we provided of various training events held around the state incorporated with the VAVRS logo.

District 4 is now proudly showing off the trailer and their affiliation with the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads.

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District Eight News Submitted by R. Blake Byrd, Captain Tappahannock VRS The Tappahannock Volunteer Rescue Squad is pleased to announce our First Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign that will be held from September 14-October 31, 2012. The idea for such an event was a vision of squad members several months ago to give back to those in the community in a different fashion in conjunction with the medical services provided by the agency on a day to day basis. At the beginning of June, the vision began to take the form of reality as a design for a T-Shirt was proposed and a marketing campaign was organized. At the TRS July business meeting, it was unanimously voted to donate all profits from the T-Shirt sales to member (s) of the community that have fought or are fighting against the disease and are in need. In tandem with the T-Shirt sales, Tappahannock Rescue will also be conducting several fundraising events during this time frame with businesses and other organizations in the community in an effort to raise funds for the cause.

In the pre-hospital setting we see only a small portion of the events or illnesses that lead to members of the community needing our services, and not the long term effects that different diseases or accidents have on a person/family’s well-being. It is with this that we ask that you join Tappahannock Rescue Squad in illustrating your support by purchasing a T-Shirt and showing all those that have fought the disease as well as those who fought but could not pull through that regardless of agency designation, we all stand for their perseverance in the battle. See attached order form for details.

Respectfully, Members of Tappahannock Rescue Squad— EMS Station 5-―The Fightin’ Fifth‖

2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 100% of profit supports local cancer patients

BACK DESIGN

T Shirts $10 each

We will also be selling t shirts at various locations in Tappahannock Sept 14, 2012- Oct 31, 2012 To Order T-Shirts or Donate write to Tappahannock Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 583, Tappahannock, Va. 22560 or visit www.vavrs.com/news and fill out an order form.

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Officers President Christina Stanley Vice President Cora Fearnow Secretary/Treasurer April Harris Chaplain Dylan Coalson Historian Stephen Martone District 2 V. P. Jennifer Winston District 3 V. P. Cora Fearnow District 9 V. P. Christina Stanley Advisor, Chair Alfred Smith Advisor Woody T. Connor Advisor Katherine Eubank Advisor Micky Grodski Advisor Kim Craig Advisor Brandon Baugus

From the VAJVRS Submitted by Alfred Smith, Chair, VAJVRS Senior Advisor The VAJVRS Officers and Senior Advisors met on July 28, 2012, at Concord Rescue Squad for a meeting to discuss the officers' and senior advisors' job descriptions, to write up sample agendas for the VAJVRS convention meeting and for their Executive/BOG meeting, and to review Parliamentary procedure for their meetings.

The junior officers in attendance were President, Christina Stanley; Vice President, Cora Fearnow; Secretary/Treasurer, April Harris; and Chaplain, Dylan Coalson. Due to college obligations, Historian, Stephen Martone, was unable to attend. Senior advisors that came to support the junior officers were Alfred Smith, Chairman; Woody Conner, Micky Grodski, Brandon Baugus, and Kim Craig.

The junior squad was also fortunate enough to have the extra guidance of VAVRS President Bubby Bish. It was a very productive meeting. The junior officers and the senior advisors would like to thank the Concord Rescue Squad for their hospitality and use of their building. We are all looking forward to the convention in Virginia Beach and the election of new officers for 2012-2013 year.

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National EMS Memorial Service Submitted by Steven Dove, VAVRS Treasurer On June 23, 2012 the National EMS Memorial Service honored 20 individuals from 13 states that had lost their lives in the line of duty. These 20 individuals join 581 others previously honored by the National EMS Memorial Service. This year’s service was held in Colorado Springs at the Pikes Peak Center.

Members of the honoree’s families are presented with a medallion, symbolizing eternal memory; a United States Flag which was flown over the Nation’s Capital, symbolizing service to the country; and a white rose, symbolizing their undying love. In addition to the presentations made during the service, each honoree’s name is engraved on a bronze oak leaf which is added to the ―Tree of Life.‖ Friday night events began with the arrival of the riders of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Inc. arriving at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. Their journey began three days earlier in Fort Collins. The approximately 160 mile ride through Colorado included stops in Boulder and an appearance at the Denver Air Medical Memorial on June 21st. From the Air Medical Memorial riders traveled to Colorado Springs to take part in the National EMS Memorial Service.

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The National EMS Memorial Service began in 1991 when a group of members with the VAVRS realized that there was no event that recognized the sacrifices made by emergency medical service providers that died in the line of duty in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VAVRS established a National EMS Memorial Committee to organize the National EMS Memorial Service.

The City of Roanoke was chosen to host the Memorial Service.

Roanoke has its own place in EMS history as the home of Julian Stanley Wise and the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew.

Wise was the founder of that organization which was the first volunteer rescue squad in the United States.

In May of 1998 the U.S. Congress, through unanimously passed concurrent resolutions of the Senate and House of Representatives (S. Con. Res and H. Con Res. 171) recognized the National EMS Memorial Service, held in Roanoke, VA, as the official EMS Memorial of the United States.

In April of 2008, after a two year nationwide search, Colorado Springs, Colorado was chosen as the new host city of the National EMS Memorial Service and site of the new permanent outdoor National EMS Memorial. Colorado Springs hosted its first Memorial Service in June of 2010.

Public safety agencies in the Commonwealth of Virginia continue to support the National EMS Memorial Service even though it is over 1,400 miles away. Several individuals from Virginia attended the 2012 Memorial Service. In attendance were Kevin Dillard, past President of the National EMS Memorial Service and Past President of VAVRS. Kevin currently serves on the National EMS Memorial Service Board as a Director Emeritus. Danny Wildman, also Director Emeritus, has also served as past Treasurer of the National EMS Memorial Service Board, and past VAVRS District 10 Vice President and Editor. VAVRS Individual Member Jean Venner serves as a Director Emeritus with the National EMS Memorial Service Board. National EMS Memorial Service Board Director Tim Perkins, also serves as the EMS Systems Planner with the Virginia Department of Health, Office of EMS. VAVRS Treasurer Steve Dove also attended this year’s Memorial Service. Ron S. Quesenberry, Rescue Specialist with the James City County Fire Department served as the Honor Guard Commander with the National EMS Memorial Service Honor Guard. Firefighter/EMT Ryan Passera and Firefighter Matthew Burgett with the Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department’s Honor Guard also served on the National EMS Memorial Service’s Honor Guard during this year’s Memorial Service.

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The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip Submitted by J. C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian Guess What? I learned something at the recent Rescue College held at Virginia Tech. I again taught a Parliamentary Law Class at Rescue College and when I was teaching the four different times a President could vote, one of the students said that he thought a President could vote another time, other than the four times I had already mentioned. He said that he thought the President could also vote when he or she gave up the chair to voice his or her opinions on a motion that is still on the floor. He was right. I had forgotten about that particular situation.

When I refer to a President, I am also talking about anyone that chairs a meeting. In rescue squads or fire departments it is sometimes a Captain or a Chief that chairs a meeting. In other organizations, the chair could have a name of another title.

The following are the five times a President can vote, if he or she wishes: The President can vote to break a tie.

The President can vote to cause a tie, if only one vote decides the outcome.

The President can vote in a ballot vote.

The President can vote if there are 12 or less members present at a Board Meeting.

The President can vote if he or she gives up the chair temporarily.

In this situation the President gives up the chair to voice his or her feelings on a motion that is still on the floor. In this type of situation, the President has given up the duties of chairing the meeting and can vote like any other voting member. After the motion is taken care of, he or she then takes back the chair.

Remember, a President can vote under these five circumstances if he or she wishes, unless their bylaws say different.

From the Nominating Committee Chair

Submitted by R. Bruce Stratton, VAVRS Nominating Committee Chair Slate of Officers for the VAVRS for 2012-2013 President - Edward B. Bush, Jr.

Southside VA Emergency Crew

Vice President - Rickey Hodge

Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad Secretary - Connie Moore

Kenbridge Emergency Squad Treasurer - Steven Dove

Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department Training Officer - Scott Davis

Giles County Rescue Squad

Chaplain - Darlene Ferguson

Brunswick Volunteer Rescue Squad V I R G I N I A

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Submitted by Fran Phillips, VAVRS Recruitment and Retention Chair THE THREE R’S - Recruit - Retain - Reconcile A DREAM SQUAD: I hope you have recruited new members during the summer months and that you are training or have trained these new ―recruits‖ as professional rescue squad members. Have they been assigned to a crew? Have you given them a mentor?

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R&R Committee

Has there been a squad picnic, members going to district meetings and convention with competition teams in every category? What a dream squad!! Now don’t get me wrong—if there is a squad out there that has done all of the above, I would like to hear from you.

RECRUIT - NEW MEMBERS: Let prospective members know what kind of training is expected of them and who will pay for this training. How long do your new members have [six months? a year?] to become certified in the areas that your squad requires: i.e., EMT, CPR, EVOC, Hazmat, etc. Do you give them a uniform, pants, boots or do they pay for their own? Do you give them equipment such as a pager or radio and training on how to use these items? Are they given a listing of the members of their crew and who to get hold of for duty assignments or to ask questions? Has their crew been notified that a new member has been assigned to them and do they welcome this new person in an appropriate way???

Remember, at one time all of us were new to our squad and needed guidance in the administrative and operations of our squad.

RETENTION OF YOUR MEMBERS: A mentor or assigned person will be able to help the new member adjust to squad life. Does the person have someone to talk to after a ―bad‖ call? Does your squad offer continuing education by sending your members to Rescue College in June or to the Seminars given during the annual convention in September? Do you help by reimbursing their expenses using VAVRS guidelines? Do you have an annual banquet and installation of officers ceremony? Do you recognize members at this banquet for their excellent work during the year? Do you have monthly or quarterly meetings?

During EMS Week do you do something special for all your members? Some squads have the following: a dinner cooked by operations for squad members and their families, a special gift such as a squad pen for all active personnel [Senior, Auxiliary, Juniors], or a gift card to help with gas expenses. Do you have a picnic to say ―Thank You‖ for service to the squad? Do you send a delegate to the VAVRS Convention with expenses paid?

Do you send a competition team? All of these ideas will keep your membership happy and excited about their rescue service.

RECONCILE - WHAT IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM: How do you handle a ―dustup‖ or ―argument‖ between members of your squad? You do not want to loose trained, responsible members over a problem.

G Administration and Operations must work together to ensure that the squad runs smoothly and efficiently.

If there is a problem between these two important entities of the squad it must be worked out immediately. Try having a combined meeting of the (Continued on page 20)

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officers of Administration and Operations. At this meeting make it a point to work out all problems with dignity and respect toward your fellow squad personnel.

G If the problem is among squad members, the officers might want to hold an ―Informational Session‖ twice a year, or when necessary, to work out all problems with dignity and respect. At these sessions anyone should be free to ask questions and receive answers from Administration and Operations. No one should be ostracized for asking questions. When the meeting is over EVERYONE, should feel better about their squad.

All members must remember that there is more than one way to do something. Also, members should remember to follow the golden rule: ―do unto others as you would have them do unto you.‖ If everyone is kind to each other then all problems will be worked out to the betterment of your squad.

REMEMBER: It is not what is best for you or me but what is best for your squad.

Be a HERO in LEADERSHIP and MEMBERSHIP!

I V Decisions Submitted by Brian F. Talty CC-EMT-P - Forest View RS and Richmond Ambulance Authority Decisions, decisions, life is full of them, down to every choice we make. Some are critical, some are not but they all matter to some extent when the product of your decision is revealed. In the back of the truck we make split second decisions based on only our hands, brain and gut instinct that change lives every day. You even have to decide what type of equipment to use after you have chosen to perform an intervention.

Intravenous (IV) lines are full of decisions should you choose to treat your patient with one. Do I want a lock or line, 10 or 60, extension or no, 18 or 20, piggyback or no? But, take it a little further, any decision you make at work not only impacts your care and the patient outcome, there is also a financial consequence. It’s quite obvious a lock is cheaper than a line, if all you need is venous access why resort to the more expensive choice that will not have immediate benefit for the patient.

First choice, lock or line? If the only thing you need is to have an IV for the ―just in case‖, to adhere to protocol or just because you helping the ER out so they can draw blood, a lock is your obvious choice. The only thing a lock does is make it so we have IV access should we need it. I already hear you asking, ―What if I change my mind and want to give fluids?‖. Easy, spike a bag and attach the line to your lock and you have now turned your lock into an (Continued on page 21)

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extension set. Most lines come with extension sets (same as a lock) already on them.

Should you choose a line, 10gtts or 60gtts? The number correlates to how many drops from the opening it would take to make one milliliter (ml) of fluid. A 10 drip has bigger droplets which makes it the obvious choice for rapid fluid administration to replace blood loss or rehydration. A 60 drip has much smaller droplets which makes it much easier to control your rate of administration. Control is crucial when you are administering medication via IV drip. I’m going to go out on limb here and say that a 60 drip should never be used with a 1000ml (1L) bag. If you are spiking 1L bag then you are planning on administering for volume replacement or replenishment and 60 will not do that effectively. 60 drips should be reserved for the 50ml, 100ml or 250ml bags when we will be putting medication in them to infuse at a controlled rate.

What size needle? 18 or 20 is the most common for adults, 18 is preferred due to administration of blood products in the hospital if needed. 14 and 16 should be reserved for extremely sick patients and those involved in multisystem trauma with evidence of impending hemodynamic compromise. Just because a guy flipped his car, extricated himself, walking on your arrival and is only going to get checked out does not mean he needs bilateral 14’s due to mechanism. Use sound clinical judgment and think outside of the protocols and outside of mechanism and ask yourself, ―Do they really need it?‖.

Pediatrics typically will need a 22 or 24, a large bore for a pediatric is an 18 or 20 depending on their size.

How about some formulas? ~Drip rate for fluid administration = amount to infuse in ml * drop factor / infusion duration in minutes ~Drip rate for medication based on specific dosage to be infused per minute = dosage per minute to be administered * drop factor / medication concentration per ml ~Drip rate for medication based on specific dosage per kilogram of body weight per minute = desired dose per minute * weight in kg * drop factor / concentration of medication per ml ~1000 micrograms = 1 mg : 1000 milligrams = 1gram ~Pounds to kilograms = Divide by 2.2 or divide by two and subtract 10% ~ ―2 am rule‖ for Dopamine = Take patients weight in pounds, drop last number and subtract two. This will be your 5mcg dose, for 10mcg multiply by two, 15 mcg multiply by 3, etc. (Patient weight = 210 pounds, drop last number gives you 21, subtract 2 gives you 19. 19 Drops per minute is your dose for 5mcg. ~1000ml in 1 liter Hope this helps, just a little cheat sheet reminder. If you have any helpful formulas or tricks for IV or medicines please forward them on so we may all use them. The person who knows HOW will always have a job, the person who knows WHY will always be their boss.

Remember to always act in the best interest of your patient, always use sound clinical judgment and always follow your protocols.

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In Honor Of Our Departed Members Virginia M. Adams - Henrico VRS Auxiliary

Elworth Johnson - Franklin Co RS

James E. Arnold - Goshen FAC

William A. Johnson - Forest View VRS

Fred I. Bays - Fredericksburg VRS

Mary Lou Lail - Colonial Beach VRS Auxiliary

John S. Bell - Westvaco RS

David V. Lawless - Fieldale-Collinsville VRS

Dhwani Bhatt - Greater Manassas VRS

William G. Laws - Davis Corner VFD & RS

John G. Bogg - Bristol LSC

Carolyn H. Layne - Holly Grove VRS

John H. Brandt - Lake of the Woods VRS

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

Jameson G. Powell - Henrico VRS

Carman S. Davis - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Russell A. Ragland - Amherst LS & FAC

Randy Davis - Danville LSC

William A. Ragland - Nottoway Co ES

Mildred S. Dawson - Henrico VRS

Helen S. Reece - Clifton Forge RS

Clarence Deaner - Campbell Co VRS

Thomas ―Kyle‖ Southern - Waynesboro FAC

William Dickson - White Oak VRS

Billy Sparks - Danville LSC

Gail Ferrell - Danville LSC

Calvin C. Staton - Clifton Forge RS

Bernard H. Ferron - Cool Branch VRS

R. Benjamin Summerlin - Axton LSC

Floyd Foster III - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Patricia A. Swisher - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

William G. Frank - Colonial Beach VRS Auxiliary

Franklin D. Taylor Sr. - Rescue 945

Victor A. Franklin - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Opal L. Taylor - Clifton Forge RS

George Gill - Henrico VRS

Charlsie R. Thompson - Glade Spring LS

Mary Anna C. Greene - Manchester VRS

Robert L. Trayer - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

James Gregson Jr. - Danville LSC

Ralph O. Tucker - Amherst LS & FAC

Sidney A. Hall - Franklin Co RS

David Weeks - Virginia Beach VRS

Joyce Hevener - Bath Highland VFD

Malvin L. Wells - Elliston VFD

Spence H. Hudson - Brooke F & SA

Edwitt Witt - Bent Mountain FAC & RS

William Jennings - Monelison VRS

Bobbie Lee Wood - Westvaco RS

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These sixty-four providers and others will be memorialized at the 2012 VAVRS Convention during the Memorial Service. These support personnel are no longer with us and are remembered for their service and dedication to their communities and to the delivery of quality patient care.

If your agency has members that should be recognized in the 2013 Service please submit the member’s information and photo along with a scan of your agency patch to the VAVRS Chaplain.

VAVRS Chaplain Submitted by Gary Dalton, VAVRS Chaplain Serving as your Chaplain has been truly a humbling experience. I have found that there is a need in each of us that perform pre-hospital emergency care to find a safe, non-judgmental and confidential arena to share emotions. I have also found that your VAVRS, district and local chaplains open their hearts to offer personal, emotional and spiritual comfort.

They strive to build informal relationships in their agencies and become a trusted friend with a listening ear and comforting words.

I pray that God grants you the strength to deliver emergency medical care with skillful hands and a compassionate heart. That he gives you the courage and ability to render professional skills when called upon and lives are on the line; helps to guide your hands with love and caring as you bring new life into this world and lets you ease the suffering of others on every call for help. And finally, he helps you accept His will for you with a clear mind and an open heart. By the Grace of God you go.

Are You Prepared To Deal With a Disaster?

Submitted by Jane LaVerne, Powhatan VRS Unfortunately, in the news lately all we have been hearing about is multiple shooting situations. These keep increasing at an alarming rate. Is your organization prepared to deal with such situations?

Whether you are a small squad or a large squad, paid or volunteer, we all need to be ready to deal with the unexpected. Your least experienced may be the first on scene, having to take command until an Officer arrives, are they prepared?

In one of the latest shootings, the victims were located in several different locations, causing confusion as to the location of responding units. This resulted in three divisions needing to be set up – will you be able to do this rapidly?

Let’s assure your Squad and Officers are ready for such a situation occurring in their response area.

On Saturday, October 27th there will be a MCI I and II class held at the VAVRS office in Oilville from 9a until 6p. We will accept the first 30 to register. Let’s not let your squad out in the cold! As the Scout motto states—―Be Prepared‖ V I R G I N I A

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The Legislative Attic Submitted by Ed Rhodes Good news travels fast! As of Thursday afternoon, August 9th, the Governor signed the EMS regulations.

The Regulation and Policy Committee of the EMS Advisory Board felt relieved, as it has been four years of work just getting to this point, with one of those years waiting for the signature. On September 10th, the new regulations will be posted in the Virginia Register and this begins a thirty-day comment period. Once this period is complete, the committee will meet on October 25th to review the comments and send those back through the system.

Hopefully, the new regulations will take effect sometime around the first part of December. Should you have any comments concerning the new regulations, please feel free to contact your EMS Advisory Board representative or Mike Berg in the Office of EMS. The Virginia Fire Services Council Legislative Summit met in July and determined the top three issues that the public safety organizations will be concentrating on during the 2013 General Assembly session.

First on the list is the Line of Duty Act and finding a funding stream that is agreeable to by the legislature and administration. There is also a resolution for your squad/crew to take to your local government asking for support of the public safety quest. Your district vice president should have a copy of this to give you. Second and third is a tie, based on whether you are EMS or fire. The goal protects the Four for Life and the VDFP ATL funds from intrusion by other agencies, etc., so that these funds will be used for the purpose intended. In addition, in 2009 both funds had the interest removed and sent to the General Fund. There will be attempts to regain these funds for use by the agencies for their constituents.

During the last quarter of this year, your agency's leadership will see an EMS Needs Assessment for completion. This will be a bare bones questionnaire on your agency, contacts, equipment, membership, budget, and your needs. This information will be a resource not only for OEMS, but also for VAVRS and additionally for the work VAVRS does with the legislature. A subcommittee of one of the advisory board's committees worked on this over this past summer coming up with approximately 38 questions, which should take a short period to complete. It will be coming via online to one of the top officers of the organization, so once it is (Continued on page 25)

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received, complete it and return it to OEMS. Over this summer, my wife and I have traveled to and visited half of the districts in the VAVRS. There are a couple we have yet to get to, but don't worry, we will. We have enjoyed our visits and the hospitality from each of the districts. One of the comments that I have made, and when I say it, only those that have been around awhile will even remember, but that traveling to the meetings reminds us of when I was running for a VAVRS state office. I hate say it, but that was a few years ago.

As for legislation in the coming session, the only piece that I currently have is the EMT testing waiver that came up last year. VAVRS and VAGEMSA are supporting this measure. We do not have a patron as of now, but should in the next few weeks. The Legislative Committee should be meeting during the convention to discuss other ideas. Remember, if you have an idea, let the committee know, but remember whatever you are asking about will affect members statewide, not just in your neighborhood.

Thanks for your support during the legislative session and expect to be making phone calls or sending emails. I will see you at convention and possibly at your district meetings. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

BOYDTON LIFE STATION IS SELLING THIS AMBULANCE ASKING PRICE IS $40,000.00 (NEGOTIABLE) 2003 CHEVROLET DURAMAX C-4500 87,000 MILES If interested contact John Toone at 434-738-6896 View more details at www.vavrs.com/news

GLASGOW LIFESAVING AND FIRST AID CREW IS SELLING THIS RESCUE VEHICLE ASKING PRICE IS $168,000 2003 FORD F-650 SUPER DUTY For more information contact Craig Campbell at 540-291-3658 or email powbell@aol.com View more details at www.vavrs.com/news

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Service Dogs: What Every EMS Provider Needs to Know Submitted by Gerald W. Morton, NREMT-P, Bristol Lifesaving Crew My partner and I were in route, emergency traffic, to treat an assault victim when dispatch provided us an update. We learned that police were on scene, that our patient was down, bleeding from multiple facial lacerations, and that he had a service dog with him. I had never treated a patient with a service dog, but the first thing that crossed my mind was that I would be treating a blind patient. Because we had only a three-minute response time, I had little opportunity to consider any further how having a service dog as part of my responsibility would affect my treatment and transport plan. I was, however, about to get a quick lesson in the role service dogs can play and my obligations as a paramedic to a patient with such a companion.

Because my partner and I had two probationary members with us on the call, I had plenty of hands on board to assist. Immediately obvious as we arrived on scene was that our patient did, in fact, have serious injuries. He was also intoxicated, was in fact assaulted outside a liquor store. He had a small spaniel on a rope leash with a service dog shroud. His altered mental status, in part from being intoxicated and perhaps also the result of head trauma, left him unable to give the officers any information about the assault or my team about his medical history. While my partner and one of our probationary members loaded our patient for treatment and transport and the other probationary member took charge of the dog, I made a quick call to the ED to determine whether we should bring the dog with us or have the officers contact animal control. I was informed that we should bring the dog, and I quickly learned why. While I worked to control his bleeding and establish IV access for a fluid bolus, my patient’s only concern was whether we had brought his dog. He was a difficult patient at best, and I can only imagine how much more so that would have been the case if we had not had his dog in the ambulance. What was clear to me throughout this call was how little I knew about service dogs.

I made it a priority to fill this gap and learned a great deal that EMS providers need to know about service dogs.

The first thing EMS providers need to know is that because of provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we not only can transport service dogs to the ED, we are required to do so. The ED is also obligated to keep a service dog with its owner while being treated.

Second, service dogs serve a variety of purposes, but none more important than offering emotional comfort for their owners. In fact, many post traumatic stress syndrome patients have service dogs for the sole purpose of providing emotional support. My patient, with both medical and psychological issues, very much needed to have his service dog with him during my treatment and transport, as well as during his treatment at the ED. A third consideration especially important to EMS providers is knowing that many people with severe (Continued on page 27)

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diabetic and seizure conditions use service dogs. I later learned, in fact, that my patient had his service dog because of his epilepsy. While some researchers have speculated that dogs, with sensory capacity 25 times greater than that of humans, can detect the chemical changes that occur before a seizure patient actually begins to seize or a diabetic’s blood glucose drops to a dangerous level, no study has actually proven either scenario to be accurate. More likely, service dogs are so attuned to their master’s behavior patterns that they sense the change in these patterns which occur just before a seizure or a diabetic emergency. Based on their training, these animals can warn their owners of an impending event and/or take a protective posture should their owner actually experience a health crisis.

This third consideration can be especially helpful to EMS providers. Consider the following scenario: EMS arrives to find an unconscious patient with a service dog at his or her side. Obviously we should consider such a patient as having potentially suffered from a dangerous drop in blood glucose or possibly being postictal. The presence of that service dog is just further evidence that these two possibilities need to be considered immediately and the patient treated appropriately. Especially important is knowing that a patient receiving D-50 or one awakening after a seizure will need to have that service dog close by as he or she becomes alert.

My first reaction to learning that I would be treating a patient with a service dog was that the animal would only complicate my job. In truth, the calming effect of that animal on its distressed owner was a genuine benefit. I returned to the ED several times during that shift and looked in on my patient.

Once he had been sedated and stitched up, he slept. Asleep in the floor next to his bed was that very special and very loyal companion. And now that I have studied further the role service animals can play and the laws regarding the accommodation of these animals, in the future I will see service dogs as my partners in caring for their owners.

Never Alone in the Back: A Paramedic’s Reflections on Faith, Prayer and the Journey with God by Gerald Morton with its compelling true and inspirational stories of faith and love from the often dramatic world of EMS will touch the hearts of readers everywhere as it did the City of Bristol’s. It includes the story of Sami Musick, a little five-year-old girl from Virginia whose incredible recovery after a horrific accident in March 2009 in which she suffered multiple skull fractures touched the lives of her family and those who treated her at the scene of the accident.

Visit: neveraloneintheback.com to order 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 - Gary Frame

Fund Raising - Linda Berkstresser

Southwestern VP - Jean Garrett Western VP - Curtis Preston

From the Nominating Committee Chair Submitted by Carolyn Brand, AVAVRS Nominating Committee Chair

Slate of officers for the AVAVRS for 2012-2013 President - Fern Puckett

Washington County Lifesavings Crewettes

Vice President - Sharon Campbell Cave Spring Rescue Squad Auxiliary

Treasurer - Kitty Campbell

Loudoun County Rescue Squad Auxiliary

Historian - Heather Fox

Auxiliary to Lexington Fire & Rescue Department

Chaplin - Clara Craig

Bassett Rescue Squad Auxiliary V I R G I N I A

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From the AVAVRS President Submitted by Fern Puckett, AVAVRS President I am pleased to report that The Auxiliary Management Class at Rescue College this year was a big success with thirty-three in attendance. This was a two day class offering Mini Sessions on Parliamentarian Procedures, Proper Procedures of Record Keeping, Disasters/Terrorism, Minutes, Leadership, Photography and Recruitment/Retention. Each year every attempt is made to offer new sessions as requested by our members. The Instructors made this class very educational and enjoyable for all the students.

I want to thank the following Instructors and commend each one for a great job: J C Phillips, Warren Winner, Brenda Hargrave, Fran Phillips, Janis Slough.

I also want to thank all of the following students for attending and making this Class a big success: Judy Matthews, Jamie Mangovski, Layne Lusk, Maxine Kerns, Dolores Hudson, Doug Hartsock, Deanna Hartsock, Brenda Hargrave, Sheila Gorgon, Brittan Gordon, Jean Garrett, Clara Craig, Carl Cherry, Barbara Cherry, Roger Bryant, Pat Bryant, Linda Berkstresser, Valarie Becker, Gladys Becker, Eddie Ann Orndoff, Fran Phillips, Ronald (Sparky) Ridgely, Debbie Rohr, Ashley Russell, Janis Slough, Judy Snyder, Jack Swicegood, Ruth Swicegood, Rhonda Thompson, Nancy Winner.

Virgie Gallahan Miller turned 92 on July 3, 2012 and Christine Spicer turned 91 on July 2, 2012. They both send their sincere thanks for the lovely birthday cards and all the messages they received on these very special occasions.

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From Auxiliary to the Lexington F & R Dept Submitted by Linda Berkstresser, President ALFRD has had a busy year working hard for our Community and Department. We currently have six (6) members on roll. Our Officers for this year are as follows: Linda Berkstresser - President Lana Nicely - Secretary Shorty Berkstresser - Chaplain

Jane Rogers - Vice President Janis Slough -Treasurer Heather Fox - Historian

ALFRD's officer were installed on February 4, 2012 at our installation Banquet held at the Lexington Country Club Golf Course. Fern Puckett Our AVAVRS President installed us for the year 2012.

This year we had three (3) members to attend the Convention at Virginia Beach and the Spring Officers Workshop in Richmond. Along with a BOG Rep. from the Lexington Department.

We have attended all of our Western District Meetings. We have had three (3) members that have served and are serving in a District Office and on bylaws committee. With the AVAVRS we have three (3) member that are serving elected offices and are Chairs of Committee's Last year at Convention we attended all function help by the VAVRS and AVAVRS including all meetings, Saturday morning memorial service, Life membership Breakfast, Officer's Luncheon, President's Party, Saturday evening Awards and Memorial Service and new officers meeting on Sunday. We also helped by contributing 28 door prizes for the week including the President's Party. We also participated in helping to sell the raffle ticket and the 50/50 tickets.

We continue to work hard and are fixing meals every Tuesday for our local Lexington Kiwanis Club.

Haven't herd and complaints yet. There is not many Tuesday's that we are not at our building cooking.

We continue to quarterly provide to the local Realtor's Association their Breakfast for their meeting and continuing education classes.

Red Cross Blood Drive is done twice (2) a year with the Lexington Auxiliary serving snacks .

Several times during the year we fed the duty crews. We also supported our Chief on his medical leave by providing some meals for him during his illness.

This year along with the Department we sponsored an EMS Day, giving free food and drink and chips to all that came. Blood pressure checks were given by the EMS providers on hand. The local Lexington News Gazette and the Rock bridge Weekly appeared at the building for this events and took pictures.

Our Chaplain continues to send out cards to the sick and those that have bereavements and to ones that just need a kind word or two.

Several officers and their guest from the department attended the installation of officers and were presented with Flatware for department kitchen and a monetary donation to be used as needed.

One of our Auxiliary members helped with a fundraiser that the department held and served food. This was a fundraiser for a department member that lost his home in the area.

This Auxiliary continues to support their community in anyway needed along with the department.

Thank you to this auxiliary for the support that you have given me as president of this auxiliary. It is a pleasure working with you all. I look forward to bigger and better events to come.

I wish you all safety and God goodness and support. Thank you all for your service to the communities across this state of Virginia. Have fun at the Beach and a Safe trip home. God Bless You All. V I R G I N I A

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From Waynesboro First Aid Crew Auxiliary Submitted by CeCe McCormick, Waynesboro First Aid Crew Historian Hello everyone, hope everyone is having a good summer and staying cool. We have had our hands in a lot of stuff this summer. We, the Auxiliary, have taken the CPR course, "The Here and There CPR & First Aid Training", with our Instructor Ralph Brewer and his team. We all had a good time and learned with everyone in the class passing the course. We just finished installing tint on all our windows and doors in the multi-purpose room. It made such a difference we are looking to put it in the windows in the stairwell of the building. We also voted to put another set of cabinet's in the multi-purpose room to match the others we already have in there. It will definitely make the room look great with Danny McCormick and his pastor installing them. During the 4th of July holiday CeCe McCormick hung red, white, and blue bows in the front of the building. In May, we gave ice to the two events in Waynesboro, The Running of the Torch for Special Olympics and a Field Day that was held at Parkway Village. The Waynesboro Youth Service Sponsor's that. During the bad wind storm we had which left several counties in the area without power for several days. Waynesboro opened a cooling building at the middle school. EOC Director Gary Critzer asked if we would offer our large coffee pot. We also gave all the supplies like coffee creamer and sugar. For the August 4th drill we, the Auxiliary, cooked breakfast for about 40 people. They had an MCI shooting where two Auxiliary members participated.

One was a teacher and another a parent of one of the students. Also in July, we had a wonderful time at Cindy Bank’s home where we held our Auxiliary Picnic. Thanks again Cindy. We had a wonderful time, food, and fellowship. The WFAC had their District Meeting in Waynesboro where the Auxiliary prepared a cookout making BBQ, hotdogs, Mac salad, potato salad, Cole slaw and lots of sweets. WFAC is having their picnic in August where we all will gather at a crew member’s home to fellowship. We also will celebrate Augusts' birthdays together at Ruby Tuesday on the 30th for Charlotte Kyles and Jill Stachowski. We are still getting this ready for Convention, until then, take care.

From Western District Vice President Submitted by Curtis D. President, AVAVRS Western District Vice President Hello again to everyone. Hope you all had a wonderful summer!

I have enjoyed every moment of being the Vice President of the Western District this year. Although, I haven't been able to visit a lot of districts during my reign due to work I felt "at home" at the ones that I did visit. I want to thank the state officers for all their help and my home auxiliary of Glasgow for all their support.

At the June District meeting hosted by Glasgow Auxiliary, elections were held for the upcoming year.

Debbie Rohr will be assuming the Vice President position, while I will be the Assistant Vice President.

Also, Lana Nicely will remain Chaplain and Tamara Preston will hold the office of Historian.

Congratulations to these ladies. The remainder of the officers haven't been announced. I assumed the position of Glasgow's Auxiliary President the 2nd of July until elections for our auxiliary next June.

There we have been busy planning several upcoming projects for the remainder of the year. One project that we have never taken on till this year is a Picture Project. We are looking forward to events Labor Day and at the Natural Bridge Speedway in Oct. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at this year's Convention. See you soon!

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From the AVAVRS Vice President Submitted by Sharon Karlet Campbell, AVAVRS Vice President Another Auxiliary year is coming to a close and soon we will be converging on Virginia Beach. This has been an exciting year and our organization is growing, thanks to all of you. I often tell you that you are my eyes and ears and your persistence has paid off. We have several new auxiliaries on the horizon and together we can help them become active members of the AVAVRS. Keep up the good work.

I am so pleased to announce that we had six (6) entries in the ―2012 AVAVRS Auxiliary of the Year‖ competition. I don’t get a vote but just looking them over, it is evident that you all have certainly been busy. I am anxious to see who the committee will choose as the winner and look forward to the announcement on Saturday night at convention.

I hope each of you has had a safe and fun summer holiday and look forward to seeing you at the beach in September, Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we will have nice weather and can walk on the beach.

From AVAVRS Fund Raising Committee Submitted by Linda Berkstresser, AVAVRS Fund Raising Chair Thank you Fern Puckett for asking me to serve as the AVAVRS Fund Raising Chairperson. I love the opportunity to grow in what I do. I attended the Spring Workshop in Richmond and Rescue collage this year. Had a great time at both. I also visited with the South Central District.

I would like to thank you all for selling the raffle tickets last year and am hoping for a better year this year. Push these tickets in any way you can.

Thank you Auxiliaries for selling your tickets, we will need your help selling tickets this year at the Convention Center on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. If a few people would like to help sell on Thursday night please let me know and we will meet and get the vendors taken care of. They love these tickets and I only got to half of them last year. This is what we do best is volunteer, so come on out and help us. Without your help selling theses ticket it just would not happen. So thank you all again.

Thank you Life members and member for your many years of Volunteer service to this organization. I looking forward to seeing you all at Convention. I have had a wonderful time serving as chairperson of this committee and I hope to continue in some way.

Hope you all have a great time and a safe trip home, God be with you each and everyone.

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Busy July — Cave Spring Rescue Squad Auxiliary Submitted by Sharon Karlet Campbell, Cave Spring Auxiliary We tried to take a little time off for ourselves this summer.

That was a goal that was not totally accomplished. June 22nd, we fed 76 boys and their coaches from across the Central and Southwestern parts of the state. They were playing in an All Star Football Classic. These boys made you proud of our youth today. They were kind, mannerly, fun to be around and boy could they eat. The boys were divided into two teams depending on their high school. One team was dressed in VT colors and the other team in UVA colors. We decorated the tables in the colors and were told they all mingled together for dinner but once they took the field, sides were taken.

July 4th, we provided snacks and of course a big watermelon for the duty team. The 4th is a family day and we wanted to make things a little more festive for the men and women running calls.

July 11th, found us fixing dinner for the crew prior to their business meeting. We had a great turnout and they seemed to enjoy the pork barbecue, potato salad, baked beans, chips, drinks and again watermelon.

We have made several donations this summer; one donation was made to a member of the Franklin County Rescue Squad who was injured while out of town at the beach and another donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank for the children’s summer program. We have also collected diapers and wipes for The Rescue Mission. The memory board on one of the kitchen stoves stopped working so we hired someone to repair that and to clean the ice maker.

This summer has proved to be very difficult for the members of the Cave Spring Rescue Squad Auxiliary. In June, Crew Life Member, Bill Duff lost his mother. Sandra was a loving mother and grandmother and her death was fairly sudden. July 15th, Norma Wirt, the wife of Crew Life Member, Doug Wirt lost her battle with cancer. Norma was a gracious and kind lady who always had a big smile and was a wonderful supporter of our endeavors. Then on July 18th, we lost Auxiliary Life Member, Edith Kelley. Edith was a tireless worker for the auxiliary and loved going to District meetings and convention. She was a wonderful quilter and an avid reader who loved a good game of cards. Edith was knowledgeable on so many subjects and we always knew we could depend on her. She was diagnosed with cancer and died three weeks later. Needless to say we all have heavy hearts at this time. We rounded out July by attending the South Central District meeting. We won the EMT quiz which I understand Patsy and Brenda took turns guessing at the answers for the questions. Maybe we need to try that more often.

In August the members will celebrate 45 years as an Auxiliary. We can look back with pride at all of the funds we have raised and the help that we have been able to provide to the crew and our community. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Cave Spring Rescue Squad Auxiliary. It is our hope that each of you has had a great summer and we look forward to seeing you in Virginia Beach for convention.

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Here are your humorous captions to this photo of participants in the Tactical Medic Class at the 2012 VAVRS Rescue College: Submitted by R. Slough, ―Remember the good ole days when patients would just get in the ambulance?

Now we have to force them in with weapons!‖ Submitted by W. Myers, ―On three, turn to the right and squirt Scott!‖ Submitted by R. Hodge, ―Does my blue gun clash with my yellow scissors?‖ And the winner, Submitted by Robbi Blackburn, Waynesboro FAC, ―What do you mean we have to give the toys back?‖

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 District 1 VP Scott Masincup and VAVRS Rescue College Chair Wayne Myers. All entries will be (after censoring) printed.

Send your captions by email to gdalton@vavrs.com.

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Dear Rescue Ranger, Our squad is so looking forward to the 2012 Convention. We have practiced all year and will settle for nothing less than first place in the EMT Competition.

Pete at Washington Co LSC Dear Pete, Being first isn’t always that great. Remember the early bird may get the worm, but it’s the second mouse that gets the cheese.

Dear Rescue Ranger, You are a world traveler. What do you believe is the biggest difference in ALS practice in, lets say, Rome, Italy as compared to the good ole USA? Buddy in Alberta Dear Buddy, Great question. The only difference I have seen is that paramedics in Rome refer to IVs as 4s and about half of them are below average.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Did you hear that Willie Nelson got hit by a car in Texas during the recent hurricane?

Georgia in Luckenbach VA Dear Georgia Thanks for writing, you were on my mind. And yes he did. His blue eyes were crying in the rain from playing on the road again.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Fire science question for you. If H20 is the chemical name for the liquid inside a fire hydrant what is the chemical name for the liquid outside?

Phil from WFD Dear Phil, K9P Dear Rescue Ranger, Sometimes we have very interesting conversations at the squad. One night last week we were talking that when we die and we are lying in our casket what would we like to hear our friends or family say about us? I said I would like to hear them say I was a great medic and a good family man.

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and cared about people. What about you?

Robbi in Waynesboro Dear Robbi, I would like to hear them say, ―Look, he’s moving!‖ Dear Rescue Ranger, Did you hear about the man that walked into a bar with a chunk of asphalt under his arm and says, ―Beer please, and one for the road.‖ J. S. from Franklin Co Dear Jack, Hey, I tell the jokes around here!.

A man walked into a bar looking sad, and the bartender asked him, ―What’s the matter?‖ The man said, ―My wife and I had a fight, and she told me she wasn’t going to speak to me for a month.

And the month is up today.‖ Also, this skeleton walked into a bar and said, ―Give me a beer and give me a mop.‖ Now, that’s funny.

Dear Rescue Ranger, We responded to a residence and found the grossly dehydrated and malnourished patient lying unresponsive on the floor with a cucumber up his nose, a carrot in his left ear and a banana in his right ear. We simply removed the food items from their various locations, started an IV (4 if you are from Rome), placed him on a cardiac monitor and transported. He woke up enroute to the hospital and first said he was Mickey Mouse then he said he was Donald Duck. Still don’t know who he is or what was wrong with him. Any ideas.

Roger Medic in Rustburg Dear Roger, Sounds like your not eating properly and having Disney spells. By the way, do you know the difference between a Yankee Stadium hot dog and a Camden Yards hot dog? You can buy a Yankee Stadium hot dog in October.

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

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

- St. John 15:13

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Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.