National EMS Memorial Service
Virginia Lifeline July / August 2016 Virginia Fallen Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service
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2015-2016 VAVRS Officers President Kim Craig Vice President Scott Davis Secretary Cecil Leach Treasurer Tarry Pribble Training Officer Greg Burton Chaplain Mike Smoot Chaplain Emeritus Page Entsminger Historian Chris Snyder Editor Gary Dalton Legal Advisor Mary Malone Parliamentarian J. C. Phillips Immediate Past President Rickey Hodge Medical Advisor James R. Dudley, MD, MBA Lobbyist Ed Rhodes
District 1 V. P. Patrick Scott District 2 V. P. Chris Flioro District 3 V. P. Warren Winner District 5 V. P. Jason Morgan District 6 V. P. Bob Wingfield District 7 V. P. Curtis Crawford District 8 V. P. Erik Brown District 9 V. P. Dwayne Stanley District 10 V. P. Wesley Melson Training Coordinator Kathy Eubank Office Assistant Cindy Bailey Bookkeeper Cynthia Babb
2015-2016 VAVRS Committee Chairs Nominating: Bruce Stratton Membership: Scott Davis By-Laws: Bruce Edwards Lifeline: Gary Dalton Conference: Ford Wirt Camporee: Ronnie Slough Finance: Tarry Pribble Scholarship: Carolyn Brand EMS Memorial: Kevin Dillard Grant: Elizabeth Papelino Web Page: Gary Dalton Legislative: Bubby Bish Nominating: Bruce Stratton
Rescue College: Wayne Myers Facility Manager: George Langford Life Membership: Ronnie Slough Rescue Hall of Fame: Page Entsminger EMS Advisory Board: Valeta Daniels EMS Advisory Board: Denene Hannon Strategic Planning: Scott Davis Recruitment and Retention: Fran Phillips Volunteer Management: Dave Tesh Volunteer Management: Walter Stephens EMS Exchange Program: Jane Laverne Information Technology: Steve Ayers
2015-2016 VAJVRS Officers President Elizabeth Pittman Vice President Adarah Williams Secretary/Treasurer Toby Akers Historian Bradley Hancock Chaplain Makayla McMahan
Advisor, Chair Alfred Smith Advisor Brandon Baugus Advisor Kim Melson Advisor Debbie Rice
For a complete list of the current courses being offered by the VAVRS go to
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2015-2016 AVAVRS Officers President - Harry Householder Vice President - Ailease Short Secretary - Marie Householder Treasurer - Fay Browning Chaplain - Linda Berkstresser Historian - Valarie Becker Parliamentarian - Nancy Winner
Immediate Past President - Fern Puckett Northeastern VP - Eddie Ann Orndoff Southcentral VP - Vicki Arnold Southeastern VP - Elsie Butler Southwestern VP - Roger Lynthlin Western VP - Janis Slough
2015-2016 AVAVRS Committee Chairs Conference: Fern Puckett Conference: Ruth Swicegood Nominating: Donna Porter Life Membership: Jean Garrett Emergency Care: John Dimino Resolutions: Nancy Winner
Deadline for the Upcoming Issues of the VIRGINIA LIFELINE Articles may be submitted by any member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS and VAJVRS. Feature articles are encouraged. Photos and/or graphics are acceptable and can be returned if requested. Contact the Editor at gdalton@vavrs.com if you need assistance in writing an article Deadline for future issues as follows: August 1, 2016 for the September/October 2016 Issue September 1, 2016 for the 2016 Conference Issue October 1, 2016 for the November/December 2016 Issue Advertising Rates: Member Squads…,…......no charge Full Page…………………..$ 275.00 Half Page………………..…$150.00 Quarter Page……………....$100.00 Business Card……………..$ 50.00
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Membership: Ailease Short Finance: Fay Browning Roll Call: Laura Booze Roll Call: Clara Craig Fundraising: Stacey Frame Fundraising: Tracey Frame
Virginia Lifeline ISSN 0279-6023 is the official bimonthly publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc. Editorial material should be sent directly to the VAVRS Editor at P O Box 522 Woodstock, VA 22664 (H) 540-459-4849 (W) 540-536-2758 (FAX) 540-459-4925 (C) 540-481-0125 Email-gdalton@vavrs.com Requests for advertising rates, material specifications and deadlines should be directed to the Editor.
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VAVRS President Submitted by Kim Craig, VAVRS President Happy July 4th…… It is a day for celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Celebrate the day with lots of pride, joy and enthusiasm, as on this day the thirteen American colonies were no longer considered part of the British Empire. It is also a day to remember active military and our veterans, as they have allowed for our continued freedom. Without the sacrifices made and the courage displayed by our military, the world would be different than we know it today. Take the time out of your day to Thank a current service member or veteran. Give one a call, send a note, shake a soldier’s hand to let them know that it has not been forgotten about the sacrifices that have been made to defend our Country and protect our freedom. 2016 Camporee was awesome. Every year brings more campers and participants. No one let the cool and windy weather stop them from having a good time, enjoying the good food and music. A big Thank you goes out to Ronnie Slough and the Buena Vista Rescue Squad for making it all possible. Thanks to Gary Dalton and Karen Wagner for the games and Thanks to the Cooks!! The kitchen was never too crowded except when the time came to cut the onions. Thank you Bruce Stratton for that. Please mark your calendars for next year. This is an event that you do not want to miss. As the middle of the summer is approaching and the weather is getting hotter, take this opportunity to educate your community on the dangers of heat. There is a lot of material, information and resources available for EMS providers to use. Check out the National Safety Council website. It is a great resource to get material on safety for your agency and the community. What does it mean to be committed to VAVRS? First of all, You have to ask Yourself what is commitment? Commitment is dedication to a particular organization, cause, or belief, and willingness to get involved. If you are truly committed then you believe and stand by the mission of the Association. Making a commitment is not just saying the words but taking action and making things happen. It is the motivation to successful and sustainable change. Commitment is the backbone of any organization and it is what gives the Association strength. As a member do you know what you have committed to? You have committed to be a member of a team that works together to make decisions, to make things happen and to help agencies throughout the Commonwealth thrive and succeed so they can provide prompt effective patient care. Being committed means being supportive, overcoming obstacles, taking on challenges, building relationships, being respectful and growing with the Association. You have committed to an Association that is the Voice of EMS – the advocate for Virginia agencies and providers. By providing a voice at the General Assembly and State Advisory Boards as well as State and Local committees. There is a legislative committee that champions the cause of EMS during the General Assembly. An Association who shares ideas, provides training, meets educational needs and has an Instructor trainer program. VAVRS also provides management and assistance for agencies in need and training in leadership. So the next time someone asks, why should I belong to VAVRS? Answer by telling them that the Association works for You. It is that time of the year. If you are ready to make the commitment to be on committees or be involved in the upcoming year please let me know. I have heard from several members and want to hear from You. It takes everyone working as team to make a difference. Thanks for all you do and your support! Official
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DISTRICT ATTENDANCE LOW? TRY SOMETHING NEW! Fran Phillips, Recruitment & Retention Committee Chair Recently J. C. and I attended a District 8 meeting held at the Mangohick Volunteer Fire Department. Mangohick is a little village on Route 30 in King William County. The Fire Department has a great building, several fire trucks, enthusiastic members and an awesome Auxiliary. They are now the proud owners of a donated Ambulance. This ambulance was presented to them by another squad in their district. Truly “Neighbors helping Neighbors”. The District Vice President, Erik Brown, has been trying some new ideas. When he was elected District Vice President, he asked why the District attendance was so low. People stated they had to work on Saturday or they had other obligations. He asked “What day would be best to have the meeting?” Thursday evening was suggested. The attendance in squad delegates increased and has slowly continued to grow. At these meetings Erik has what he calls a “Check-in [at the beginning] and Check-out question” [at the end]. This is a unique idea to break the usual set agenda. The February questions were: If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would you go and why? The Check-out question was: “What goal would you like to accomplish in 2016? The meeting in April questions were: If you had a chance to meet any President, past or present, which one would you choose and why? The Check-out question was: In your opinion what is your agencies’ strong point? Asking these questions and getting everyone to answer accomplishes three things. People begin to feel comfortable speaking in public to a group, the membership may ask questions to understand other squads “outside the box” answers and they begin to know their agencies with a unique perspective. Erik had an agenda and called on each squad representative for a report. These reports let attendees know what is going on in each area and may give them ideas to try for fund drives, community involvement, etc. He also passed out lots of material to take back to the squad: the minutes from the February district meeting, a schedule of events at Camporee, information on the Virginia Enhanced Transitioning to Virginia Advanced EMT from the Virginia Department of Health and from OEMS the Virginia ALS Continuing Education Requirements - All Levels. The meeting lasted a little over an hour. The delegates from District 8 returned home with lots of in hand information and new friends from Mangohick. NOTE: All VAVRS Districts are unique unto themselves. What may work in one district may not work in another. Asking your membership what they think of a change of any kind may be met with enthusiasm or destine. By not asking, you as a District Vice President, are not giving your agencies the thought process to “think outside the box” to make your district better. Discussion is a great tool for progress.
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The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip Submitted by J.C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, this will be my last article as the VAVRS Parliamentarian for the past 17 years. I was also the VAVRS Parliamentarian for three years prior to Nelson Negaard, when he served in this position. I have served as the VAVRS Parliamentarian under 12 VAVRS Presidents. I appreciate the confidence they had in me by continuing to appoint me to this position. I had a good run and I enjoyed doing this job for a total of 20 years. Remember, it’s not what is best for you or me but what is best for the VAVRS as a whole. I have written 105 , “60 Second Parliamentarian Tip” articles, reviewed 97 sets of Bylaws and have answered more than 300 Bylaw and Parliamentary questions over these years. At Rescue College, in 1979, I started out by helping to teach the Basic & Light Duty Rescue Instructor’s Class and moved on to teaching the Basic & Light Duty Rescue Classes. I then started teaching the 8 hour Parliamentary Law Class and Parliamentary Law Class at the Senior Management Class and also the Parliamentary Law Class at the Auxiliary Management Class. I have taught one or more of the above classes, 35 years out of the past 38 years. I guess that makes me the longest running Rescue College Instructor. I will miss teaching the Parliamentary Classes at Rescue College. Since this is my last article as the VAVRS Parliamentarian I would like to leave you with a few Parliamentary Tips that I have written about over the years and I hope you will remember them:
It is written “bylaws” not “by-laws”.
In minutes of a meeting it is called Unfinished Business not Old Business.
To table something means that it can be brought up again later in the same meeting.
To postpone something means that it can be brought up at a later meeting.
It is OK to use the word Chair instead of Chairman since women also serve in these positions.
It just does not sound correct, in these days and times, to call a woman “Chairman”.
The President or Chair may say “If I hear no objection the minutes of the previous meeting are approved.”
The President or Chair may say “If I hear no objection the meeting is adjourned.” [The above two statements are called unanimous or general consent of the membership.]
It is not necessary to write in the minutes the name of the person who seconds a motion. Remember, you as a voting member have three fundamental rights, the right to vote for something, the right to vote against something, and the right to abstain. All of the above situations may be done if not otherwise stated in your bylaws.
I will close now by saying what I usually write at the end of a message in a card as a Chaplain, “Take Care and May God Bless.” Official
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VAVRS Chaplain Submitted by Mike Smoot, VAVRS Chaplain It’s almost Conference time and time is short. Below are the names to date that will be honored at Conference this year. If you have a member in your Squad or Auxiliary that is not listed and you want to have honored, please send me their name, picture and a patch from your squad BEFORE September 1, 2016. After that date, they will be included in next year’s service. If you missed the EMS Memorial Service, either in person or live streaming, then you truly missed a memorable experience paying tribute to 32 men and women who paid the ultimate price doing a job they loved. So well planned and represented by the VAVRS, so glad it is back in Virginia! Safe travels to each and every one of you over the Summer and look forward to seeing all of you at Conference.
Nancy Arthur
James Hargrave
Samuel Harvey Blackburg
Barbara Lynn Heflin
Richard Landon Blevins
Charles Nicklous Isom
Larry G. Bowen
Brenda Jenkins
Col. Richard H. Brownley
Phyllis Kasten
Mauerice Loran Byers
Charles R. Lingafelt
Ronnie Caldwell
Mel Losick
Larry Edward Campbell
Edith Bowe Martin
Sharon Karlet Campbell
Sharon K. Matherly
Jim Clarke
Jack Morgan, Sr.
Vera C. Coffey
Carol Roxanne Spooner Morrow
Oscar Thomas Davis
Doris Elizabeth Robinson
Norrid L. Eversole
Judith (Judy) Gail Snyder
Gary Frame
Kelly Southard
Sallie S. Grubb
Ann Pope Taylor
Thelma Hales
Rosie Mae Winfrey Tomlinson
Brenda Johnston Hargrave
Jason Vaughan Anthony Weber
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Searching For New Auxiliaries Submitted by Ailease Short, AVAVRS Vice President The AVAVRS has had a successful year thus far as we are great contributors to our individual squads. But on a sadder note we are in search of new auxiliaries to join our association. This past year we have lost one more auxiliary. Also we have lost several influential members due to death. Back in October, I had sent out over 75 letters to squads in our state asking if they had auxiliaries that would like to join or if didn’t have auxiliaries was there an interest to start an auxiliary at their squad. I got very little response. Each of our district VP’s are searching in their individual areas for interest in new auxiliaries. If any of you know of auxiliaries that do not belong to the state association or of squad’s without auxiliaries that would like to form one- please have them contact me. This is a great association and has made many accomplishments over the last 65 years so help us keep up the good work. Thanks to all of you for what you do. Volunteering is a rewarding experience and volunteers are still needed all across the state. Conference will be here before you know it.
Hope to see all of you at the beach in September.
AVAVRS
Yoga for Trauma Workshop Submitted by Sara Hunt PR A "Yoga for Trauma Workshop" will be held on Saturday, August 13 from 1:00-4:00 PM at Glenmore Yoga and Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Parkway in Richmond, VA. The workshop is designed for those who have experienced trauma or who work with those who have experienced trauma. The instructor, Andy Kaufmann, is a military veteran of the U.S. Army. During the workshop, participants will learn about different types of trauma and learn techniques to introduce those who have experienced trauma into the yoga world, gently and safely. Cost: $50. To register or to get more info: Call 804-741-5267 or email info@glenmoreyoga.com.
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Waynesboro FAC Auxiliary Submitted by Cece McCormick, Waynesboro FAC Historian and Jill Stachowski, article helper Hi V.A.V.R.S Members, Well, since March we started to get a little busier. We had two days of monthly drills which we prepare meals for. We hosted a blood drive, attendance was down and two fundraisers— Avanti breakfast and the Church of the Brethren Women's Group for a luncheon. We always serve our duty squad as we always make more than enough food. April was a little slow, we had our monthly drill, auxiliary member’s birthdays, which was at Texas Steakhouse in Harrisonburg. We got together to update our bylaws. Followed by an ice cream social where we invited our duty squad members to come over and enjoy it with us. May picked up a little, we had our monthly drill in May and several of our auxiliary and crew members attended the VAVRS Camporee. We all had a great time, thank you also very much for the T-shirts that were given to us. We also would like to welcome a new member, Zachary Stachowski to the auxiliary of the Waynesboro First Aid Crew. For EMS week, the auxiliary fixed a picnic style meal to celebrate. We also celebrated Waynesboro First Aid Crew’s 65th Year in Service for our surrounding areas. Memorial Day, Cece McCormick headed down to the building to hang red, white and blue banners and decorations in front of the building to thank all the men and women who served our country. Salute! Everyone have a great summer..
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LifeCare Medical Transports Partners with Relay for Life Submitted by Sue Connors – Manager, Marketing & Business Development Despite the rainy conditions, the Relay for Life of Fredericksburg/Stafford 2016 event was held at the Fredericksburg Fair Grounds in Fredericksburg, Virginia on May 21, 2016. From noon until midnight, teams of participants walked laps through the Fair Grounds to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. LifeCare Medical Transports was on board once again to provide standby service, and to collect new stuffed animals to give to their pediatric patients transported throughout the year. LifeCare staffed an ambulance throughout the event to provide standby ambulance support. As the event came to an end, the teams of walkers dropped off over 100 stuffed animals to the LifeCare crews. Teddy bears and other soft, cuddly toys of various colors and sizes were then transported back to LifeCare headquarters where they were sorted, inspected and packaged before placing them on the ambulances. “We truly appreciate our Relay for Life community partners,” shared Kevin Dillard, President and CEO of LifeCare Medical Transports. “These stuffed animals can provide such comfort for our youngest patients.” LifeCare provides medical transport services throughout Virginia, and frequently transports pediatric patients. These transports can be emergent, non-emergent, local or long -distance, but all of these young patients have significant medical conditions which require ambulance transport.
Relay for Life Bear with the LifePak 15
Stuffed animals ready for sorting & distribution at LifeCare
LifeCare’s mission has always been to provide the highest quality medical transports, and to be a respected partner in the communities it serves. This mission continues to be fulfilled with LifeCare’s partnership with Relay for Life of Fredericksburg/Stafford.
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District Nine Submitted by Ruth T. Stanley, District 9 Historian District 9 met on April 23, 2016, the meeting was hosted by Lebanon Lifesaving Crew. At this meeting Jim Coulthard was presented with a plaque thanking him for his many years of service to the district. He had been district training officer for many years and still fills in as needed. Over the years Jim and his wife Judy have set up competitions for EMT and ALS, all of which were great learning experiences for the teams competing. There were a couple of years that he was not training officer and himself, Judy and John Paul Robinson formed the Three J's and competed at the district competitions. District 9 really appreciates Jim for his dedication to VAVRS. The next District 9 meeting will be July 16, 2016 and will be hosted by Bristol LSC, at which time we will hold our District Memorial Service.
District Three Submitted by Cindy Swann, District 3 Historian District 3 May Meeting was held at Lake Anna VRS. The turnout could have been better. We voted in 3 new squads. Richmond Co. Emergency Services, Fries Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Fort Lewis Fire Department. We went over information that was covered at Spring BOG. As everyone most likely knows a lot of discussion regarding By-Law changes was gone over. They were not finalized. They will be further reviewed. Hope we will be able to vote on them at the Conference. There also was extensive discussion regarding future financial aspects of the association and how we can increase membership dues in a fare way. We didn’t have any competition. Valeta Daniels did a class and it was great as always. We want to Thank Lake Anna VRS for the Hospitality and a Great Meal. Our next meeting will be at Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad on August 6th. Hope to see everyone at Conference. April 2, 2016 Karen Giles held an EVOC class at Holly Grove VRS. It was one of the first of the 2015 Updated Classes held in this area. Other than Holly Grove members attended. Karen did a great job considering there was a problem with the Auto Visual Equipment. Everyone passed the class. Karen also said everyone did a good job at driving and there were a couple people that would make good candidates to become EVOC Instructors. Karen thanked Holly Grove for their hospitality and a great breakfast and lunch. Holly Grove thanks Karen for a great class. Sunday May 1, 2016. Shirley Bagby’s Surprise Party was held at the VAVRS Office to honor her for 22 1/2 years she dedicated to the VAVRS. I attended the Party and had a great time along with everyone else. Shirley was definitely surprised. Kathy, Cindy and everyone who worked on getting it together did a great.
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Rescue squad volunteer marks 50 years Mickey Powell Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer April 16, 2016 Claude Cobler doesn’t plan to give up being a rescue squad volunteer anytime soon, even though he has been doing it longer than many colleagues and other people he knows have been alive. “I enjoy being around people and helping people who need it,” said Cobler, 87. “I hope I can go on for a long time.” Cobler is celebrating his 50th year as a volunteer with the Bassett Rescue Squad. Over the years, though, he has been involved in establishing other area rescue squads and helped those squads in any way he could. Fifty years is a long time. When Cobler became a rescuer in 1966, people had not yet walked on the moon, recalled Darren Lockridge, president of the Ridgeway District Volunteer Rescue Squad. Saturday afternoon, as part of its 40th anniversary celebration, the Ridgeway squad presented Cobler with an honorary lifetime membership to the squad and a commemorative crystal statue.
Bulletin photo by Mickey Powell Claude Cobler (left) receives from Ridgeway Mayor Craig O’Der a framed copy of a resolution recently adopted by Ridgeway Town Council honoring Cobler for 50 years of service as a volunteer rescuer. In the background, under the gazebo, are members of the Ridgeway District Volunteer Rescue Squad.
“Claude is one of the ones who was instrumental in getting the Ridgeway Rescue Squad started” in 1976, said Lockridge, “He’s always there to help us and support us, no matter what project” it is. Furthermore, “he’s been a mentor to everyone in emergency services in Henry County,” Lockridge said. During the past five decades, Cobler has taught volunteers everything from basic first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency medical technician courses to how to drive rescue vehicles, Lockridge noted. At one time or another, he said, everyone now working in emergency services in the Henry County area probably received training from Cobler. Cobler estimated that he has helped to train thousands of people. Some have remained emergency services workers longer than others, he said. But he has enjoyed knowing them all. “Claude means a lot to all of us,” Lockridge said. Cobler said he now works a 12-hour shift every Tuesday as a Bassett Rescue Squad volunteer. However, Ridgeway Mayor Craig O’Der estimated that Cobler probably has been on 75 percent of the squad’s calls throughout the years. “He’s been running rescue calls longer than I’ve been living,” O’Der said. The Ridgeway Town Council recently adopted a resolution honoring Cobler. O’Der presented him a framed copy of the document. Describing Cobler as “a generous person,” O’Der suggested that young people strive to emulate him. After Cobler was honored, Lockridge paid homage to the Ridgeway squad and its members. The squad originated in the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department building but moved into a separate facility nearby in 1978, he said. Stone Funeral Home donated an ambulance to help launch the squad, he recalled. Today, the squad operates three ambulances with advanced life-saving equipment and another vehicle containing basic life-saving equipment, Lockridge said. “A lot of volunteers have come and gone” over the years, he said, but the squad has grown overall from 10 to approximately 30 members. “This squad is probably one of the best in the (Martinsville-Henry County) (Continued on page 17)
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community,” O’Der said, noting that out of 170 rescue calls to which it was paged to respond last month, its volunteers answered 105. Lockridge mentioned that squad members often are able to respond to emergencies because of support from their families, as well as their employers letting them have time off from work. Most of all, “support from the citizens of Ridgeway has kept us afloat for the past 40 years,” Lockridge said.
CBVRS Celebrates EMS Week Submitted by Sara Hunt PR National EMS Week, May 15-21, was filled with many special activities and recognitions for members of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad. For starters, the organization launched a new outreach initiative called Reading with an EMT. Lt. Alex Nance visited a local day care center, where she read "Please Don't Dance in My Ambulance" to the children and gave them a tour of the squad's rescue vehicle. "The initiative is designed to teach young children about safety and to introduce them to the EMS profession in a fun and interactive way," said Nance. During the week, an ad ran in the local newspaper that listed the names of all CBVRS members and thanked them for serving the community. "We appreciate the many hours that all of our members dedicate to help others in their time of need," said Wesley Melson, Rescue Chief of CBVRS. "They are true examples of the theme of EMS Week for 2016, which was Called to Care." To conclude the week, some CBVRS members attended the 2016 National EMS Memorial Service in Arlington on Saturday, May 21. The event honored 32 EMS and air medical personnel who gave their lives in the line of duty. "From the opening procession of Honor Guards, bagpipers and drummers to the candlelight ceremony at the end, this was a very meaningful and memorable event," said Melson. He also noted that CBVRS contributed funds to the "Family Sponsor" program to help offset travel and food expenses for families whose loved one was honored for the 2016 service. CBVRS has participated in this important sponsorship initiative for most of the years since the National EMS Memorial Service began in 1993.
HAVING AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR NEEDS AND GOALS IS THE WAY WE SERVE YOU MAKE YOUR PLANS TO JOIN US AT THE ANNUAL VAVRS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 22-25, 2016 IN VIRGINIA BEACH Page
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National EMS Weekend of Honor Pays Tribute to Fallen EMS Heroes Submitted by Sara Hunt PR The National EMS Memorial Service, the National EMS Memorial Foundation and the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride honored 32 fallen EMS and air medical providers from 15 states during the 2016 National EMS Weekend of Honor, held May 20-22 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Va. Activities and events during this special weekend to recognize the selfless service and sacrifice of the 2016 honorees included: Friday, May 20 - Arrival and Tribute of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride (NEMSMBR) The NEMSMBR celebrates the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice as well as those EMS legacy personnel who have died of natural or non-employment-related causes. About 100 EMS Memorial Bike Riders, led by a procession of EMS vehicles, roared into the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, concluding a trip that began on May 14 in Boston and providing a dramatic kickoff to the 2016 Weekend of Honor.
The National EMS Memorial Tree of Life for 2016, depicting the names of 32 honorees who gave their lives in the line of duty.
Riders are predominantly EMS professionals from across the U.S., and each rider wore a set of dog tags bearing an honoree’s name, agency and date of their loss. Upon arrival at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, the Presentation of Dog Tags ceremony occurred. Riders met with the family in front of the honoree’s biography to present one of their two dog tags worn during the ride – an emotionally powerful part of the Honor Weekend. The rider will keep the other dog tag as a lifetime reminder of the honoree’s sacrifice. Saturday, May 21 - National EMS Memorial Service (NEMSMS) The National EMS Memorial Service is a Arrival of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride formal ceremony to honor fallen EMS on Friday, May 20 professionals. Over 600 EMS personnel from across the country attended the event, along with families, friends and co-workers of current and past honorees, dignitaries, EMS and business leaders, and government officials. Honor Guards, along with bagpipe and drum corps opened the service with a solemn procession to the stage.
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An American flag, sent by President Barack Obama on behalf of a grateful nation, was presented to each honoree’s family along with a white rose and the NEMSMS medallion. During the service, a National Moment of Silence was called at 6:00 PM (Eastern), so that EMS agencies across the U.S. could pause simultaneously in 30 seconds of radio silence to pay respect and remember the fallen—together. The year’s honorees were highlighted in a special Tribute Video, followed by an uplifting Candlelight Ceremony that concluded the service.
Honor Guard members standing watch over the National EMS Memorial Tree of Life display
Every year of the National EMS Memorial “Tree of Life” from 1993 to 2016 was on display. Each year’s panel depicts the image of an oak tree with bronze leaves that are engraved with the names of fallen honorees. In August 2015, the National EMS Memorial Service, the National EMS Memorial Foundation and the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride agreed to collaborate on a shared Procession of Honor Guard members fill the stage at vision and the National EMS Memorial Service on May 21 strategic plan to honor EMS heroes who have died in the line of duty. They are continuing to move forward with efforts to establish a permanent National EMS Memorial in the greater Washington, D.C. area, an effort being led by the National EMS Memorial Foundation. More updates on these efforts will be forthcoming. “This year, the National EMS Weekend of Honor coincided with the conclusion of National EMS Week,” said Kevin Dillard, a Past President of VAVRS. “Our nation’s capital area in Northern Virginia was a fitting location for these annual memorial events that commemorated our country’s brave men and women in the field of emergency medical services.” Page
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LifeCare Medical Transports – TEAM OF TEAL Submitted by Sue Connors – Manager, Marketing & Business Development This year’s EMS Week took on a new twist at LifeCare Medical Transports. It all started when Call Center Supervisor, Sergeant Sandy Passera, ended up hospitalized for an acute illness. With some prompting from her physician, she realized that she needed to make some changes to her lifestyle habits to improve her overall health. Sandy knew, however, that she would need the support of her team of co-workers to stick with these changes. Sandy suggested that LifeCare create a “TEAM OF TEAL” bracelet for employees to wear to help remind them of the value of their own personal health and wellness, and as encouragement to their teammates. Two months later, thanks to Sandy’s heartfelt suggestion, LifeCare began distributing EMS Week gifts to its more than 400 field providers. These items were designed to encourage teamwork … and particularly as it relates to the health and wellness of all of the members of the LifeCare team. Each employee received a teal colored drawstring bag with “LIFECARE – TEAM OF TEAL” printed on the front. Beneath that was printed a quoted from Superman that read, “There is a superhero in all of us. You just need to have the courage to put on the cape.” Inside the bag was a gift card to Subway, a bottle of water, a healthy snack, a “TEAM OF TEAL” silicone bracelet, and a letter from LifeCare’s senior leadership that explained the true value of the gift. The employees also received a t-shirt with the same message printed on the back. On the front of the shirt was a specially designed LifeCare superhero emblem.
TEAM OF TEAL Drawstring Bag
Letter from LifeCare Leadership to its Field Providers: Where would we be without our amazing team of hard-working EMS field providers? This week is National EMS Week. It is a great time for the LifeCare leadership to reflect upon the great work that all of you do out in the field each and every week of the year to ensure that our patients are receiving the best in clinical care and compassionate service. Thank you!
TEAM OF TEAL Bracelets
Your health and well-being are critical to your success, and to the success of the LifeCare team. We strive to ensure that you learn and practice safe patient and equipment moving, and that you are the safest drivers in our industry. But we must also strive to ensure that you are given the information you need to make healthy dietary choices. To set the example, we have begun the process of changing the items we offer in our vending machines to include healthier choices. We will continue to distribute our Health and Wellness newsletters which offer several healthy menu items in each issue. And today, you are receiving a gift card to Subway along with a bottle of water and a healthy snack, because we know that finding healthy food out in the field can be challenging. We thank you for your hard work and dedication to LifeCare. Our hope is that this healthy meal, and this TEAM OF TEAL bag, will serve as a reminder of just how valued you are to the team each and every day. Sincerely, Kevin Dillard, President & Chief So is it working? Ask Rachel, a member of the LifeCare Billing Team. “I started laughing so loud because someone put a couple of unhealthy choices in our healthy vending machine! It looked so funny! We asked for those temptations to be taken out!” Go TEAM OF TEAL! Official
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2016: A Phenomenal Year for Ridgeway District Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. Submitted by Jessica Rea, RDVRS 2nd Lieutenant and CTO 2016 has proven to be a great year, so far, for Ridgeway District Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc., (RDVRS). The squad has celebrated its 40th anniversary, welcomed an exchange student from the Czech Republic, and had one of our very own members compete in the Invictus Games in Orlando. In 1976, there were only three volunteer rescue squads covering all 384 square miles of Henry County. In March of that year, the Henry County Board of Supervisors gave the green light to start the rescue squad in Ridgeway. The Ridgeway District Volunteer Fire Department opened one of their bays to park an ambulance donated by the former Stone Funeral Home & Ambulance Service marking the birth of RDVRS. RDVRS started with one vehicle and ten personnel, receiving its first call for service in April of 1976, operating out of the fire station until the building on Magnolia Street was constructed in 1978. The first ambulance purchase came in 1979. Today, 40 years later, the squad operates three Advanced Life Support Ambulances and one Basic Life Support Quick Response Vehicle with 30 dedicated volunteers. In a time where volunteer service has been declining, RDVRS has maintained 90% call coverage through April of this year. Our volunteers have not only responded to calls, but have (Continued on page 23)
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participated in planning, training, event stand-bys, and community outreach programs such as health fairs, school functions, etc. On April 16th, RDVRS hosted a 40th Anniversary Celebration for the community. Tours were conducted of the renovated building, bounce houses were placed in the Town of Ridgeway Park, free food and beverages were served, and there was a cake walk where seven cakes were given away. During this celebration, the squad recognized a very special county EMS volunteer and EMS educator, especially in EVOC, Claude Cobler, who has been involved in EMS for 50 years and still going strong. While Claude has been a member of Bassett Rescue Squad since 1966, he was given honorary lifetime membership to RDVRS in recognition of his great achievement. “I enjoy being around people and helping people who need it. I hope I can go on for a long time,” Cobler, 87, stated to the local newspaper (Martinsville Bulletin). According to RDVRS President, Darren Lockridge, “Claude is one of the ones who was instrumental in getting Ridgeway Rescue started. He’s always there to help us and support us, no matter the project. [Furthermore], he’s been a mentor to everyone in emergency services in Henry County” (Martinsville Bulletin). The event was deemed a success! Earlier in April, while working the NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway, RDVRS was paid a special visit by Dan Flynn from A&E’s Nightwatch. He was instructed to bring Holly and Titus back with him next time. He is a super nice guy and the squad thoroughly enjoyed his visit. (Continued on page 24)
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The excitement for RDVRS did not stop in April. This May, one of the squad’s very own members, Krissy Esget, competed in the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, FL, as the only US Coast Guardsman to participate in the event. The Invictus Games were created in 2014 in London by Prince Harry, whom Krissy was able to meet, to raise awareness and respect for the tens of thousands of worldwide wounded service men and women (USCGNEWS). In 2011, while on active duty, Esget was on foot when suddenly struck by car in North Carolina. She suffered injuries to her knees, shoulders, and suffered a TBI (traumatic brain injury). Esget turned to swimming for healing. This took her all the way from participating in Wounded Warriors camps, to Florida to the Invictus Games. Krissy placed 7th in the freestyle and 5th in the backstroke events, making all who know her extremely proud. “To be the first female Coast Guardsman is not only a huge honor, but completely humbling. To be able to not only represent the Coast Guard, but our wonderful country is a feeling I never thought I would get again. I wouldn’t have got where I am today if it wasn’t for God, my family, my Wounded Warrior family, rescue family, and friends,” Krissy told the local Official
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newspaper (Martinsville Bulletin). RDVRS also held its 3rd Annual Casino Night fundraiser and celebrated EMS Week, giving each member an EMS Survival Kit and $10 Sheetz gift card, as well as recognizing the winners of the District 6 EVOC competition—Jeff Miller, 1st place, Justin Havens, 2nd place, and Khalil Murphy, 3rd place. The squad also had five members graduate high school. Those members are Nick Farley, Bradley Hancock, Tristan Mahler, Douglas Smith, and Matyáš Fejfar, a foreign exchange student. It was bittersweet, as the squad also had to say goodbye to Matyáš as he had to leave to go back to the Czech Republic. He was a joy to have around, and the squad cannot wait to welcome him back next summer when he visits again. The camaraderie and family atmosphere of the squad is what makes it so great. If the family mentality was not there, RDVRS would not be as successful as it is. All of our members make a great team, supporting one another and getting the job done, efficiently and professionally. The squad cannot wait to see what the rest of 2016 holds, and the many years to follow. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ridgewayrescue/ for more photos Page
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District Six Submitted by Greg Burton, VAVRS Training Officer Rescue squads from District Six met Sunday, May 15, 2016 in the town of Spencer, VA located in Henry County near Martinsville. Spencer is home to Horsepasture Vol. Rescue Squad. It was a beautiful day for a meeting that stated off with an EVOC competition at the Henry County Public Safety building. Many thanks go out to Jim Fontaine, District 5 EVOC I.T., and Mike Johnson from District 5 for making the trip here and making sure we were able to have the contest. After taking a written test, 5 drivers from 4 different EMS agencies, Cool Branch Rescue Squad, Cave Spring Rescue Squad, "The kitchen crew" Franklin County Rescue Squad, and Not only lifesavers on the street, but in the kitchen as well. Ridgeway Rescue Squad, headed for the driving range. Though the competition was fierce, it was a fun time for all of the participants. Next up was a delicious meal served up hot and fresh by the kitchen crew at Horsepasture Rescue Squad. After lunch, the business meeting was called to order by Assistant Vice President, Mitch Vaughn (Vinton). During this meeting awards were handed out for the EVOC event. There was much discussion regarding issues at Spring BOG. It was announced that District 6 now has two trailers with cones that can be moved around the district for EVOC classes. It was also announced that District Officers will be elected at the next district meeting. District 6 Advisor, Greg Burton, applauded the district for continuing to have EVOC competitions. Mike Clark from Cave Spring Rescue invited all to the next District 6 meeting on August 21st hosted by Cave Spring VRS. Tentative plans are to have EVOC as well as EMT competitions and we look forward to a good turnout. Thanks was again extended to Horsepasture Rescue Squad for an awesome meal and meeting site.
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Chancellor Night at Subway & Rita’s Highlights EMS Week Submitted by Sara Hunt PR Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue (CVFR) invited the community to a special fundraising event during National EMS Week in May. Subway and Rita’s Italian Ice, located side-by-side on Leavells Road in Fredericksburg, donated a portion of all proceeds sold at both eateries from 4:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 18 to Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue. Many CVFR members, along with families, friends and others in the community, enjoyed dinner and dessert to benefit the organization. CVFR handed out some CPR Anytime Kits to the first 20 attendees at the event. “EMS Week is a very special time for our members and for all those in the field of emergency medical services who dedicate their lives to helping others and keeping them safe, every day of the year,” said Steven Dove, President of Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue. “We appreciate the support of Subway and Rita’s Italian Ice for this annual event that has become a tradition during EMS Week.”
People of all ages enjoyed dinner and dessert to benefit local EMS heroes during Chancellor Night at Subway & Rita's Italian Ice on May 18.
CVFR's Larry Hills arrives early to set up for Chancellor Night at Subway & Rita's Italian Ice, an annual fundraiser to benefit Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue during EMS Week. Page
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Chancellor Team Earns Public Relations Award for NEMSMS Tree of Life Trip Submitted by Sara Hunt PR Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue earned a prestigious Award of Merit in the Virginia Public Relations Awards sponsored by the Richmond Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA Richmond). In the summer of 2015, CVFR coordinated a journey of honor to bring the National EMS Memorial’s Tree of Life display to Virginia. The Tree of Life is an iconic symbol for the National EMS Memorial Service, an annual commemoration honoring fallen EMS providers. Founded in 1993, the service was held in Virginia for 17 years, but went to Colorado Springs in 2009. When the NEMSMS board voted to return the memorial service to Virginia in 2015, Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue’s Honor Guard volunteered for a five-day, 3,300 mile round trip to escort the Tree of Life to Virginia with brief events in cities along the return route. News about this creative road trip raised awareness about NEMSMS and also elevated Chancellor’s profile. “We worked with our public relations partner, Sara Hunt PR, to generate awareness in several media markets, including St. Louis, Charleston, W.Va., Roanoke, Va., and in our home town of Fredericksburg, where the Tree of Life is safely stored until needed at the service,” said Kevin Dillard, Administrative Chief of Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue. Dillard accepted the award on behalf of CVFR. “It was a special evening and we were thrilled to be recognized as having one of the best public relations campaigns in the state.”
Kevin Dillard (center), Administrative Chief of Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue, accepts the Award of Merit at PRSA Richmond's Virginia Public Relations Awards banquet on May 18. Also pictured are Andrew Ryan, APR, (left) President of PRSA Richmond and Sara Hunt, owner of the PR firm that worked with Chancellor on the project to raise awareness about the National EMS Memorial Tree of Life's road trip from Colorado Springs to Virginia in July 2015. Page
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Sharon VFD Engine 82 Host Wedding Bells Submitted by John Fury "On April 15, 2016, in Vinton, Virginia, John Fury and Emily Timbrook celebrated their union before God and their family and friends. John, being a volunteer firefighter since he was 14 years old, insisted that his hometown fire department's Engine 82 was involved on their wedding day. With lights flashing and sirens blaring, John and his groomsmen rode in together on the engine. His grand entrance earned a big round of applause from the guests. After the couple said "I do," John and Emily rode away on the immense, yellow rescue engine where they enjoyed a moment to let reality sink in that they were now husband and wife. The day they had been waiting for six long years. Sharon Volunteer Fire Department's Engine 82 was one of the most memorable highlights of the Fury wedding and undoubtedly made John and Emily's wedding day much more personal and magical."
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HAVING AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR NEEDS AND GOALS IS THE WAY WE SERVE YOU The Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads is THE voice of EMS…. the advocate for our members, Virginia’s EMS agencies and providers. We link members and agencies for the purpose of sharing ideas, giving you a voice at the General Assembly, on state advisory boards, as well as on state and local committees. When our members have training issues or needs, they come to the VAVRS. When our members need assistance from leadership to budgets they come to the VAVRS. We help rescue squads throughout the Commonwealth thrive and succeed so they can provide prompt, effective patient care 24/7 in the communities they serve. Make Your Plans to Join Us at the Annual VAVRS Conference September 22-25, 2015 in Virginia Beach
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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, I was worried about my health and realized that nothing should supercede the health and wellness of emergency service personnel. So I have decided to start eating more appropriately. What we eat, drink, inhale or otherwise subject our bodies to affects every function of it. Doing the Right Thing
Dear Wearing Flannel, Try this, it is amazing. You just hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks two sizes. Dear Rescue Ranger, Which one weighs more, a pound of rocks or a pound of feathers? Testing Dear Testing, Well, we know both weigh a pound. However, explain one of life's mysteries to me. How can a two-pound box of candy make a person gain five pounds?
Dear Dave Miles, Remember, you are what you eat! Hummm, I guess that makes me “dead meat, cheese and bread”. Dear Rescue Ranger, I am taking Firefighter 1 and have a question. If H2O is on the inside of a fire hydrant what is on the outside? Firefighter to be Dear Jeff, K9P Dear Rescue Ranger, I got a bet for you...I tell a joke and then you tell a joke and your readers can let you know which one is funnier….so, here goes. A skeleton walks into a bar and said give me a beer and a mop! Your turn. Funnier than you Dear Bubby, A man walks into a bar looking sad and the bartender asked him, “What’s the matter.” He said, my wife and I had a big argument and she told me that she wasn’t going to speak to me for a month and the month is up today.” Dear Rescue Ranger, I love flannel but I can never get the right size. I try it on in the store and get home and it is too big? Do you have any suggestions? Wearing Flannel Official
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Dear Rescue Ranger, The weirdest thing happened the other day. I went on the call for a man with injuries from a fall. Just before he lost consciousness, he kept insisting that his leg was talking to him. To be honest with you I think he was telling the truth. Once during the transport I heard a voice say, “lend me $5”. Then I heard a voice say, “lend me $10”. Just before we got to the hospital I heard a voice say, “lend me $20”. I know it sounds weird, but the voice did come the direction of his leg. What do you think was going on? Puzzled in Prince George
Dear Rescue Ranger, Hey, big guy a have a few questions for you: 1. What did the leftovers say when they were put into the freezer? 2. What machine scares the daylights into you? 3. Why did Humpty Dumpty have a great fall? 4. What is the longest word in the English language? 5. What is more blessed to give than to receive? Advice. 6. What two words have the most letters?
Dear Puzzled, That is easy, his leg was broke!
Six Questions Dear Six Questions
Dear Rescue Ranger, I am so bored. I need one of your stories to help me see the lighter side of life. Can you help? Uninterested in Urbanna
1. Foiled Again!
Dear Uninterested, You bet ya! Ballpoint pens, When NASA first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that ballpoint the
pens would not work in 0 gravity. To combat this problem, NASA scientists spent a decade and $12 billion developing a pen that writes in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface including glass and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 300 C. The Russians used a pencil. Enjoy paying your taxes.
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2. An alarm clock! 3. To make up for a terrible summer! 4. Smiles -- because there's a mile between the first and last letter! 5. Advice! 6. Post office! Page
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PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129 ISSN 0279-6023
NON-PROFIT ORGAN.. U.S.POSTAGE PAID WOODSTOCK, VA PERMIT NO. 82
Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.
Phone: 804-749-8191 Phone: 800-833-0602 Fax: 804-749-8910 E-mail: vavrs@vavrs.com
"Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That A Man Lay Down His Life For His Friends." John 15:13
Photos from the 2016 VAVRS Camporee submitted by Jill Stachowski, Waynesboro FAC Auxiliary