2003 VIRGINIA LIFELINE 2nd Quarter Issue

Rescue College News

Submitted by Ken Morgan, Rescue College Chair

2023 Committee: Ken Morgan, Steve Southworth, Rob Logan, Wayne Myers, John Craig, John Hilliard, Frank Smith, Jimmy Rice, Gail Rice.

Thanks to the committee for their commitment to the success of our 48th Rescue College. Thanks to Steve Southworth for his leadership of the 2022 event and initial planning for 2023. When Steve accepted a new career opportunity, he found it necessary to step down as the 2023 chair and I agreed to step in as chair.

Registration is open online; the brochure has been widely distributed both electronically and in print. If you need a copy of the brochure emailed to you, just let me or Brian know.

Registration will be handled with EZSignup.

No classes will be held at Skelton Center until Sunday. All off-site classes will continue as in prior years. Both Christiansburg Rescue Squad and Blacksburg Rescue Squad are allowing us to use their classrooms this year.

New Classes have been added:

• ICS 300 and ICS 400, Scenario Based Education, Revitalizing Agency-Based Training

• Pediatric Education for Pre-hospital Professionals, Realistic Training Through Moulage

• Mass Casualty, and “Courage to be Safe” from NFFF.

We are indebted to Bob Page for his ongoing support. He will be doing several new classes this year.

Executive Director, Bubby Bish has signed the contracts with Virginia Tech for 2024 and 2025. 2025 will be our 50th anniversary of the event.

****Important Dates to Remember****

Instructor Pretest Deadline - May 5, 2024 (if required)

Registration Deadline - May 12, 2023

Cancellation Deadline - May 26, 2023

2022-23 VAVRS Officers and Committee Chairs

President - Wesley Melson

Vice President - Joey King

Secretary / Editor - Gary Dalton

Treasurer - Andy Neagle

Training Officer - Frank Smith

Immediate Past President - Connie Moore

Parliamentarian - Scott Davis

Facilities Manager - Andy Neagle

I T Coordinator - Steve Ayes

District 1 Vice President - Jeff Grimm

District 2 Vice President - Jimmy Pair

District 3 Vice President - Kathy Eubank

District 5 Vice President - Heather Palm

District 6 Vice President - Lynn Hudson

District 7 Vice President - Romney Smith

District 9 Vice President - Bryant Skeen

District 10 Vice President - Nancy Orndoff

Executive Director - Bubby Bish

Office Coordinator - Mary Shively

Training Coordinator - Brian Bilheimer

Administrative Secretary - Carol Gothard

Lobbyist - Ed Rhodes

Convention - Gary Dalton

Bylaws - Scott Davis

I T - Scott Davis

Rescue College - Ken Morgan

Finance - Andy Neagle

Scholarship - Diana Wills

Human Resources - Joey King

Legislative - Kim Craig

Life Member - Kevin Dillard

Hall of Fame - Ken Morgan

EMS Advisory Board - Kim Craig

EMS Advisory Board - Dreama Chandler

EMS Exchange - Clarence Fox

National EMS Memorial - Scott Davis

Strategic Planning - Wesley Melson

Training - Frank Smith

Death Benefit - Andy Neagle

Nominating - Kim Craig

2022-23 VAJVRS Officers

President - Shreyas Arcot

Vice President - Abigail Kaikkonen

Secretary/Treasurer - Haven Johnson

Historian - Shade Johnson

Chaplain - Sunnie Davis

2022-2023 AVAVRS Officers and Committee Chairs

President - Eddie Ann Orndoff

Vice President - Kelley Shell

Secretary - Maxie Kerns

Treasurer - Fay Browning

Chaplain - Ailease Short

Historian - Stacey Frame

Parliamentarian - Carolyn Brand

Midwestern Vice President - Dolores Hudson

Northeastern Vice President - Doug Snell

Southcentral Vice President - Clara Craig

Southeastern Vice President - Carl Cherry

Southwestern Vice President - Sharon Castle

Western Vice President - Linda Berkstresser

Membership - Kelley Snell

Finance - Fay Browning

Bylaws - Carolyn Brand

Nominating - Kathy Plummer

Life Member - Clara Craig

Convention Chair - Fern Puckett

Convention Co-Chair - Marie Householder

Roll Call Chair - Rhonda Thompson

Roll Call Co-Chair - Layne Lusk

Fundraising Chair - Marcelle Caudill

Fundraising Co-Chair - Ruth Swicegood

Deadline for the Upcoming Issues of the VIRGINIA LIFELINE

Deadline for future issues are as follows:

December 15 for the 1st Quarter Issue

March 15 for the 2nd Quarter Issue

June 15 for the 3rd Quarter Issue

September 15 for the 4th Quarter Issue

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

Advertising Rates:

Member Squads…,…......no charge

Full Page…………………..$ 275.00

Half Page………………..…$150.00

Quarter Page……………....$100.00

July 21-23, 2023

Hyatt Regency Crystal City

Reagan National Airport, Arlington, VA.

Make plans today to donate and attend.

Information found at: www.national-ems-memorial.org

Member of the Danville Life Saving Crew receives Annual Award

Submitted by Martha A. Walker, Ph.D., Administrative Consultant, Danville Life Saving Crew

Each year Patrick & Henry Community College EMS-Paramedic Program recognizes its outstanding EMS Preceptors with an award. This award is voted on by students in its Paramedic, AEMT, and EMT programs and is given in recognition of those preceptors who have shown exemplary work in teaching and mentoring students during their 2022 EMS Field rotations. The winners receive a personalized plaque and will have their name added to a perpetual plaque maintained on the campus of P&HCC.

One of the three 2022 EMS Preceptor of the Year Award winners is one of the Danville Life Saving Crew’s outstanding volunteers and part-time staff member David Fox. “David sets the standard for professionalism and patient care,” said Crew Chief Robbie Woodall. “He has served with the Crew since 2018 transitioning to part-time in 2022. David is highly respected among his peers for his expertise and leadership,” said Woodall. “In 2022, David was recognized as the 2022 Danville Life Saving Crew’s Career Advanced Life Support (ALS) Provider. He also earned his Critical Care and Fight Paramedic Certification during 2022,” according to Woodall.

“Every EMS/Paramedic student needs someone to assist them in navigating the pre-hospital policies, procedures, and equipment of an EMS organization and to guide the students during the early stages of their careers,” commented Bryan Fox Deputy Crew Chief of the Danville Life Saving Crew. Deputy Crew Chief Fox explained that “David is an experienced practitioner, clinician, and instructor who has demonstrated his leadership skills and knows how to transition health care theory into patient care. David volunteers as a paramedic for multiple county agencies and has a wall of credentials.”

“The P&HCC EMS-Paramedic Program is very thankful for each and every preceptor, both in the field and clinical settings, because without their hard work in helping our faculty to teach, the EMS-Paramedic Program would not be possible,” stated Ashley Smallwood, director of the P&HCC.

Publication of the VAVRS

2022 Award Recipient— David Fox

From the VAVRS Executive Director

Submitted by E.B. “Bubby” Bish, Jr., Executive Director

Well Spring is right around the corner, which means Spring Board of Governors and 2023 VAVRS Rescue College. Since our last meeting the office has been very busy preparing for all the upcoming events coming in the Spring.

I had the honor and privilege to attend the StauntonAugusta Rescue Squad Banquet as their guest speaker. I haven’t seen such a great demonstration of enthusiasm of members in many years. It was completely amazing the fellowship and motivation of the members. It reminded me of the old days of convention. The yelling and screaming to support each other. All I can say, Congratulations for a display of Honor and Respect for each other.

On January 14, 2024, Kenny Frenier and I traveled to Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad and taught a Traffic Incident Management class to different agencies in District 1. We had a great turnout of students with a lot of questions. We as an organization need to continue to teach this class to protect all First Responders. It’s a four-hour class that make a huge difference in your life and your agencies.

I also attended Bensley-Bermuda Rescue Squads Installation and Banquet. I had the honor and privilege to install the 2023 officers of their organization. The members there also showed enthusiasm and caring for each other. The members present were different from what I have seen in the past. Most of their running members are young. Most of our members today are not in their twenties, but these members are. That

Photo of participants and instructors attending the TIMS Course at Staunton-August RS

went very well with displays and videos of our members in action and the promotion of VAVRS and its activities. I also attended the Central Virginia EMS Education EXPO in Henrico with setting up the booth. Great attendance.

Late February, Kevin Dillard, Ken Morgan, and I traveled to Danville to visit a great friend, Clayton Lester. We had a great lunch and talked about the old days. Clayton looks great and wishes everyone the best. We, here at the office, are working very hard to service our members and give you the best customer service available. Please help us get out the word about the different Scholarships available for our members and families. So, get the word out, also get the word out about Rescue College and the 2023 FRV Conference in Hampton.

More great news! The work Scott Davis put into it, we now have two 85” monitors, one in the conference room and one in the training room. Both are capable of ZOOM meetings and training. Great job Scott. We still have a lot of work to do here in the office. It’s going to take time, but we have the determination and skill to make it great. If there is anything here in the office we can do, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. In closing, “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you.” Be safe!

L-R: VAVRS Past Presidents Bubby Bish, Kevin Dillard, Clayton Lester and Ken Morgan.

Two, Three, Four—Dunlap Fire and Rescue

Submitted by EMS Captain Diann Hawk, DVFR

The day was sunny and cold, on January 2, 2023 in Alleghany County, Virginia. In the rural area of Dunlap, outside of Covington, approximately 1300hrs, the first call of the year rang out for Dunlap Volunteer Fire and Rescue. The report was dispatched as a single vehicle MVA with unknown injuries, on Rt 311, in the vicinity of an uncertain address. The address was uncertain due to the caller had to travel about ¾ of a mile down the road to call 911. The service in the area is very limited and has few residents as well. In the effort of calling, the dispatcher did make out that this was a wreck and immediately toned out for fire and rescue.

The incident unfolded differently when members arrived on scene. Due to poor radio communication for the area, the first member on scene was unable to give a scene size up. When the first ambulance pulled onto the scene, there found a two vehicle MVA, head-on collision, with three patients. At this time, the crew from the ambulance, along with the member already on scene, started assessing the patients for their injuries. Within minutes it was known that at least two Air Medicals would be needed and then later a third would be needed as well. An attempt to radio dispatch on handheld radios to inform them of the type of accident and request Air Medical, was unsuccessful. In the area where the accident happened, handheld radios were a challenge. In order to get through to dispatch, members and other units enroute, one person was placed with the ambulance so they could make contact to the appropriate person needed.

The challenge that day was definitely the radio communication between squads, dispatch, and other units enroute to scene. Once on scene, handheld radios could be turned to talk-around and used while in that area but once out of that area, it was difficult to communicate unless from an apparatus radio. Even though there were struggles and challenges with radio communication, there were no struggles with everyone working together as a team to help these patients get the care that they needed. Two of the patients had a simple femur fracture and the third patient had a double femur compound fracture, such, 2 vehicles, 3 patients, and 4 fractures. The outcome for these patients was all three were flown to a Level 1 Trauma Center in a nearby city that took about a 15-20 minute flight time.

In conclusion, there were 31 members from various surrounding departments, law enforcement and air medial that stepped up and came together that day as a community to save three lives. No matter the challenge, be radio communications or other, we are as one and will do right by humanity and the oath we took.

Dunlap Fire-Rescue has opened their doors and started bingo twice a month. The members volunteer to run the site and help raise money for our department in order that we may keep doing what we love to do for the citizens of Alleghany County. This also gives the citizens a chance to come out and enjoy social time with others and win prizes as well. We, as a volunteer department, are here for our community in many ways, as are others, so help support your local volunteer FireRescue department.

Local EMS Agency Helps Support Ukrainian EMS Crews with Donation of Ambulances and Medical Supplies

Submitted by Morgan Szymczyk, Associate Director, Corporate Marketing & Communications For LifeCare Medical Transports co-founder Kevin Dillard, answering the call for help extends not only beyond Virginia borders, but also international borders. Dillard recently returned from a humanitarian mission to war-torn Ukraine where LifeCare donated three ambulances, along with donations of medical supplies and a fire engine from multiple local agencies. Dillard along with Clarence Fox, Chaplain for the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS), Chris Manson, Vice President of Government Relations of OSF Healthcare, and Brian Kliesen from New Mexico traveled through Poland to the border to meet with members from the Ukrainian Military who escorted them through Lviv, Rivne, and Kyiv. In all, 10 ambulances and a fire truck were delivered to the frontlines of the war in Ukraine.

“We all knew the risks of traveling to Ukraine and especially being in a 10-vehicle convoy of ambulances and a fire truck, but we knew how great the need was for these vehicles to get to their destinations,” said Dillard. “Since the start of the war, ambulances have been stolen or destroyed during the military conflict. These vehicles are vital for their emergency services personnel to be able to save lives and help those in need.”

During their time in Ukraine, the group visited an orphanage and showed the children the ambulances and fire trucks. Dillard said, “The stories we were told about the children and how they ended up at the orphanage were truly heart breaking. It was such a humbling experience showing them the back of the ambulances and telling them about what we were doing to help.”

Dillard became involved with “US Ambulances for Ukraine” a humanitarian effort actively seeking donations of ambulances and other medical equipment to send to Ukraine through a friend of Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue whose brother, Chris Manson, is leading the effort. Collaborating with Manson, LifeCare became a staging location for agencies across Virginia to bring donated items such as ambulances, backboards, fire hoses, bullet proof vests, trauma gear and much more. Since early 2022, more than a dozen EMS agencies across the state have joined in the effort along with donations from churches, the VAVRS and community members.

As the war continues in Ukraine the need of ambulances, fire engines and wheelchair vans are still needed. If you are interested in donating equipment, ambulances, or engines, please reach out to Kevin Dillard at kdillard@lifecare94.com or 540-752-0137.

Units wait for inspection before crossing the border into Ukraine.

Military personnel taking patch from uniform as a show of respect and gratitude.

90 Years and Counting—Salem Rescue Squad

Submitted by Darlene Gee RN BSN Paramedic

Hello from Salem Rescue Squad. It’s been a while since our last submission to this publication and we’ve been quite busy. In fact, in November our squad celebrated 90 years of volunteer service to our community. There were numerous special guests at our celebratory banquet event including, Congressman Morgan Griffith, Senator David Sutterlein, Jennifer Faulkner representing Congressman Ben Cline, Salem City Mayor and Councilwoman, the Honorable Rene’e F. Turk among other distinguished guests.

During our special celebration a number of declarations of proclamations were presented including one on behalf of Governor Glenn Youngkin. Additionally, Jennifer Faulkner the district representative and scheduler for Congressman Ben Cline’s office read aloud a letter of recognition of our historic milestone. Salem’s Mayor, Rene’e F. Turk presented our squad with a proclamation declaring that henceforth, November 15th shall be designated Salem Rescue Squad Day in our city. There were a number of other special guests whom honored our squad with kind words and expressions of support for our organization.

During our 90th anniversary festivities, our squad also honored two very significant physicians that were instrumental in the development and advances of EMS in the Roanoke Valley, doctors John “Lucky” Garvin and Gary Parrish. These professionals supported our squad and its members by teaching, mentoring and molding our rescue brothers and sisters before and among us and they became and remain part of our rescue family.

Further, we recognized members of our squad whom were also some of the first paramedics in the state of Virginia and included Jay Bain, Rob Logan, Joe Cunningham, Pat Counts and two members that have gone on to their eternal home, C.P. Layman and Dave “Doc” Wiley. Additionally, we welcomed Gene Bourne as a life member, the highest honor that our squad can bestow upon a member. In addition, Mike Moore was recognized and honored as our most senior active life member with more than 41 years of service to our organization and community. Our celebration would not have been complete without recognizing our most vital resource, our current membership.

I’m sure you’re wonder what else we’ve been up to since ringing in the New Year. We continue to train and seek out educational opportunities. We are currently holding an EMT course at our building that started January 17th of this year and will conclude March 30th. The course has a number of highly trained and experienced instructors including Freddie Wilson Jr., Jane Lindsay, Ken Cook and Darlene Gee of which the two latter are education coordinator candidates.

February saw our squad hosting its first annual heart health day on Saturday, February 25th at Salem’s Senior Citizen Center. Vickie Sword, Salem Parks and Recreation program supervisor, was so kind as to freely offer us the use of the Senior Citizen Center to hold our special event. We had a number of organizations that freely volunteered their time to assisting us in our event including, the American Heart Association, Lewis Gale Medical Center, Carilion Community Health, Carilion Occupational Medicine and Community Outreach, Roanoke City Health Department, New Horizons Healthcare, Food Lion, Salem YMCA and Planet Fitness. Salem Chick-fil-A also donated to our event. We are grateful for all that contributed to our Heart Health Day.

We continue to recruit new volunteers for our organization. We experienced a bit of a slump in our membership with only 14 members in mid to late 2022 and we have grown to 28 members and we have more events planned throughout 2023 including recruitment activities. We wish you all well and look forward to sharing more in the next issue of VIRGINIA LIFELINE.

Legislative Attic

SubmittedbyEdRhodes

By the time you read this article, “maybe” the General Assembly will be over other than for reconvened day in April. The only hope right for completion on time will be the budget. On top of that, elections in new districts will be in November and to say the least a number of legislators that look out for EMS may or may not be back.

VAVRS AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

On January 19th Executive Director Bubby Bish and Life Members Kenny Frenier and Gary Dalton joined me in visiting a number of legislators on their turf. We visited with Delegate Orrock, Delegate Cherry, Delegate Davis (aide), Delegate Fowler, Senator Obenshain, Senator Lewis, and Senator DeSteph. We discussed a number of issues with these legislators while visiting with limited time.

The members of the General Assembly finished their work on February 25th around 6:00 pm, without approving a budget, other than what the money committees called a “skinny” budget. It was basically a “stop gap” budget with only four items in it and was on five pages. The items dealt with the retirement system, school funding, construction and the “Rainy Day Fund” or Revenue Stabilization Fund. The members of the conference committee will be back over the next few weeks to work out all of the other details.

House bill 1472 (Delegate Fowler) and Senate Bill 1246 (Senator Obenshain) is a bill that included language that made emergency medical services in the Commonwealth an essential service. This was attempted about six years ago and did not get the language we needed. The reasoning behind this was so that grant funding from grants such as the federal American Rescue Fund Program and CARES Act could be available to EMS, but without the word essential in code it could not be accomplished. Thanks to Scott Winston of OEMS and a subcommittee of the Advisory Board in helping to get the language correct.

There were a number of bills introduced by members of the House and Senate to add 9-1-1 communications officers to Virginia Retirement System and to worker’s compensation benefits, but unfortunately all of these bills were sent to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study this along with six other groups that want the same benefits. Hopefully the report will be forth coming before the next session.

A bill submitted by Delegate O’Quinn of Bristol (HB1775) added (Continued onpage 17)

Having just been introduced by Delegate Orrock in the gallery of the House of Delegates.

anxiety disorder or depressive disorder to the PTSD worker’s compensation section that includes law enforcement and fire and built into that definition is EMS. This bill passed and is on its way to the Governor.

Two bills submitted by Delegate Orrock (HB1447) and Senator Suetterlein (SB1426) allows emergency medical technicians or paramedics who are employed or engaged at a medical care facility, who have a valid emergency medical services provider certification issued by the Board of Health as a requirement of being employed or engaged at the medical care facility within the scope of such certification, pursuant to an oral or written order or standing protocol to administer drugs and devices at the medical care facility.

Senate Joint Resolution 358 was drafted and introduced by Senator Deeds and co patroned by Delegates Campbell and Orrock. The memorial resolution is in honor of Page Entsminger and passed both the Senate and House. A commending Senate resolution (SJ 304 McPike) and House commending resolution (HJ 709 Bennett-Parker) was introduced and passed for Brian Hricik, Deputy Chief of EMS Alexandria Fire Department, and a past president of VAGEMSA, a former member of the EMS Advisory and president of NOVA EMS Council, among other activities. These were presented to him prior to him passing in late February.

Now some additional information of interest to you. Below you will see a link to the OEMS webpageThe Status Report for Chapter 32 has been posted to the Regulation & Compliance Enforcement Division home page on the Office of EMS website. On the Division home page you will find a new section titled Chapter 32 Progress Report. Under this titled section you will find the following 3 links: Regulatory Process Current Status - which identifies where in the regulatory process Chapter 32 is currently located.

The Final Draft of the proposed new EMS Regulations to be known as Chapter 32. The Final Draft of the proposed Required Vehicle Equipment List to be known as the RVEL. Click the link below to be directed to the Division homepage where this information is now located. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/regulations-compliance/

As most of you are aware from reading the news, numerous members of the House of Delegates are retiring or are running for a seat in the Senate of Virginia, 28 at current count. There are 8 Senators that are retiring and needless to say the 2024 legislature is going to look entirely different. More on this to come later as everyone is going to have to pitch in and get the VAVRS message across.

This should complete this article for now, and the next one will probably be more in line with the previous paragraph. Any questions or comments please send me or the Legislative Committee Chair a note.

Left—Delegate Orrock visiting with us in the House of Delegates gallery after the introduction.

Above VAVRS delegation with Senator Obenshain in his office.

Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Announces Officers for 2023 & Award Recognitions for 2022

Submitted by Sara Hunt

PR Coordinator

Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad (CBVRS) recently installed officers for 2023, honored Top Call Runners for 2022, and recognized several squad members and community members for exemplary work in 2022.

Along with current and past squad members who attended the annual banquet on Jan. 7, special guests were Robin Schick, Mayor of Colonial Beach, and Greg Deaver, Chief of the Colonial Beach Police Department. CBVRS Rescue Chief Holden Oliff presided at the event with the assistance of CBVRS Treasurer and Life Member Pat FitzGerald. Both Chief Oliff and CBVRS President Nicholas Szobota thanked the Colonial Beach community and the squad members for their dedication and support of the squad’s mission to serve the needs of the Town of Colonial Beach in 2022.

The newly installed Operations Officers for 2023 are:

Rescue Chief – Holden Oliff

Assistant Rescue Chief – Tammy Preston

Captain – Bobby Rivenbark

Lieutenant – Porter Preston

The newly installed Administrative Officers for 2023 are:

President – Nicholas Szobota

Vice President – Donna Shelor

Treasurer – Pat FitzGerald

Secretary – Maria Murillo-Valdez

Board of Directors – Lewis Bowen, Sr. and Troy Green

The following Top Call Runners were recognized:

1st Place, Pat FitzGerald with 342 calls

2nd Place, Anthony Sprout with 83 calls

3rd Place, Holden Oliff with 61 calls

4th Place, Tammy Preston with 51 calls

5th Place, Donna Shelar with 50 calls

Eugenia Urbanck Awards, recognizing citizens who helped to save a life in an emergency situation, were presented to Duane Wyatt for his quick response to ensure a patient’s survival from severe burns before EMS arrived, and to Jymeen Brown, for providing assistance prior to EMS arrival to a young patient who had suffered extensive injuries from a dog attack. Both of these occurrences were deemed “Calls of the Year” in 2022.

Individuals receiving plaques of appreciation included Michael and Valerie Mayo, Karen Foxwell, and Diane and John “Andy” Anderson.

Additional appreciation certificates were awarded to the following individuals and organizations:

CBVRS Support Team

Donna Shelar, CBVRS Vice President, Chaplain and Life Member

Pat FitzGerald, CBVRS Treasurer and Life Member

Colonial Beach Town Council

Westmoreland County Department of Emergency Services

Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office

Colonial Beach Volunteer Fire Department

Colonial Beach Police Department

Pat Ward, Jr., CPA and Amy Ward

“Congratulations to the new officers, the Top Call Runners and everyone who was recognized at the annual banquet for going above and beyond the call of duty in 2022,” said CBVRS President Nicholas Szobota. “We also appreciate the generous financial contributions that citizens and local businesses have made to the building fund for our new squad headquarters. Watch for more information about that project coming soon.”

Dear Rescue Ranger

Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you lost your mind? I heard you retired. Is that true?

Concerned for the future of Virginia EMS

Dear Gary B.

Still a certified EMT Instructor and provider. Just kind of slowed down a little—not fully retired so don’t worry. My expert advice will server; Return your shopping cart; Pick up a piece of trash; Hold the door for the person behind you; Let someone into your lane...These small acts of kindness have a ripple effect That’s how we change the world!

Dear Rescue Ranger, There are so many things to me that just does not make sense. Like:

• If a #2 pencil is so popular, why is it still #2?

• Why do we press harder on the remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?

• Why are you “in” a movie but “on” TV?

• What was the best thing BEFORE sliced bread?

• Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways?

• Why do “fat chance” and “slim chance” mean the same thing?

• Why do British people never sound British when they sing?

At a movie theater, which arm rest is yours?

When does it stop being partly cloudy and start being partly sunny?

When French people swear do they say, Heads Up” when you I got more questions than I have answers!!!

I lifted up my shirt to show off my abs and a s that.

Also, I told my wife I saw a deer on the way to how do you know he was

I see your are still teaching EMT classes. How

Well, I thought we were making good progress n teaching assessment and documentation skills, Here are a few examples I found when reviewing some of the students reports:

• Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.

• Skin: somewhat pale, but present.

• Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities.

• The patient was in good health until his airplane ran out of fuel and crashed.

• The patient has no previous history of suicides.

• She is numb from her toes down.

• She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life until she got a divorce.

Sometimes it takes all day to get nothing done!

Rescue Camp for Kids—2023

Submitted by Gail and Debbie Rice

Do not miss the upcoming Rescue Camps for Kids in 2023 at both VAVRS Rescue College and First Responder Virginia Convention!

At the camps, kids between the ages of 8-16 are introduced to the field of Public Safety and volunteerism. The camps allow the strong volunteer Public Safety values established by the members of VAVRS to be carried on. Activities vary by camp and include rappelling, Search & Rescue, CPR, ropes and knots, EMS moulage, first aid skills, back boarding, SCUBA diving, obstacle courses, firefighting skills and K-9 demonstration. Rescue Camp Coordinators add new activities each year.

(Continued onpage 25)

VAVRS

Photos submitted by Debbie Rice

Ruth Swicegood

Submitted by Carol Gothard, VAVRS Administrative Assistant

Ruth Swicegood is AVAVRS Life Member and the Auxiliary President for Franklin County Rescue Squad. She was a founder of the Franklin County Rescue Squad Auxiliary.

She was born in the small mining town of Dante, Virginia 90 years ago this June 5th. She married her husband, Jack, on January 8, 1960, and they were together until his passing last year. They had three children, five grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Her surviving children live very close to her.

Her husband joined the Franklin County Rescue Squad and told Ruth that they needed an Auxiliary for their squad, and he felt she would be the one to get one started. She has been active in their Auxiliary since that time. Through her husband, she met and became friend with many of his juniors. A few names that you may recognize – VAVRS Executive Director, Bubby Bish, AVAVRS Auxiliary President, Eddie Ann Orndorff and Parliamentarian, Scott Davis. Ruth is admired in both AVAVRS and VAVRS. She has devoted her life to them. In all her years of service, she has missed less than a handful of district meetings, BOG meetings and Convention.

She thinks the world of both AVAVRS and VAVRS. She loves all the members she has known. Ruth has a warm spot in her heart for everyone in both organizations and considers the members her second family. She says she gets a call from one of her auxiliary sisters every few days.

When asked what was something that most people don’t know her, Ruth replied that she was a very serious person and that she hated chocolate. She chuckled as she mentioned her distaste for chocolate. She enjoys going out to dinner with her friends, word-search puzzles, old game shows, college basketball and American & National league baseball.

She feels that for the organizations to grow and flourish, the members need to put their differences aside and work together. She would like to see more members in the VAVRS and more Auxiliaries for the newer agency members, as well as the long-time ones.

For new members joining the Auxiliary, she says to not talk much at first. Listen, take notes, go over the notes, go to all the meetings and conventions.

Ruth is one of the most beloved members of the VAVRS and AVAVRS Family.

J. C. Phillips

Submitted by Carol Gothard, VAVRS Administrative Assistant

J. C. Phillips is a VAVRS Life Member, Hall of Fame Inductee, Past President and Parliamentarian Emeritus.

He was born in 1939 in Smithfield, North Carolina but moved to Virginia when he was six months old. J. C. married is wife, Fran in October of 1960. He became active in Forest View Rescue Squad in May of 1965 and attended his first VAVRS Convention in September of 1965 at Natural Bridge. He decided to join after he and Fran observed Forest View Rescue Squad members working an automobile accident with several injuries. They were wearing all white uniforms and impressed them with their professionalism. J.C. has been a member of VAVRS since that time. He started competing in First Aid Contest s in District 3 and VAVRS in 1967. That same year he became a Basic and Light Duty Rescue instructor. Amazingly, he has attended every Convention since 1965.

Not only has J. C. been fully involved in the VAVRS but his wife has been as well. Their oldest daughter is a Life Member of Forest View, and her son is a paramedic with King George Fire and Rescue. At one time, two of their sons-in-law and a grandson were members of Forest View. J. C. has have four daughters, seven grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren who all live in Virginia.

VAVRS and Forest View Rescue Squad has been a major part of his life since joining both organizations. The majority of his friends are involved with the two organizations. He says he feels blessed with having two families, his biological family and his EMS family.

When you talk to J. C., have him tell you about how people would get him and L. E. “Buddy” Phillips. It is a funny story and well worth the listen!

A bit of history - J. C. inherited the R S 1 license plate from Charlie Ketcham who chaired to the Legislative Committee in the early 1970s.

J. C. would like the VAVRS to find out what it takes to have a strong membership and figure out wat it would take to increase district and convention attendance. He feels that for an organization to continue to survive it needs new members and older experienced members to have a good balance. He would recommend to new members that if they want to take on a leadership role, they should read the bylaws, know what your job entails and be able to give the job the time it requires. They will need the backing of their family and employer.

Let’s hope that all old and new members try to live up to J. C.’s dedication.

The 2023 First Responder Virginia Conference (FRV) will be held September 20-23, 2023 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Registration for the event and hotel accommodations information will be available on the VAVRS, First Responder Virginia and VSFA websites April 15, 2023. Make your plans today to attend, participate in the many educational opportunities as well as the business and social events.

The FRV Committee has been working hard for the VAVRS and VSFA membership to provide and event filled agenda. Any suggestions or requests should be send to FRV Committee Chair Gary Dalton (gdalton@vavrs.com) so they can be considered for inclusion in your convention.

See you at the Convention!

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

Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.