VIRGINIA LIFELINE
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Highland Co Squad Says Goodbye to Unit 602 Reprinted from the June 13, 2013 Issue of THE RECORDER MONTEREY — After 15 years and 150,000 mountain miles, Unit 602 coasted to a halt as what was to be its last trip over Shenandoah Mountain on Thursday, May 2. Highland County Volunteer Rescue Squad’s first concern and priority was to supplement its fleet to keep an adequate number of units to respond to the community’s 911 calls, and it promptly began finding a replacement. A few days following, at the HCVRS monthly meeting, a number of members joined in the search and started making phone calls and the Internet for a potential replacement. Thanks to a recent liaison and partnership with Virginia Association Volunteer Rescue Squads, HCVRS’s search quickly ended, and the squad now has a loaner ambulance to ensure this area has sufficient units until a permanent replacement is put in place. VAVRS is a non-profit organization dedicated to volunteer rescue squads and other agencies interested in providing rescue and pre-hospital care. The VAVRS was
organized in 1935 in Roanoke. Today it represents 329 volunteer EMS agencies, rescue squads, fire departments and specialty related agencies with more than 18,000 members.
Pictured are (l-r): Jed Thomas, HCVRS Its mission: “The VAVRS president; Kevin Dillard, VAVRS past presishall promote and assist dent; Page Entsminger, VAVRS past presimember rescue squads in dent; and Chris Vernovai, HCVRS captain. improving pre-hospital (Photo courtesy Dawn Varner) care in Virginia.” The VAVRS helps its members possible include JR’s Auto body, A improve Prehospital care by Sign Place, Keplinger Repair improving communications and Service and Steve’s Upholstery. liaisons between agencies, This VAVRS loaner ambulance promoting legislation beneficial to serves as a temporary solution for pre-hospital providers, providing all Virginia Association Rescue management and assistance Squads in times of need, giving services and promoting and squads an opportunity to continue recognizing pre-hospital providers. community service without lapse In search of resources, HCVRS while researching resources for a Captain Chris Vernovai discussed replacement ambulance. the squad’s situation with VAVRS Having the VAVRS loaner with the past president, Kevin Dillard, who recent increased call volume, will immediately extended an offer to help allow HCVRS to continue to use the VAVRS loaner ambulance. retain calls in-county without the This ambulance was donated to increased need of mutual aid VAVRS by Greater Manassas assistance and its incurred cost. Rescue Squad for cases exactly Most importantly, it gives HCVRS like HCVRS’s. the opportunity and time to Contributing sponsors who helped explore and pursue state grants make this loaner ambulance for increased and maximized funding possibilities for a replacement ambulance, which averages $180,000 and takes more than eight months to be built and delivered. So don’t be fooled by the green and white ambulance in Highland, as it is a temporary ambulance staffed with HCVRS volunteers who continue to dedicate part of their life to save others.
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For a complete list of the current courses being offered by the VAVRS go to www.vavrs.com
VAVRS Officers President Edward B. “ Bubby” Bish Jr. Vice President Rickey Hodge Secretary Connie Moore Treasurer Steven Dove Training Officer Scott Davis Chaplain Darleen Ferguson Historian Dreama Chandler Editor Gary Dalton Immediate Past President Steve Grayson Legal Advisor S. Craig Lane Medical Advisor
James R. Dudley, MD, MBA
Parliamentarian Lobbyist Office Manager
J. C. Phillips
Ed Rhodes Frances Brooks
Training Coordinator Kathy Eubank Administrative Secretary
Shirley Bagby
District 1 V. P. Scott Masincup District 2 V. P. Carolyn White District 3 V. P. Kenny Frenier District 4 V. P. Gary Dalton District 5 V. P. James Fontaine
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THE VIRGINIA LIFELINE ISSN 0279-6023 is the official bimonthly publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc. Editorial material should be sent directly to the VAVRS Editor at P O Box 522 Woodstock, VA 22664 (H) 540-459-4849 (W) 540-536-2758 (FAX) 540-459-4925 (C) 540-481-0125 Email-gdalton@vavrs.com Requests for advertising rates, material specifications and deadlines should be directed to the Editor.
District 6 V. P. June Ann Wilkes District 7 V. P. Thomas E. Harris “Ted”
VAJVRS Officers
District 8 V. P. Blake Byrd
AVAVRS Officers
President Cora Fearnow
District 9 V. P. Darrell Beavers
President - Fern Puckett
Vice President Emily Snyder
Acting District 10 V. P. George Langford
Vice President - Sharon Campbell
Secretary/Treasurer Aryn Onnen
Secretary - Dolores Hudson
Chaplain Dakota Looney
Treasurer - Kitty Campbell
Historian Shannon Cain
Chaplain - Clara Craig
District 3 V. P. Cora Fearnow
Historian - Heather S. Fox
District 7 V. P. Dakota Looney
Parliamentarian - Harry Householder
District 9 V. P. Christina Stanley
Immediate Past President - Joan Smoot
Advisor, Chair Alfred Smith
Midwestern VP - Sheila Gordon
Advisor Woody T. Connor
Northeastern VP - Eddie Ann Orndoff
Advisor Brandon Baugus
Southcentral VP - Patsy Wingfield
Advisor Woody Connor
Southeastern VP - Fay Browning
Advisor Micky Grodski
Southwestern VP - Valarie Becker
Advisor Kim Craig
Western VP - Debbie Rohr
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Deadline for the Upcoming Issues of the LIFELINE Articles may be submitted by any member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS and VAJVRS. Feature articles are encouraged. Photos and/or Graphics are acceptable and can be returned if requested. Contact the Editor if you need assistance in writing an article at gdalton@vavrs.com Deadline for future issues as follows: August 10, 2013 for September/October September 1, 2013 for 2013 Convention Issue October 10, 2013 for November/December Issue
VAVRS Committee Chairs Nominating—R. Bruce Stratton Membership—Rickey Hodge Life Membership—Ronnie Slough Bylaws—Bruce Edwards Rescue Hall of Fame—Ford Wirt Convention—Ford Wirt Rescue College—Rickey Hodge Rescue College—Wayne Myers
AVAVRS Committee Chairs
EMS Advisory Bd.—Dreama Chandler EMS Advisory Bd.—Wayne Myers Strategic Planning—Karen Wagner
Convention - Janis Slough
Course Development—Doug Eberhardt
Convention Co-Chair - Vickie Arnold
Grant—Elizabeth Papelino
Life Membership - Ruth Swicegood
Scholarship Fund—Carolyn Brand
Nominating - Carolyn Brand
EMS Memorial Service—Kevin Dillard
Resolutions - Harry Householder
EMS Exchange—Jane LaVerne
Emergency Care - Ailease Short
Rec. & Ret.—Fran Phillips
Membership - Sharon K. Campbell
Course Development—Doug Eberhardt
Finance - Kitty Campbell
Facility Manager—Lin Matthews Volunteer Management—J. C. Phillips
Roll Call - Jean Garrett
Legislative—Dreama Chandler
Roll Call Co-Chair - Valarie Becker
VAVRS Web Page—Gary Dalton
Rec. & Ret. - Marie Householder Fund Raising - Linda Berkstresser
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The Legislative Attic Submitted by Ed Rhodes Well, somebody said that maybe we missed spring and went into summer. Tell that to the folks in Vermont that had three feet of snow on Memorial Day. On the other hand, the kids who wanted to go to the opening of their pool and it was only 65 degrees. Guess it will get hot soon and we will be wishing for cooler weather. Towards the end of May, I attended both the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Finance Committee meetings. One of the major questions was concerning the "sequester" issue as far as state funding. The Secretary of Finance that Virginia has not really seen an impact from the "sequester" as of yet - pertaining to furloughs (federal government has scaled their furloughs back by one half). Virginia will continue to take a cautious approach on forecasting and will have to wait to see what happens after July 1st concerning employment. I also listened to a presentation by the Director of Human Resources for the Commonwealth explaining the upcoming 29 hour average work week and receipt of benefits. There is a power point presentation available and not enough paper to explain it here. http://sfc.virginia.gov/pdf/ committee_meeting_presentations /2013% 20Interim/052313_No5_% 20DHRM.pdf All of the VAVRS legislation from the 2013 session will take effect on July 1st. The background check
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procedures are being worked out, with the Regional Council Offices being the point of contact for the fingerprint application cards. As was said at Spring BOG, as soon as all of the details are worked out about this you will be notified by OEMS as to the proper procedures. In response to some questions, that have been received concerning RSAF funding in the budget bill. First, up to $400,000.00 was set aside in RSAF funds for grants requesting 12-lead EKG's. Currently, OEMS has received requests for approximately $1.5 million for 76 12-lead monitors. The second question has been concerning the background checks. $90,000.00 was approved for the first year from RSAF to pay for these, as long as the guidelines are met. ** Regarding the EMS legislation that was passed this session, a regulatory package was prepared for the waiver bill and submitted to the Attorney General's office for approval. This will be "fast tracked" but could still take up to six months and depends on the Governor signing it. At this point, there will not be a change to the recertification process on July 1st. ** We are continuing to work through the regulatory process on the pharmacy bill concerning the signature issue that we thought we had worked out. This will more than likely go through the normal regulatory process which could
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The “Real” Attic take up to 18 months to complete. The removal of the practioner signature effective on July 1st, also will not take effect. In both cases, information will be forthcoming from the Office of EMS and work will continue bring these issues to resolution. We continue to work on the Line of Duty Act legislation and have meetings scheduled during the summer with members of House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees. In addition, the public safety stakeholders continue to meet on this and other items of interest. The primary season is over and now the candidates will work on getting elected or re-elected. Many have retired and some were defeated in the primary. Many of these were friends of EMS, but we will work to get our issues in front of them. Of course, you may be asked to assist in this project. Finally, I hope each of you have a good summer and we will see you at the beach for the conference. Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or the Legislative Chairman.
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Submitted by Cora Fearnow, VAJVRS President and VAVRS Recruitment and Retention Committee A few months ago Fran Phillips [VAVRS Recruitment & Retention Chair] stopped me at one of our meetings and asked if I would like to write an article for The LIFELINE on becoming a Junior and what I loved about being a Junior. I had no idea where to start so Fran posed a few questions which made me realize this is pretty interesting information. So here is my story. My name is Cora Fearnow. I am a student at Virginia Commonwealth University. I presently serve as the VAJVRS President. Getting to this office has been an eye opening experience for me. I became a
Junior Squad Member in the Bensley Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad in 2011. I fell in love with my squad and the other Junior Members. The first time riding on an ambulance is an experience you'll never forget nor your first emergency call. It was an experience I can never replace. However, I was also interested in running for a position as an officer in the Junior Squad. I knew I could handle the responsibility and this was something I would be good at. I had loads of ideas. So, I attended my first District 3 meeting with Micky Grodski [VAVRS Recruitment & Retention Committee and VAJVRS State Senior Advisor]. After a lot of convincing from her that it
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would be a new experience and since, I was the only Junior at the meeting I was appointed to the position of VAJVRS District 3 Vice President. After the shock of taking on that position I had to figuring out what I need to do since I had little to no Junior involvement in the District. I was voted in as my Junior Squad President. I found that I liked to be able to help out my members by finding crews and activities for them. These activities allowed for numerous opportunities for bonding of our Junior Squad. We helped with Squad clean up duties, making and selling of Brunswick stew, attending District 3 meetings, and numerous other activities. I attended my first Conference and was awarded 1st place in the Junior Scrapbook competition. This was my first year competing. I was thrilled. I also ran for VAJVRS Vice President. I knew I could succeed at the position since I had taken over my Junior Squad Presidential duties. Once I was voted in, I couldn’t believe the work that went along with the job. Alfred Smith [VAJVRS State Senior Advisor] showed me the ropes, (Continued on page 9)
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how to get ahead and how to get the most work done. I had an awesome year with my VAJVRS Board. Returning for my second year at the Conference, I was honored to be voted in as VAJVRS President. I love the position and the help that I can give to others. Being VAJVRS President has a lot of responsibility and things to be completed but it is always a blast with such an awesome team and support system of
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advisors. The experiences and people I have met through my squad, the district, and the state is unbelievable. It’s definitely a resume booster but I have also found something that I love to do. I am grateful for what I was able to do with VAVRS President “Bubby” Bish this winter. We visited the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond. What an incredible event. I was able to meet legislators and other people at the State Capital. Being able to see the work that the VAVRS puts into
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getting laws passed for something so dear to their hearts definitely allows for a lot to aspire to. Overall I can tell you that being a Junior is the most rewarding experience you can find, whether it’s providing care to patients or planning an event. It is an awesome feeling to see it all come together. You will fall in love with whatever you choose to focus on. The hardest part of being so active is to find time for everything else.
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50 Years…… Submitted by Brooke Elmore, EMT-Intermediate with Greensville VRS August 1, 2013 will mark the 50th Anniversary of Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad in Emporia, Virginia. Starting with only 34 members in 1963, GVRS now has 60 members and remains one of the few 100% volunteer EMS agencies in Virginia. In early 1963 a small group of local men talked of starting a rescue squad in Emporia. In May of 1963 a group of local men went to a stock car race in Martinsville and observed Martinsville Rescue Squad in action. It was then they decided they would form the Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad. That same group of determined volunteers went out into the community and found that an interest was present and that there was enough 1963—Original group of local men forming Greensville VRS. support to form a rescue squad. Thirty four charter members building, a GMC carry-all vehicle Squad went into operation. Prior began a standard first aid to use as an ambulance and to the founding of GVRS, course on June 3, 1963 and at operating equipment. Space was Echols Funeral Home provided the completion of the course so limited in the service station transportation for ill or injured nominated officers to serve as that benches to sit on were people from their homes or the first officers of GVRS. moved in and out of the bays from the scene of an accident Officers of the Emporia Civic when meetings were held. In to Greensville Memorial Club were to hold office for the April of 1964 the charter Hospital. squad until an election could be members secured the During the first year a fund held. On June 27, 1963 officers cooperation of the S&H Green drive was held to raise funds to were elected to begin serving Stamp Distributors for the secure the use of a service August 1, 1963, the date the purchase of a new ambulance station to use as a squad Greensville Volunteer Rescue Official
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2013—Current membership of Greensville VRS
……… Still Volunteers for 1,500 books of green stamps which were donated by the community and the ambulance was purchased on June 11, 1964. In October of 1964 the squad purchased the service station for $1.00 from Continental Oil Company. Currently, the Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad stands at its original location in a building that has been renovated from the initial service station with six bays housing four ambulances, a support vehicle and two boats. One charter member, William S. “Billy” Harris, Jr. has remained active throughout the five Page
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decades, served as squad’s President for thirty years and is still actively volunteering today. His dedication is notably dominant in GRVS’ success. From August 1, 1963 through December 31, 1963 the founding members of GVRS traveled 4,153 miles, answered 140 calls for service and spent 802 man-hours responding to calls. In 2012, GVRS traveled 16,655 miles, answered 2,148 calls for service and spent 5,607 man-hours responding to calls.
their hard work, commitments, and selfless dedication to EMS in our community. Congratulations, GVRS on a job well done and keep up the great work!! And even after 50 YEARS, we are still ALL VOLUNTEERS!!!
We would like to thank the charter members, past and present members for all of Official
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East Hanover VRS Auxiliary Frances Taylor Submitted by Tina Currie, EMT-I, Treasurer, EHVRS Auxiliary Frances recently celebrated her 85th birthday and has served over 40 years with the East Hanover Volunteer Rescue Squad & Auxiliary. Frances celebrated her birthday with family and friends and a lot of exciting information was
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shared by all. We would like to share Frances’ memories with VAVRS. (In her words) In October 1970, I joined the East Hanover Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary after much “P.R.” talk and persuasion from my husband, Nelson. He had joined the rescue squad soon after it was formed and Page
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thought I would enjoy belonging to the Auxiliary. He was right! My time in the Auxiliary has been quite diversified. In the beginning I rode calls with other Auxiliary members. It was not necessary for us to be members of the squad to ride calls, and we didn’t have to have a man on the ambulance. Of course, we rode calls with the men, too, but in the daytime most of the men were working and it was up to us (ladies) to answer calls! I have held various offices in the Auxiliary over the years. I was also a member of the Auxiliary First Aid Team and my children often were the “victims” or “patients.” There were many fund-raising projects such as cake sales, pancake suppers, spaghetti suppers, cookbook sales, Brunswick stew sales, card sales, and rabies clinics. All of these required a lot of work, but we didn’t mind because everyone was working together to make money for the rescue squad. In 2010—my 40th anniversary with the Auxiliary—I received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Quite an honor! It has also been quite an honor to be part of this organization.
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The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip Submitted by J.C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian What are the advantages and disadvantages of having your meeting agenda listed in your organization’s bylaws? One advantage is that your organization would have a place to go and look up the meeting agenda, especially the President or Captain or whoever chairs your meetings. You would be surprised at how many squads do not have a written meeting agenda. In this instance the presiding officer just looks around the room and calls on his or her other officers as he or she sees them. Then after that procedure he or she may say words like, “Have I overlooked anybody for their report?”
Another advantage of having the meeting agenda listed in the bylaws is that the meeting is organized and the presiding officer will go through the list the same way each time. The officers will know in advance when it is time to prepare to give their report. A disadvantage of having the meeting agenda listed in the bylaws is that the presiding officer must follow it as it is listed. If, for instance, the Treasurer is not at the meeting (but will be late) by the time the Chair gets to this report, do you wait until he or she arrives? The since officer reports in the bylaws are listed in order, they are supposed to be followed in that order. The presiding officer may do one of the following: wait until the Treasurer arrives, ask for a motion to go to the next officer listed and go back to the Treasurer’s report when she or he arrives, or say words like, “If I hear no objection, we will continue with the officer reports and go back to the Treasurer’s report when he or she arrives.” Most presiding officers would just go to the next officer’s report and say nothing else. The above examples are ways
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agendas are supposed to be handled. This is a formal way of handling something that is stated in your bylaws and you want to deviate from it. Most organizations do not have the meeting agenda listed in their bylaws for Board Meetings and Executive Committee Meetings because these types of meetings are not usually as formal as Membership Meetings. The Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS) always has a typed written meeting agenda for all of the Executive Committee Meetings and the Board of Governors (BOG) Meetings. If your organization’s meeting agenda is not listed in your bylaws, I hope that your presiding officer always has one that he or she follows in your Membership Meetings. Having an agenda is just the proper way to conduct any meeting. Publication
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2013 CONFERENCE DEADLINES 2013 VAVRS CONFERENCE Pre-Conference Programs ALL CONFERENCE PRE-REGISTRATIONS WITH PAYMENT IN FULL BY AUGUST 19, 2013 BY 5:00 PM. VAVRS SPECIAL AWARDS, CONTESTS, WEBSITE, AND PARADE ENTRIES BY AUGUST 19, 2013 BY 5:00 PM. VAVRS & VAJVRS SCRAPBOOK AWARD ENTRIES TO HISTORIAN BY AUGUST 24, 2013 BY 5:00 P.M. VAJVRS SQUAD OF YEAR AWARD BY AUGUST 26, 2013 AVAVRS SCRAPBOOKS, AUXILIARY OF YEAR, EMERGENCY CARE AWARD BY AUGUST 26, 2013 ALL VAVRS CONTESTS AND PARADE CANCELLATIONS BY AUGUST 31, 2013 BY 5:00 PM. MEMORIAL SERVICE PICTURE DEADLINE BY SEPTEMBER 1, 2013 CONTEST LOCATIONS WILL BE MAILED TO ALL COMPETING TEAMS WITH COMPETITION TIME CONFIRMATIONS AFTER THE CONTEST ENTRY DEADLINE. THERE WILL BE NO CAPTAINS’ MEETINGS PRIOR TO ANY CONTEST.
For a listing of all of the events and seminars being held in conjunction with the 2013 VAVRS Conference visit the VAVRS Website and download the entire brochure.
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*MUST PREREGISTER TO ATTEND* METHODS OF INSTRUCTION 8 hour course Sun Sept 22 and Mon Sept 23, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day INFECTION DISEASE CONTROL BASIC 4 hour course Mon Sept 23, 2013 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. INFECTION DISEASE CONTROL OFFICER 8 hour course Tue Sept 24, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. TACTICAL MEDIC CLASS 16 hour course Tue Sept 24, 2013 and Wed Sept 25, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONSE TO TERRORISM 8 hour course offered at three different times Mon Sept 23, 2013 Tue Sept 24, 2013 Wed Sept 25, 2013 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Also…... “SO YOU THINK YOU ARE CRAZY” Special seminar being offered at the Virginia Beach Convention Center at the conclusion of seminars Tue Sept 24, 2013 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required via the website @ www.vavrs.com $25 registration fee will be required. Problems registering Call the VAVRS Office 800 833 0602 Registration deadline for these programs Tuesday September 10, 2013. Virginia Beach Resort and Conference Center 2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 757 481 9000 or 1 800 468 2722
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2013 VAVRS CONFERENCE Pre-Conference Programs *MUST PREREGISTER TO ATTEND* GRANT WRITING 8 hour course Wed Sept 25, 2013 Or Thu Sept 26, 2013 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (sign up for whichever day works best for you!) Also…... “THE LOW DOWN ON THE HIGH SIDE; SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOTORCYCLE CRASHES” Special seminar being offered at the Virginia Beach Convention Center at the conclusion of seminars Thu Sept 26, 2013 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Also…... VIRGINIA ITLS INSTRUCTOR COURSE Fri Sept 27, 2013 Virginia Beach Resort and Conference Center To Register—Mail Application to Virginia ACEP/ITLS P O Box 911 Norge, VA 23127
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DISTRICT ONE Davis, Robert Merle – Buena Vista Rescue Squad Inc. Hall, Doris Huffman - Buena Vista Rescue Squad Inc. Masincup, Eleanor – Buena Vista Rescue Squad Inc. Mohler, Aubrey Lee – Buena Vista Rescue Squad Inc. Nicely, Bertha – Lexington Fire Dept Aux Stingesping, Jasper Day – Falling Spring Rescue Squad Inc. DISTRICT TWO Paulsen, Robert (Bob) – Kempsville Vol. Rescue Squad Inc. Temple, William – Brunswick Vol. Rescue Squad Inc. Mace , Phyllis A. – Isle of Wight Vol. Rescue Squad Aux DISTRICT THREE Brand, Helen – Henrico Vol. Rescue Squad Inc. Clatterbuck, Sylvia – Bensley Bermuda Vol. Rescue Squad Aux Cook, Geraidine – Henrico Vol. Rescue Squad Inc. DISTRICT FOUR George, Freddie – Woodstock Vol. Rescue Squad Inc. Wagner, James D. (Jim) – Woodstock Vol. Rescue Squad Inc. Huffman, John – Millwood Station Vol. Fire & Rescue Sirbaugh, Susan Jane- Millwood Station Vol. Fire & Rescue Aux Frye Sr., Garland – Millwood Station Vol. Fire & Rescue DISTRICT FIVE Beard, George Lawson – Roseland Rescue Squad Inc. Mosely Jr., James D.- Boydton Life Station Inc. Richardson Sr., Wade Allen – Central Life Saving & Rescue Squad DISTRICT SIX Vanhoozer, Jedidiah Neal – Fieldale-Collinsville Vol. Rescue Squad Inc. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SUMITT NAMES, PHOTOS AND PATCHES FOR ANY MEMBERS DECEASED SO THEY CAN BE HORNORED AT THE VAVRS CONFERENCE MEMORIAL SERVICE . Official
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DISTRICT SEVEN Bishop, Marget – Christiansburg Rescue Squad Aux Elliot, Stephaine – Giles Co. Rescue Squad Fitzgerald, Roger – Rural Retreat VEMS Inc. Fowler, William Lee - Rural Retreat VEMS Inc. Payne, Ila Faye – Pipers Gap Rescue Squad Sizemore, Tony Lawrence – Pipers Gap Rescue Squad Wallace, Gene – Shawsville Vol. Rescue Squad Inc. Young, Emma – Christiansburg Rescue Squad Ekey, Kristin – Blacksburg Vol. Rescue Squad Higgins, Edith – Pipers Gap Rescue Squad DISTRICT EIGHT
(NO REPORTED DEATHS AT THIS TIME) DISTRICT NINE Gilbert, Vickie – Cleveland Life Saving Crew Inc. Graybeal, Claude – Washington Co. Life Saving Crew Healy, Patrick – Bristol Life Saving Crew Lane, Randy U – Wise Rescue Squad Inc. Montgomery, Ronnie Gene – Saltville Rescue Squad Inc. Robinson, Karen – Washington Co Life Saving Crew Stanley, Leona – Glade Spring Vol. Life Saving Crew Inc. Sead, Malcom – Washington Co Life Saving Crew Tuggle, Charles Hugh- Saltville Rescue Squad Inc. DISTRICT TEN Bane, Angela Evans – Sperryville Vol. Rescue Squad Inc. Beason, Violet I. – Colonial Beach Vol. Rescue Squad Aux Jenkins, Lee – Madison Co. Rescue Squad Retter, Edith – Colonial Beach Vol. Rescue Squad Aux
Submitted by Darlene Ferguson, VAVRS Chaplain
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LifeCare Medical Transport Office Manager Jackie Taylor Named Chamber of Commerce 2013 Administrative Professional of the Year
Submitted by Sue Connors, LifeCare Medical Transports
The following is a press release regarding our LifeCare Office Manager, Jackie Taylor, who was honored with the 2013 Fredericksburg Region Chamber of Commerce “Administrative Professional of the Year” award. We are thrilled that she has been recognized after her 19 years of dedicated service to our company, and her lifelong commitment to EMS in the Fredericksburg area. April 29, 2013 (Fredericksburg, Virginia) Jackie Taylor, Office Manager for LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc., was honored as the 2013 “Administrative Professional of the Year” by Official
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the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce on April 24, 2013 at a luncheon honoring area administrative professionals on Administrative Professional Day. More than 150 guests attended the luncheon held simultaneously at Bonefish Grill and Outback Steakhouse in Central Park. The centerpiece of the celebration was the presentation of the 2013 Administrative Professional of the Year Award. Jackie Taylor, who has served as the Office Manager for 19 years with LifeCare Medical Transport, Inc., won the honor. Kathy Wall, chairman of the Chamber’s board of directors, presented the award. Ms. Taylor was among 16 talented and dedicated nominees from the Fredericksburg region. Jackie Taylor has been an integral part of the LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc. team since the company’s inception in 1994. “It is Jackie’s consistent professionalism and compassion throughout her 19 years of service to LifeCare, and her lifelong commitment to EMS service that make her a true standout, and certainly our Administrative Professional of the Year.” – Kevin Dillard, VAVRS
President, LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc. LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc. was founded in 1994 by Kevin Dillard and Dan Wildman. Headquartered in Stafford County, Virginia, LifeCare has since grown to one of Virginia’s largest providers of health care transportation services with locations throughout the commonwealth, and was the first commercial agency to win the Governor’s Award for Outstanding EMS Agency in 2007. Licensed at the highest level of service recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Health – Office of Emergency Medical Services, LifeCare employs over 300 professionals throughout Virginia, and is dedicated to supporting its mission of providing the highest quality patient care, ensuring superior customer service through proven quality assurance practices, and active community involvement.
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EMS Leadership Challenge was partially funded by a grant through the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund. Ayers, Steve Billings, Jason Burnette, Jr., Samuel W. Coyle, Joe McBride Ellen Florio, Christopher R Glaser, Jonathan David Hazelwood, Dustin Hoeffer, Christina Hoerman, Bryan Looney, Dakota Ray Looney, Wanda F Matheney, Heather McKinney, Stephanie Passera, Sandra Pruitt, Travis L Ross, Bryon Sawyer, Seth B Stolte, Keith Young, William J Official
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Galax Grayson EMS Galax Grayson EMS Individual Member Christiansburg Rescue Squad Virginia Beach VRS Plaza VFD & RS Plaza VFD & RS LifeCare Medical Transports LifeCare Medical Transports LifeCare Medical Transports Newport VRS Newport VRS Craig EMS Virginia Beach VRS LifeCare Medical Transports Ridgeway District VRS LifeCare Medical Transports Blacksburg VRS Plaza VFD & RS Southside VA Emergency Crew of
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District: 7 District: 7 District: 3 District: 7 District: 2 District: 2 District: 2 District: 10 District: 10 District: 10 District: 7 District: 7 District: 6 District: 2 District: 10 District: 6 District: 10 District: 7 District: 2 District: 3
These twenty individuals completed the 2013 EMS Leadership Summit hosted by the VAVRS at Rescue College. Each are being mentored by an EMS Leadership Challenge Graduate, are working on a project and will be making a presentation on September 25th during the 2013 VAVRS Conference. Also pictured are Ray Kniphuisen and Chris Jones, instructors.
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NOTE Congratulations to Duane Means New Castle, VA Winner of a Kindle Fire during the 2013 VAVRS Rescue College Submitted by Maxine Kerns, AVAVRS Past President and Rescue College Attendee
I attended Rescue College for the first time, back in 1995, and have many fond memories of meeting members from across the state, learning different facets of the Auxiliary and simply having fun , while embarking on a weekend getaway. In the beginning, Brenda Hargrave and Fran Phillips were the instructors and guest speakers shared information with the group. Since 2003, it has been led by the Auxiliary President who works with other facilitators to reach out to the Auxiliary members and others, who venture into the class to take information back to their Auxiliary and Squad family. Each year I am excited to see familiar and new faces and see just where our fine family is headed. This year, I enjoyed the overall scope and especially our breakout sessions. We collaborated with others in our class to tackle issues that our organizations face. Although the scenarios were fictitious, the concerns were real and required us to think about how to handle such an issue and to keep up with the changes in our organization . It was neat to meet with the auxiliary members who were to serve as a fictitious auxiliary and to be able to install them with a 20 minute preparation. Serving as their cheerleader and sending them on their journey is important, since it promotes carrying on our fine mission of serving the Squad, Auxiliary and Junior association. Thanks to Fern and all those who encouraged us and to the Rescue College committee for everything they provided. Working together, we can learn and share a lot with one another across the state. Keep up the great job! Page
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Sperryville VRS Hosts District 10 Meeting Reprinted from a recent article in the Rappahannock News by Chris Doxen, June 6, 2013
Rescue Association Hosted by SVRS Sperryville Volunteer Rescue Squad, also known as Company 7, hosted the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads’ ( VAVRS) District 10 meeting last Sunday for the first time ever. First-responders from rescue squads around the region, including Fredericksburg, Lake of the Woods, Madison, Riva, Chancellor, Colonial Beach and LifeCare participated in a an EVOC ( Emergency Vehicle Operator Course) competition at Rappahannock County Elementary School ( won by Wesley Melson, a volunteer from Colonial Beach). Lifesupport skills competitions were held at the squad’s headquarters on Main Street, and Sperryville volunteers provided food and support at both locations. The VAVRS represents 329 volunteer EMS agencies, rescue
squads, fire departments and specialty related agencies with over 18,000 members. The morning and afternoon activities offered this writer a privileged glimpse into their world – one made up of dedicated professionals who volunteer to place themselves in harm’s way, to provide the finest rescue efforts benefiting our communities. It was fascinating to learn of their extensive programs, the existence of a rescue college, a state scholarship program, summer youth camps and programs to benefit children as young as eight to volunteer with rescue squads. And most especially, offerings of myriad courses providing a high level of education in EMS, Emergency Management Systems to enable these volunteers to continue to hone their skills. It was especially poignant to learn that each year a memorial service is offered to the fallen heroes. This past year alone, more than 20 men and women lost their lives in the line of duty and district 10 has the honorable distinction of being the strongest supporter nationwide of the Adopt a Family Program to benefit the families of such fallen heroes. To Harold Beebout of Sperryville’s Company 7, thank you for your comments, regarding Company 7’s 99-
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L-R, VAVRS District 10 Advisor Gary Dalton and Braun Sales Representative Joe Engelhardt
percent successful response rate in 2012. Thank you also to Joe Engelhardt, whose company Penn Care donated the ambulance used in the EVOC competition, Steve Dove, state treasurer and the force behind the summer camps, to state officer and advisor Gary Dalton, strategic planning chair Karen Wagner, and George Langford, the district 10 vice president. One would be remiss to neglect to mention the irascible and totally charming volunteer from Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad, Bob Morrison, whose distinct New England accent was immediately recognized and who attended the same high school as this writer. Thank you, all of you, for your commitment, your fearlessness and your courage. And to Sperryville’s Volunteer Rescue Squad, in the words of Donald Gore of Company 7, “We may be small, but we are big at heart.” Page
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Photo by Michaele White - Governor's Office
Beth Addington and Charlie Schulz, members of Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue, attended a special event at Rita's Italian Ice in Fredericksburg on Tuesday, May 21 to celebrate National EMS Week. Charlie's grandchildren enjoyed the frozen treats from Rita's, which donated a portion of the proceeds made during the event to CVFR.
Submitted by Sara Hunt, Senior Public Relations Manager, Touch Points Public Relations
Photos From Around The VAVRS S.A.R.S. ambulance photos submitted by Bobby Hill Page
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Submitted by Sharon Karlet Campbell The members of the Cave Spring Auxiliary are taking a break and hoping that summer will make an appearance and stay here for a while. We held our Annual Spring Yard Sale on April 13th and although it didn’t make us rich, we did make money and got to visit with many old and new friends. The left over items were then donated to a local church whose
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youth would be holding a sale in May. On the 28th of April we finally hosted the South Central District meeting. The meeting had been scheduled for March 24th but had to be postponed due to snow. We had a good turnout and I think provided our guests with a good meal. Our next meeting is scheduled for July 28th in Bassett. May 4th provided an almost perfect day for our Spring Chicken Barbecue. We had hoped to increase our profit but it seemed as if all of our food and product items had increased in price. We still had a profit of $4,000.00 which certainly make the day worthwhile. Many of our Life and former crew members came out to lend a hand and it was great visiting with them. The Auxiliary was well
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represented on May 8th for the funeral of Crew Treasurer, Tom Lamons. Tom had been an active member of the crew for years and was a big supporter when the Auxiliary had a First Aid Team, he was their coach and mentor. We were scheduled to work Friday’s at Five on June 7th but the event was cancelled due to rain. We had our 20 workers all lined up but……We will now need 5 volunteers on August 2nd. We anticipate making approximately $3,000.00 from this project. We continue to provide refreshments following the crew’s monthly business meeting. They all seem to enjoy the treats and it gives them a few minutes to stand around and talk. The crew’s fund drive is coming to a close and we are busy getting “Thank You” notes to those who have made a donation, sometimes it seems as if the list will never end. We wish all of you a happy and safe summer and before long we will be seeing you at the beach for conference.
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Waynesboro Auxiliary Submitted by CeCe McCormick and Jill Stachowski, Historian Hello again from Waynesboro, I hope the weather has been great where you all are, ours has been wonderful. The profits from both fund raisers we had which were dinners for Avant'e and the Mason's. We also helped with the WFAC Open House which was held on May 25th providing food and assisting with the selling raffle tickets. During the open house the president of the WFAC, Greg Payne, and the president of the auxiliary, Bernice Payne, were standing by the two units,
that the auxiliary had paid to have new chevrons added. Thirteen members of the WFAC, with JR's, SR's and Auxiliary members attended the V.A.V.R.S Camporee and we all had a wonderful time with the cookout they provided, pizza night, fellowship and fun with softball game, corn hole tournament, hay rides for the
kids. It was enjoyed by all. Hope to enjoy it again next year. Sis Sharp planted new flowers in the memorial garden and we are losing one of our auxiliary members as she is getting married and moving away. We also awarded her with life membership for her over 7 years of service. We are still going out for birthday dinners for members.
Juniors—Waynesboro First Aid Crew Submitted by Zachary Stachowski of the Junior Squad of the WFAC Greetings from the Juniors of the Waynesboro First Aid Crew. We are working on getting new members every day. Our junior membership ranges from 16—21 years of age. All of us are thinking hard for ideas for our annual Haunted House held in October. Kyle Stachowski, Josh Wimer and others are helping us so we can have another successful event. All of the juniors and advisors went bowling at Staunton Page
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Lanes and a great time was had by all. We are all hard at work thinking of fund raising ideas for the year. So far we are working on getting 911 signs made. Orders can be taken by any junior on the WFAC. A district meeting was hosted by WESTVAC0 and our EMT Team took 1st place for Junior EMT Team Competition. Way to Go Victoria, Shannon and Zachary! Our drill this month was on pediatrics' and OB. It was organized by our own Junior Crew member Victoria Gaudin. What a great job she did organizing and setting it all up. Some of the juniors attended Official
the VAVRS Camporee thanks to Jill Stachowski, one of our auxiliary members and Steve Stachowski, a WFAC senior member, who chaperoned us with their camper. We all had a great time and are hoping we can do it again next year. Shannon, our Junior President, is the VAJVRS Historian and she met with Kim Craig, VAJVRS Advisor. We offered a 50/50 raffle and raised $300.00 with 1/2 going to the winner the other 1/2 to the VAJVRS funds. Our thanks to everyone that helped make it a success.
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Recruiting event at Norfolk State University. New VA Beach Rescue Squad recruiting table cover. Bobby Hill Special Operations-Major Incident Response Team member. Chris Clements PACHVRS Mass Casualty [Courthouse Rescue] walking EMT team at Pungo Strawberry Festival. Truck 1 duty.
VBVRS Station 8 duty crew loading stretcher at Sentara Beach ER
Fund Drive Marketing EMS Week. Christine Brown Kempsville Rescue Squad Volunteer. Theme, “I Save A Life.”
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Special Operation-Citywide Squad Truck Team training. VBVRS squad truck staffed with volunteers from Rescue Stations 4-5-14-16.
Pungo Strawberry Festival Special Operation Assignment. Kempsville Rescue, Courthouse Rescue and Bike-Search-Rescue Team truck. Special Operation-Marine Rescue-Dive Team training assignment.
Virginia Beach EMT Class 01-2013. 45 new volunteer recruits graduation ceremony June 3rd, 2013. Page
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Special Operation Bike Team and Cart Teams prepare for Patriotic Music Festival Air Show. Official
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Support for the 113th Congress H.R. 809 Submitted by Liz Papelino “Below you will find a letter that was written to Congressman Randy Forbes with his response. Please consider writing your congressional leader and urge them to support H.R. 809.” The Honorable Randy Forbes 4th District of Virginia 2135 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Congressman Forbes, My name is Elizabeth Papelino. I have been in EMS for over 10 years. I am writing you because I feel it is crucial that Medicare and Medicaid guidelines for EMS reimbursement change. Currently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recognize ambulance service as a transportation service only. Unless an ambulance transports a patient it is not reimbursed for services delivered. This reimbursement model does not fit with the growing sophistication of EMS Systems (NEMSAC). Often times we are called to perform public service acts such as assisting patients when they have fallen, or when their blood sugar has dropped. However, we receive no reimbursement for these services even though they save the healthcare system thousands of dollars by avoiding costly trips to the emergency department. Official
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Pilot programs have shown that community paramedics can deliver definitive care at the scene. This eliminates the need for transport to the emergency department, again saving the healthcare system thousands of dollars. Often times it may be more appropriate for a paramedic to arrange transport of a patient to their primary care physician or to a specialist they are already seeing. Paramedics when trained properly have the ability to coordinate more appropriate and less costly care for patients (NCCCP). However, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Reimbursement as well as private insurance companies will not cover these services. I am writing to you in hopes that you will introduce legislation that will improve reimbursement guidelines. Sixty -eight percent of EMS agencies in the Commonwealth are volunteer based. Increasing the revenues by which they deliver services will help to ensure they remain a strong volunteer service, thus reducing the tax burden to citizens. Thank you for taking the time to read this, Elizabeth Papelino 15819 Maritime Ct. Chester, VA 23831
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Congressman Forbes’ response: Dear Mrs. Papelino: Emergency medical services are a vital part of the health and well-being of any community and I share your concern that these services should be accessible to all Americans. We need to ensure that the men and women serving in this field have adequate training and equipment to serve their communities. You may be interested to know that Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) has introduced the Field EMS Quality, Innovation, and Cost Effectiveness Improvements Act (H.R.809) in efforts to improve emergency medical services, through training for first responders and strengthening emergency communication. Currently, this bill has been referred to both the Energy and Commerce and the Ways and Means Committees where it is under review. Additionally, please be assured that I have taken your comments into consideration and will keep it in mind should I have the opportunity to consider legislation that would impact Medicaid repayment rates for the EMS community.
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District One Call of the Quarter
face (bleeding controlled), with swelling and deformity noted; bruising across the forehead. Lower extremities were immobilized to the long board.
WAYNESBORO FIRST AID CREW On January 4, 2013, the Waynesboro First Aid Crew responded to a call that those who work in the field of public safety dread to receive – a call for a fellow responder. An Augusta County sheriff was involved in a single vehicle MVC while enroute to a call. WFAC responded to the call at 2244 hours, arriving on scene at 2250 hours. The call had been dispatched as a rollover. The passerby who called EOC said that the driver was out of the vehicle. On our arrival it was noted that there was heavy damage to the front of the car on the passenger side. The patient was a 25-year-old male lying on the ground being assessed by first responders from Company 9. The patient was conscious and reported he had not had any loss of consciousness and he had been wearing his seat belt. The officer further stated he was responding to a call, so speed was a factor. However, it his speed was undetermined at the point of
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impact with a tree. It was also noted that the airbag was deployed. The patient was fully immobilized on a long board with head blocks and spider straps, treated for shock over and under, and loaded into the unit at which time the trauma assessment was begun. Heat to the back of the unit was increased due to the low temperature that night and the length of time the patient had been in the cold. Once the patient was exposed the following injuries were detected: severe bilateral leg pain; a large laceration to the posterior left lower leg (bleeding controlled with 4x4’s and a trauma dressing); a large laceration of the right thigh (bleeding controlled with 4x4’s and direct pressure); deformity and severe pain to right thigh for a possible femur fracture; abrasions to the left hand (bleeding controlled); a large laceration to the right side of the
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At 2300 hours the patient was placed on 15 liters of oxygen via non-rebreather mask. At 2305 hours an 18 gauge IV was accessed in the right antecubital with normal saline, with a second 20 gauge IV accessed at 2310 hours in the left antecubital also with normal saline. Per protocol air ambulance had been placed on standby and subsequently placed in the air. On their arrival they assisted WFAC crew members in removing the patient’s bullet proof vest, which was then given to another officer on the scene. A landing zone had been established in the parking lot of a nearby store. Care was transferred to the Aircare crew and report given to them. Patient was transported to the University of Virginia Medical Center emergency department. Follow up indicated that the patient had bilateral femur fractures, one compound, in addition to the injuries noted above. Doctors stated that the patient will have a lengthy recovery but should be able to return to full active duty. The WFAC would like to thank Company 9, the Augusta County Sheriff’s office, and Aircare for their assistance with this call. Aircare Medical Transport also commended the WFAC for the treatment provided to the patient prior to their arrival. Page
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Photo Caption Contest Here are your humorous captions to this photo of AVAVRS Treasurer Kitty Campbell at a recent district meeting; From a Greater Manassas Aux. member, Kitty is saying, “Can someone please help me up, my knee is locked in the bent position!” From a Loudoun County Aux. member, Kitty is saying, “If I hide back here maybe Eddie won’t ask me to give a report.” From a former District 4 V.P., Kitty is saying, “Bet you I can walk under this table without hitting my head!”
In each of the 2013 issues VIRGINIA LIFELINE we have been having a photo caption contest. This is our latest submission and we are soliciting your humorous captions to this photo of some of the attendees at the 2013 VAVRS Camporee in Buena Vista. All entries will be (after censoring) printed. Official
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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, I have been struggling with the precepting of a new ALS provider. He never thinks before he talks, for example, we were on a chest pain call and the patient tells him, that his irregular heartbeat was really frightening him. The new medic said, “Don’t you worry—we’ll soon put a stop to that!” Any suggestions on teaching good bedside manners. Lost in Loudoun Dear Mr. David P, Nothing wrong with that, that was actually pretty funny. I would have probably said “Don’t worry about your heart, I am sure it will function as long as you live!” Get this, I had a patient one time that told me he thought he was a cat. I asked, “How long has this been going on?” He said, “Oh, since I was a kitten I guess.” Dear Rescue Ranger, I have been having pain in my right leg so I consulted my Official
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doctor. He said, “It is nothing to worry about. It is due to old age”. I told him that couldn’t be, the left leg doesn’t hurt and it’s the same age!” Funny in Fredericksburg Dear Kevin, I saw a doctor the other day about my loss of memory and you will never guess what he made me do…Pay in advance! Dear Rescue Ranger, I have been struggling teaching paramedic students math. As you know there are often complicated calculations a medic needs to make when administering certain drugs. Any suggestions? Doesn’t Add Up in Urbanna Dear Doesn’t Add Up No suggestions, I am struggling also. Seems our education system is broke. I asked three of my students how much is three times three. One of them said, “59”. I said “Not even close”. I asked another student and she said “Wednesday” I said, “Come on, that is not even a number.” So I asked another student and he said, he said “9”. I said, “Correct!” And, to take advantage of a timely teaching moment, I asked the student that gave the correct answer, VAVRS
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“How did you come up with that answer?” He said, “I subtracted 59 from Wednesday and got 9”. Dear Rescue Ranger, I am a little worried. Every morning when I get up I feel dizzy for one hour. Confused in Concord Dear Bruce, Try getting up one hour later.
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PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129 ISSN 0279-6023
NON-PROFIT ORGAN.. U.S.POSTAGE PAID WOODSTOCK, VA PERMIT NO. 82
Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.
Phone: 804-749-8191 Phone: 800-833-0602 Fax: 804-749-8910 E-mail: vavrs@vavrs.com
"Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That A Man Lay down His Life For His Friends." - St. John 15:13
The 4th Annual VAVRS District 10 Fall Rescue Camp for Kids will be held on Saturday, September 07, 2013 at the Fredericksburg EXPO & Conference Center. The Camp will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 5:00 p.m. All participants must register in advance to take part in this exciting event. Deadline to register for the 2013 Fall Rescue Camp for Kids is August 26, 2013. There is no fee to attend this camp and lunch is included. We are currently seeking sponsors for this event. Any business or public safety agency is strongly encouraged to financial sponsor this event to ensure this is a cost free event for the kids. Camp Sponsorship is $100.00 and includes the sponsors logo on the camp t-shirts. Anyone that is willing to volunteer their time as a camp counselor should complete the Camp Counselor Registration form no later than August 26, 2013.