VIRGINIA LIFELINE - VAVRS September-October 2012

VIRGINIA

LIFELINE

SE PT EMBER /

OCTOBER 2 0 1 2

P a g e 2 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2

V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E



For a complete list of the current courses being offered

by the VAVRS go to www.vavrs.com

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

[email protected]

Deadline for future issues as follows: September 1, 2012 for Convention

October 10, 2012 for November/December December 10, 2012 for January/February

Deadline for the Upcoming

Issues of the LIFELINE

THE VIRGINIA LIFELINE ISSN 0279-6023 is the official bimonthly publication of the

Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.

Editorial material should be sent directly to the VAVRS Editor at

P O Box 522, Woodstock, VA 22664 (H) 540-459-4849—(W) 540-536-2758

(FAX) 540-459-4925—(C) 540-481-0125 (E-MAIL) [email protected]

Requests for advertising rates, material specifications

and deadlines should be directed to the Editor.

"Diamond Reflections" a book

regarding the first 75 years of the

Virginia Association of Volunteer

Rescue Squads is now available from

the VAVRS Office by calling the

VAVRS Office at 800-833-0602

The more than 250 page hardback

book has chapters about our history,

our Past Presidents, Life Members,

Hall of Fame members, VAVRS/

AVAVRS/VAJVRS officers, State

Conventions, Rescue College, and

much more.

For only $30.00 plus $5.00 shipping,

you can own your own copy of this

beautiful documentation of 75 years of

the VAVRS.

Diamond

Reflections



Upcoming Events

September 26—29, 2012 VAVRS Convention

Virginia Beach

November 5—11, 2012 Virginia EMS Symposium

Norfolk Waterside Marriott

Executive Committee Meetings

September 27, 2012 VA Beach Resort and

Conference Center

10:00 a.m.

November 3, 2012 Oilville

9:00 a.m.

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

As many of you are aware the Finance Committee has been working very hard in efforts to obtain a

balanced budget for 2013. I would like to commend the Finance Committee for their efforts and ideas

to make sure VAVRS is a successful and prosperous organization. There are going to be decisions made

and believe they are going to be tough.

The VAVRS Convention is right around the corner. It just amazes me how strong the competition is

between the teams and after the competition we work together and discuss the efforts made by all.

We certainly have a great organization.

As we continue to grow we need to continue to support the auxiliary and our junior organizations. These

organizations work very hard to support VAVRS, and sometimes we are so involved in other issues we

don’t think to recognize them. I was a junior member of my squad and if it wasn’t for the assistance

given to me, I probably wouldn’t be involved in Emergency Medical Services today. It only takes a few

minutes each day, week, or month to help a new

member. Give a fellow member the help,

encouragement and assistance they need and want.

As most of you know, it really is a rewarding feeling.

I will never forget those that were there for and

helped me. Please be safe and see you at Convention!

From the VAVRS President

Officers

Nominating—R. Bruce Stratton

Membership/Personnel—Rickey Hodge

Life Membership—Ronnie Slough

Bylaws—Bruce Edwards

Hall of Fame—A. Page Entsminger

Convention—Ford Wirt

EMS Representative—Dreama Chandler

EMS Representative—Wayne Myers, Jr.

Rescue College Co-Chair—Rickey Hodge

Rescue College Co-Chair—Wayne Myers

EMS Advisory Board—Dreama Chandler

EMS Advisory Board—Wayne Myers

Grant—Elizabeth Enos

JSW/FEW Scholarship Fund—Carolyn Brand

National EMS Memorial Service—Kevin L. Dillard

EMS Exchange Program—Jane LaVerne

Recruitment and Retention—Fran Phillips

Course Development—Doug Eberhardt

Facility Manager—Lin Matthews

Redistricting Study—Wanda B. Morehead

Volunteer Management—J. C. Phillips

Legislative—Dreama Chandler

President Edward B. “ Bubby” Bish Jr.

Vice President Rickey Hodge

Secretary Connie Moore

Treasurer Steven Dove

Training Officer Scott Davis

Chaplain/Editor Gary Dalton

Historian Mike Smoot

Immediate Past President Steve Grayson

Legal Advisor S. Craig Lane

Medical Advisor James R. Dudley, MD, MBA

Parliamentarian J. C. Phillips

Lobbyist Ed Rhodes

Office Manager Frances Brooks

Training Coordinator Kathy Eubank

Administrative Secretary Shirley Bagby

District 1 V. P. Scott Masincup

District 2 V. P. Carolyn White

District 3 V. P. Thomas Gwaltney

District 4 V. P. Karen Wagner

District 5 V. P. James Fontaine

District 6 V. P. June Ann Wilkes

District 7 V. P. Thomas E. Harris “Ted”

District 8 V. P. Teresa F. Whitlock

District 9 V. P. Claude Graybeal

District 10 V. P. Ronald Ridgley

Committee Chairs





District One News Submitted by Amy Markham, District One Secretary

District One “Call of the Quarter” - July, 2012

The Covington Rescue Squad has had many different calls for service over its many years of existence, but to work a trauma call for a friend right after, “all hell had broken loose”.

The evening of Friday June 29th was another

very hot, sticky day. The temperature in

Covington had reached 104 degrees that day.

Our citizens were begging for some rain to cool

the summer air. What we got at about 2025

hours was rapidly darkened clouds like no one

had ever seen. Then it hit! What the weather

service had later called, ―Derecho‖. All hell

broke loose, catching our rescue squad totally

off guard. Winds of a ―Derecho‖ are normally

about 50-60 MPH. The wind storm that

devastated Covington were estimated by the

weather service in Blacksburg to be around 100 MPH. This was rare, but due to an exceptionally hot air

mass. These winds are about the strength of a category 2 hurricane. Rescue Squad members were

being chased and trapped on the roadways by flying debris and falling trees while responding to the

many calls for help that immediately started during the storm.

Electric power to the whole city and surrounding area was lost, and remained out for (6) days. The

rescue squad normally answers 60 calls for service in about 2-3 weeks. We answered 60 calls for

injuries, illnesses, and home oxygen machines failing, all in a six (6) day period. Most of our crew and

their families made their new home at the rescue squad building, cooking on a grill. With the thawing

meats in freezers, I must say the crew ate well. If one good thing came out of this storm event, it was

the rescue squad membership getting through this in a positive way through closeness in fellowship.

One call that stood out was an injured friend to many of our rescue squad members and a relative to

one of them. At 2336 hours on June 29th this call was toned out to our members for a public works

employee who was cutting a tree out of the roadway at the bridge on South Craig Avenue, and the tree

split by the chain-saw, kicked back striking the 37 year old male on the side of the head, knocking him

onto the concrete roadway of the bridge.

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

the time the call was dispatched.

Upon arrival the patient was found laying supine on the roadway and had been unresponsive at first, but

was now awake, however disoriented to time and place. C-spine control was immediately taken and with

the airway patent, oxygen was applied high flow (15-liters) via NRM. The patient was checked and found

to have a full bounding pulse and respirations at 16 PM. The patient skin was pale and moist.

(Continued on page 7)



Submitted by Robbi Blackburn, Waynesboro FAC

Each year District 1 honors a squad with the Benny Rice

Award. Benny was a member of the Buena Vista Rescue

Squad. A few months after being elected VAVRS

chaplain, Benny passed away. To honor his memory, Buena

Vista developed the Benny Rice Award. This award is

given to the squad in the district who has accumulated the

most points throughout the year at district

competition. Points are earned in various categories of

competition and for their activities reports. This year

the award was presented at the July district meeting to

the Waynesboro First Aid Crew. It was especially

meaningful to the WFAC as it was the first time we have

won the award and it was given at the district meeting we

were hosting.

The WFAC is honored to have won this prestigious award.

Waynesboro Wins Benny Rice Award

The fire department as well as police were on

scene to assist. Air transport was considered and

called for, but was unavailable. The patient was c-

collared and then placed on a long board. PMS

before and after boarding was acceptable. The

only injury noted was bleeding of the head and

this was controlled by bandage and dressing.

Head trauma was suspected with the blood

pressure at 2352 hours @ 191/110, pulse was 90,

and skin was pinking up but still moist. The

respirations were still at 16 with normal

breathing. The patient was treated for shock.

The patient was somewhat a little more

responsive and complained of a headache, and did not remember what had happened. With the hospital

only 6 miles out, transport was immediately executed with arrival at Lewis-Gale @ Alleghany @ 2256

hours, twenty minutes from the time the call was toned. It was thought that the patient had a

depressed skull fracture, however x-rays was unavailable due to no power in the x-ray department at

the hospital, due to failure of a generator.

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

When asking him recently on the streets of Covington if his head still hurts? With a smile, his response

was, ―Like a Derecho‖. Respectfully Submitted, Roy Markham, Jr.

(Continued from page 6)




P a g e 3 1 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2

Submitted by Renee McCaver, Hopewell Emergency Crew

The Hopewell Emergency Crew

(HEC) held it's first Summer

Rescue Camp July 18-21. The camp

was directed at ages 13-17 years.

They had 13 participants for the

four day program. The teens

attended from 9:30 to 4:00 each

day. Lunch was provided by the

Crew.

The teens started with

learning Family & Friends CPR and

basic first aid. Presentations were

given by various groups. The

Department of Game & Inland

Fisheries talked about gun safety, hunting safety, fishing & boating safety. The Hopewell Fire

Department gave a presentation on fire safety, fire extinguishers and PASS (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).

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

Approximately 2/3 of the group said they had never used a fire extinguisher before but felt they could

use one correctly now.

Day two featured the Hopewell Police Department talking about bicycle safety, internet safety

and police services. A bicycle obstacle course was set up for the teens to negotiate. Each of the

participants was given a bicycle helmet courtesy of the Hopewell Emergency Crew. A representative

from Dominion Virginia Power gave a talk on electricity & the dangers of downed lines and ground

transformers.

On day three, the teens were visited by A representative from HCA/JRMC who talked about

careers in EMS. They toured the ambulances. Equipment was demonstrated and questions were

answered. The teens had the opportunity to use both the manual stretcher and the power stretcher.

The final day featured a mini EVOC cone course which was negotiated with a golf cart. Each of the

teens drove the cart through the course with a HEC member riding. The difficulty factor was increased

by adding shuffle steering. The teens also participated in some EMS games which included stretcher

races and a scavenger hunt where questions from the previous three days were used to obtain clues. A

visit from the Virginia State Police finished the four day event. The trooper talked about driving

safety & distracted driving.

A final evaluation was obtained from the teens with the EVOC course the favorite activity and the

comment that they wished it was longer on most evaluations. Plans are being made for a camp in 2013.

Hopewell Emergency Crew’s First Summer Camp





Submitted by Cindy Swann, District 3 Historian

District 3 Meeting was held Saturday, August 4th at Southside Virginia

Emergency Crew. We had a pretty good turnout for the class and meeting.

District 3’s New Life Members: Congratulation to Tom Gwaltney, VP, Wayne

Rapp, Treasurer and Lara Baker, Secretary. All three more than deserve

this recognition for the work they have done for District 3 in one way or another throughout the years.

At the November meeting they will be made official and receive their plaques. We were glad to see

Peggy Vorous back after her accident and doing so well. Those that don’t attend meetings really missed

out on some very good classes that Peggy teaches and getting CE credits. We were also glad to see

Kathy Eubank. If there are those that aren’t aware, Kathy had hip surgery in June and is doing real

well and back at work.

Competition: The only competition we had was EVOC. We just had enough sign up in order for us to

hold competition. If help is needed throughout the state, information is being compiled from each

organization on what equipment they have available, vehicles, etc. This will make it much easier to know

which organization should be contacted if and when help is needed.

As always had 50-50 raffle and drawing for door prizes. We want to thank Southside VA Emergency

Crew for a great meal and a great time. Last, but definitely not least, it was time to elect a new

District VP and Kenny Frenier, with no opposition, was again voted into that office. Congratulations

Kenny. Hope everyone going to Convention has a great time and a safe trip.

In Memoriam—Charlie Wilson June 28, 2012 Louisa County lost Charlie Wilson a 21 year old,

and a very special young man due to a single vehicle accident.

At the time of the accident Charlie was en-route to his

assigned station. Charlie started out as a Volunteer running

with Mineral Volunteer Fire, Louisa Rescue Squad and also

Crozier Volunteer Fire. 2009 became a part time career

EMT/Firefighter with Louisa County. August 2010 was hired

full time.

Charlie was known as ―gentle giant‖. Charlie was a member of Mineral United Methodist Church where

he served as an acolyte member of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and Youth Group. Charlie

was also a member of Louisa Boy Scout Troop 3 and in 2008 attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Served

as Assistant Scout Master for Mineral Boy Scout Troop 183. 2008 Charlie was recognized by

―Volunteers of Louisa‖ as the Youth Volunteer of the year.

Charlie’s image was chosen by VFCA SAFER Recruitment and Retention Committee in 2011/12 with

banners displayed across Louisa Co. to best represent the face of volunteerism. Charlie never stopped

helping other. Charlie followed in his parents footsteps. His father Blair has been a volunteer with

Fire and EMS within Louisa Co. and recently completed his term as president of Louisa Volunteer

Rescue. His mother, Barbara, recently retired as Louisa County Middle School Librarian and had been

an integral part of the GED program, Santa Council and an Auxiliary Member of Mineral Volunteer FD.

District Three News


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

In 2011 District 4 purchased a pre-owned 10

X 6 trailer to be used for housing district

training equipment. The trailer was in great

shape, however, finding an affordable means

to cover up the old painted logos on the sides

of the trailer quickly become a challenge. Enter…Hot Custom Signs of

Winchester, VA… the vendor produced a wrap using photos we provided of

various training events held around the state incorporated with the VAVRS logo.

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

Volunteer Rescue Squads.




Submitted by R. Blake Byrd, Captain Tappahannock VRS

The Tappahannock Volunteer Rescue Squad is

pleased to announce our First Annual Breast

Cancer Awareness Campaign that will be held

from September 14-October 31, 2012. The idea for such

an event was a vision of squad members several months ago

to give back to those in the community in a different

fashion in conjunction with the medical services provided

by the agency on a day to day basis. At the beginning of

June, the vision began to take the form of reality as a

design for a T-Shirt was proposed and a marketing

campaign was organized. At the TRS July business meeting, it was unanimously voted to

donate all profits from the T-Shirt sales to member (s) of the community that have

fought or are fighting against the disease and are in need. In tandem with the T-Shirt

sales, Tappahannock Rescue will also be conducting several fundraising events during

this time frame with businesses and other organizations in the community in an effort

to raise funds for the cause.

In the pre-hospital setting we see only a small portion of the events or illnesses that lead to members

of the community needing our services, and not the long term effects that different diseases or

accidents have on a person/family’s well-being. It is with this that we ask that you join Tappahannock

Rescue Squad in illustrating your support by purchasing a T-Shirt and showing all those that have

fought the disease as well as those who fought but could not pull through that regardless of agency

designation, we all stand for their perseverance in the battle. See attached order form for details.

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

District Eight News

FRONT DESIGN

2012 Breast Cancer

Awareness Campaign

100% of profit supports

local cancer patients

T Shirts

$10 each

We will also be selling t shirts at various locations

in Tappahannock Sept 14, 2012- Oct 31, 2012

To Order T-Shirts or Donate write to

Tappahannock Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 583,

Tappahannock, Va. 22560

or visit www.vavrs.com/news

and fill out an order form.

BACK DESIGN



Officers President Christina Stanley

Vice President Cora Fearnow

Secretary/Treasurer April Harris

Chaplain Dylan Coalson

Historian Stephen Martone

District 2 V. P. Jennifer Winston

District 3 V. P. Cora Fearnow

District 9 V. P. Christina Stanley

Advisor, Chair Alfred Smith

Advisor Woody T. Connor

Advisor Katherine Eubank

Advisor Micky Grodski

Advisor Kim Craig

Advisor Brandon Baugus

Submitted by Alfred Smith, Chair, VAJVRS Senior Advisor

The VAJVRS Officers and Senior Advisors met on July 28, 2012, at Concord Rescue Squad for a

meeting to discuss the officers' and senior advisors' job descriptions, to write up sample agendas for

the VAJVRS convention meeting and for their Executive/BOG meeting, and to review Parliamentary

procedure for their meetings.

The junior officers in attendance were President, Christina Stanley; Vice President, Cora Fearnow;

Secretary/Treasurer, April Harris; and Chaplain, Dylan Coalson. Due to college obligations, Historian,

Stephen Martone, was unable to attend. Senior advisors that came to support the junior officers were

Alfred Smith, Chairman; Woody Conner, Micky Grodski,

Brandon Baugus, and Kim Craig.

The junior squad was also fortunate enough to have the

extra guidance of VAVRS President Bubby Bish. It was a

very productive meeting. The junior officers and the

senior advisors would like to thank the Concord Rescue

Squad for their hospitality and use of their building. We

are all looking forward to the convention in Virginia Beach

and the election of new officers for 2012-2013 year.

From the VAJVRS



Submitted by Steven Dove, VAVRS Treasurer

On June 23, 2012 the National EMS Memorial

Service honored 20 individuals from 13 states

that had lost their lives in the line of duty. These

20 individuals join 581 others previously honored

by the National EMS Memorial Service. This

year’s service was held in Colorado Springs at the

Pikes Peak Center.

Members of the honoree’s families are

presented with a medallion, symbolizing

eternal memory; a United States Flag which

was flown over the Nation’s Capital,

symbolizing service to the country; and a white

rose, symbolizing their undying love. In

addition to the presentations made during the

service, each honoree’s name is engraved on a

bronze oak leaf which is added to the ―Tree of

Life.‖

Friday night events began with the arrival of

the riders of the National EMS Memorial Bike

Ride, Inc. arriving at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. Their journey began three days earlier in Fort

Collins. The approximately 160 mile ride through Colorado included stops in Boulder and an appearance

at the Denver Air Medical Memorial on June 21st. From the Air Medical Memorial riders traveled to

Colorado Springs to take part in the National EMS Memorial Service.


National EMS Memorial

Service



The National EMS Memorial Service began in 1991 when a

group of members with the VAVRS realized that there was

no event that recognized the sacrifices made by emergency

medical service providers that died in the line of duty in the

Commonwealth of Virginia. The VAVRS established a

National EMS Memorial Committee to organize the National

EMS Memorial Service.

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

Roanoke has its own place in EMS history as the home of Julian

Stanley Wise and the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew.

Wise was the founder of that organization which was the first

volunteer rescue squad in the United States.

In May of 1998 the U.S. Congress, through unanimously passed

concurrent resolutions of the Senate and House of

Representatives (S. Con. Res and H. Con Res. 171) recognized

the National EMS Memorial Service, held in Roanoke, VA, as the

official EMS Memorial of the United States.

In April of 2008, after a two year nationwide search,

Colorado Springs, Colorado was chosen as the new host city

of the National EMS Memorial Service and site of the new

permanent outdoor National EMS Memorial. Colorado Springs

hosted its first Memorial Service in June of 2010.

Public safety agencies in the Commonwealth of Virginia

continue to support the National EMS Memorial Service even

though it is over 1,400 miles away. Several individuals from

Virginia attended the 2012 Memorial Service. In attendance

were Kevin Dillard, past President of the National EMS

Memorial Service and Past President of VAVRS. Kevin

currently serves on the National EMS Memorial Service Board as a Director Emeritus. Danny Wildman,

also Director Emeritus, has also served as past Treasurer of the National EMS Memorial Service

Board, and past VAVRS District 10 Vice President and Editor. VAVRS Individual Member Jean Venner

serves as a Director Emeritus with the National EMS Memorial Service Board. National EMS Memorial

Service Board Director Tim Perkins, also serves as the EMS Systems

Planner with the Virginia Department of Health, Office of EMS.

VAVRS Treasurer Steve Dove also attended this year’s Memorial

Service. Ron S. Quesenberry, Rescue Specialist with the James City

County Fire Department served as the Honor Guard Commander with

the National EMS Memorial Service Honor Guard. Firefighter/EMT

Ryan Passera and Firefighter Matthew Burgett with the Chancellor

Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department’s Honor Guard also served on

the National EMS Memorial Service’s Honor Guard during this year’s

Memorial Service.




Submitted by J. C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian

Guess What? I learned something at the recent Rescue College held

at Virginia Tech. I again taught a Parliamentary Law Class at Rescue

College and when I was teaching the four different times a President

could vote, one of the students said that he thought a President

could vote another time, other than the four times I had

already mentioned. He said that he thought the President could also vote when he or she gave up

the chair to voice his or her opinions on a motion that is still on the floor. He was right. I had

forgotten about that particular situation.

When I refer to a President, I am also talking about anyone that chairs a meeting. In rescue squads or

fire departments it is sometimes a Captain or a Chief that chairs a meeting. In other organizations,

the chair could have a name of another title.

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

The President can vote to break a tie.

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

The President can vote in a ballot vote.

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

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

In this situation the President gives up the chair to voice his or her feelings on a motion that is still on

the floor. In this type of situation, the President has given up the duties of chairing the meeting and

can vote like any other voting member. After the motion is taken care of, he or she then takes back

the chair.

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

say different.

The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip

From the Nominating Committee Chair Submitted by R. Bruce Stratton, VAVRS Nominating Committee Chair

Slate of Officers for the VAVRS for 2012-2013

President - Edward B. Bush, Jr.

Southside VA Emergency Crew

Vice President - Rickey Hodge

Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad

Secretary - Connie Moore

Kenbridge Emergency Squad

Treasurer - Steven Dove

Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department

Training Officer - Scott Davis

Giles County Rescue Squad

Chaplain - Darlene Ferguson

Brunswick Volunteer Rescue Squad



Submitted by Fran Phillips, VAVRS Recruitment and Retention Chair

THE THREE R’S - Recruit - Retain - Reconcile

A DREAM SQUAD: I hope you have recruited new members during the

summer months and that you are training or have trained these new

―recruits‖ as professional rescue squad members. Have they been

assigned to a crew? Have you given them a mentor?

Has there been a squad picnic, members going to district meetings and convention with competition

teams in every category? What a dream squad!! Now don’t get me wrong—if there is a squad out there

that has done all of the above, I would like to hear from you.

RECRUIT - NEW MEMBERS: Let prospective members know what kind of training is expected of them

and who will pay for this training. How long do your new members have [six months? a year?] to become

certified in the areas that your squad requires: i.e., EMT, CPR, EVOC, Hazmat, etc. Do you give them a

uniform, pants, boots or do they pay for their own? Do you give them equipment such as a pager or

radio and training on how to use these items? Are they given a listing of the members of their crew and

who to get hold of for duty assignments or to ask questions? Has their crew been notified that a new

member has been assigned to them and do they welcome this new person in an appropriate way???

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

operations of our squad.

RETENTION OF YOUR MEMBERS: A mentor or assigned person will be able to help the new member

adjust to squad life. Does the person have someone to talk to after a ―bad‖ call? Does your squad offer

continuing education by sending your members to Rescue College in June or to the Seminars given

during the annual convention in September? Do you help by reimbursing their expenses using VAVRS

guidelines? Do you have an annual banquet and installation of officers ceremony? Do you recognize

members at this banquet for their excellent work during the year? Do you have monthly or quarterly

meetings?

During EMS Week do you do something special for all your members? Some squads have the following: a

dinner cooked by operations for squad members and their families, a special gift such as a squad pen

for all active personnel [Senior, Auxiliary, Juniors], or a gift card to help with gas expenses. Do you

have a picnic to say ―Thank You‖ for service to the squad? Do you send a delegate to the VAVRS

Convention with expenses paid?

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

their rescue service.

RECONCILE - WHAT IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM:

How do you handle a ―dustup‖ or ―argument‖ between

members of your squad? You do not want to loose

trained, responsible members over a problem.

G Administration and Operations must work together

to ensure that the squad runs smoothly and efficiently.

If there is a problem between these two important

entities of the squad it must be worked out

immediately. Try having a combined meeting of the


R&R

Committee

Submitted by Brian F. Talty CC-EMT-P - Forest View RS and Richmond Ambulance Authority

Decisions, decisions, life is full of them, down to every choice we make. Some are critical, some are not

but they all matter to some extent when the product of your decision is revealed. In the back of the

truck we make split second decisions based on only our hands, brain and gut instinct that change lives

every day. You even have to decide what type of equipment to use after you have chosen to perform an

intervention.

Intravenous (IV) lines are full of decisions should you choose to treat your patient with one. Do I want

a lock or line, 10 or 60, extension or no, 18 or 20, piggyback or no? But, take it

a little further, any decision you make at work not only impacts your care and

the patient outcome, there is also a financial consequence. It’s quite obvious a

lock is cheaper than a line, if all you need is venous access why resort to the

more expensive choice that will not have immediate benefit for the patient.

First choice, lock or line? If the only thing you need is to have an IV for the

―just in case‖, to adhere to protocol or just because you helping the ER out so

they can draw blood, a lock is your obvious choice. The only thing a lock does is

make it so we have IV access should we need it. I already hear you asking,

―What if I change my mind and want to give fluids?‖. Easy, spike a bag and

attach the line to your lock and you have now turned your lock into an




I V Decisions

officers of Administration and Operations. At this meeting make it a

point to work out all problems with dignity and respect toward your

fellow squad personnel.

G If the problem is among squad members, the officers might want to

hold an ―Informational Session‖ twice a year, or when necessary, to

work out all problems with dignity and respect. At these sessions

anyone should be free to ask questions and receive answers from

Administration and Operations. No one should be ostracized for asking

questions. When the meeting is over EVERYONE, should feel better

about their squad.

All members must remember that there is more than one way to do

something. Also, members should remember to follow the golden rule:

―do unto others as you would have them do unto you.‖ If everyone is kind to each other then all

problems will be worked out to the betterment of your squad.

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

Be a HERO in LEADERSHIP and MEMBERSHIP!




extension set. Most lines come with extension

sets (same as a lock) already on them.

Should you choose a line, 10gtts or 60gtts? The

number correlates to how many drops from the

opening it would take to make one milliliter (ml) of

fluid. A 10 drip has bigger droplets which makes it

the obvious choice for rapid fluid administration

to replace blood loss or rehydration. A 60 drip has

much smaller droplets which makes it much easier

to control your rate of administration. Control is

crucial when you are administering medication via

IV drip. I’m going to go out on limb here and say

that a 60 drip should never be used with a 1000ml

(1L) bag. If you are spiking 1L bag then you are planning on administering for volume replacement or

replenishment and 60 will not do that effectively. 60 drips should be reserved for the 50ml, 100ml or

250ml bags when we will be putting medication in them to infuse at a controlled rate.

What size needle? 18 or 20 is the most common for adults, 18 is preferred due to administration of

blood products in the hospital if needed. 14 and 16 should be reserved for extremely sick patients and

those involved in multisystem trauma with evidence of impending hemodynamic compromise. Just

because a guy flipped his car, extricated himself, walking on your arrival and is only going to get

checked out does not mean he needs bilateral 14’s due to mechanism. Use sound clinical judgment and

think outside of the protocols and outside of mechanism and ask yourself, ―Do they really need it?‖.

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

size.

How about some formulas?

~Drip rate for fluid administration = amount to infuse in ml * drop factor / infusion duration in minutes

~Drip rate for medication based on specific dosage to be infused per minute = dosage per minute to be

administered * drop factor / medication concentration per ml

~Drip rate for medication based on specific dosage per kilogram of body weight per minute = desired

dose per minute * weight in kg * drop factor / concentration of medication per ml

~1000 micrograms = 1 mg : 1000 milligrams = 1gram

~Pounds to kilograms = Divide by 2.2 or divide by two and subtract 10%

~ ―2 am rule‖ for Dopamine = Take patients weight in pounds, drop last number and subtract two. This

will be your 5mcg dose, for 10mcg multiply by two, 15 mcg multiply by 3, etc. (Patient weight = 210

pounds, drop last number gives you 21, subtract 2 gives you 19. 19 Drops per minute is your dose for

5mcg.

~1000ml in 1 liter

Hope this helps, just a little cheat sheet reminder. If you have any helpful formulas or tricks for IV or

medicines please forward them on so we may all use them. The person who knows HOW will always have

a job, the person who knows WHY will always be their boss.

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

always follow your protocols.




In Honor Of Our Departed Members

Virginia M. Adams - Henrico VRS Auxiliary

James E. Arnold - Goshen FAC

Fred I. Bays - Fredericksburg VRS

John S. Bell - Westvaco RS

Dhwani Bhatt - Greater Manassas VRS

John G. Bogg - Bristol LSC

John H. Brandt - Lake of the Woods VRS

Alice Bryant - Waynesboro FAC

Percy G. Caldwell Jr. - Covington RS

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

Dennis Cash - Monelison VRS

James P. Catron Jr. - Saltville RS

Rawleigh G. Clary - Brunswick VRS

Tracy D. Crabtree - Washington Co LSC

Allison Davis - Madison Co RS

Carman S. Davis - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Randy Davis - Danville LSC

Mildred S. Dawson - Henrico VRS

Clarence Deaner - Campbell Co VRS

William Dickson - White Oak VRS

Gail Ferrell - Danville LSC

Bernard H. Ferron - Cool Branch VRS

Floyd Foster III - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

William G. Frank - Colonial Beach VRS Auxiliary

Victor A. Franklin - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

George Gill - Henrico VRS

Mary Anna C. Greene - Manchester VRS

James Gregson Jr. - Danville LSC

Sidney A. Hall - Franklin Co RS

Joyce Hevener - Bath Highland VFD

Spence H. Hudson - Brooke F & SA

William Jennings - Monelison VRS

Elworth Johnson - Franklin Co RS

William A. Johnson - Forest View VRS

Mary Lou Lail - Colonial Beach VRS Auxiliary

David V. Lawless - Fieldale-Collinsville VRS

William G. Laws - Davis Corner VFD & RS

Carolyn H. Layne - Holly Grove VRS

Carol Jean Lindsay - Westvaco RS

Molly Mauldin - Danville LSC

Clyde E. May Sr. - Prince George EC

Nancy W. McCutchen - Clifton Forge RS

Earl W. Newman - Bassett RS

Alex R. O’Bryhim - Fredericksburg VRS

Irving F. Painter - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

James V. Pelter - Buena Vista RS

Jameson G. Powell - Henrico VRS

Russell A. Ragland - Amherst LS & FAC

William A. Ragland - Nottoway Co ES

Helen S. Reece - Clifton Forge RS

Thomas ―Kyle‖ Southern - Waynesboro FAC

Billy Sparks - Danville LSC

Calvin C. Staton - Clifton Forge RS

R. Benjamin Summerlin - Axton LSC

Patricia A. Swisher - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Franklin D. Taylor Sr. - Rescue 945

Opal L. Taylor - Clifton Forge RS

Charlsie R. Thompson - Glade Spring LS

Robert L. Trayer - Staunton-Augusta FA & RS

Ralph O. Tucker - Amherst LS & FAC

David Weeks - Virginia Beach VRS

Malvin L. Wells - Elliston VFD

Edwitt Witt - Bent Mountain FAC & RS

Bobbie Lee Wood - Westvaco RS

Submitted by Gary Dalton, VAVRS Chaplain

Serving as your Chaplain has been truly a humbling

experience. I have found that there is a need in each of us that perform pre-hospital emergency care

to find a safe, non-judgmental and confidential arena to share emotions. I have also found that your

VAVRS, district and local chaplains open their hearts to offer personal, emotional and spiritual comfort.

They strive to build informal relationships in their agencies and become a trusted friend with a

listening ear and comforting words.

I pray that God grants you the strength to deliver emergency medical care with skillful hands and a

compassionate heart. That he gives you the courage and ability to render professional skills when

called upon and lives are on the line; helps to guide your hands with love and caring as you bring new life

into this world and lets you ease the suffering of others on every call for help. And finally, he helps

you accept His will for you with a clear mind and an open heart. By the Grace of God you go.



These sixty-four providers and others will be memorialized at the 2012

VAVRS Convention during the Memorial Service. These support personnel

are no longer with us and are remembered for their service and dedication

to their communities and to the delivery of quality patient care.

If your agency has members that should be recognized in the 2013

Service please submit the member’s information and photo along with a

scan of your agency patch to the VAVRS Chaplain.

VAVRS Chaplain

Submitted by Jane LaVerne, Powhatan VRS

Unfortunately, in the news lately all we have been

hearing about is multiple shooting situations. These

keep increasing at an alarming rate. Is your

organization prepared to deal with such situations?

Whether you are a small squad or a large squad, paid

or volunteer, we all need to be ready to deal with the unexpected. Your least experienced may be the

first on scene, having to take command until an Officer arrives, are they prepared?

In one of the latest shootings, the victims were located in several different locations, causing

confusion as to the location of responding units. This resulted in three divisions needing to be set up –

will you be able to do this rapidly?

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

On Saturday, October 27th there will be a MCI I and II class held at the VAVRS office in Oilville from

9a until 6p. We will accept the first 30 to register. Let’s not let your squad out in the cold! As the

Scout motto states—―Be Prepared‖

Are You Prepared To Deal

With a Disaster?


P a g e 2 4

Good news travels fast! As of Thursday afternoon,

August 9th, the Governor signed the EMS regulations.

The Regulation and Policy Committee of the EMS

Advisory Board felt relieved, as it has been four years of work just getting to this point, with one of

those years waiting for the signature. On September 10th, the new regulations will be posted in the

Virginia Register and this begins a thirty-day comment period. Once this period is complete, the

committee will meet on October 25th to review the comments and send those back through the system.

Hopefully, the new regulations will take effect sometime around the first part of December. Should you

have any comments concerning the new regulations, please feel free to contact your EMS Advisory

Board representative or Mike Berg in the Office of EMS.

The Virginia Fire Services Council Legislative Summit met in July and determined the top three issues

that the public safety organizations will be concentrating on during the 2013 General Assembly session.

First on the list is the Line of Duty Act and finding a funding stream that is agreeable to by the

legislature and administration. There is also a resolution for your squad/crew to take to your local

government asking for support of the public safety quest. Your district vice president should have a

copy of this to give you. Second and third is a tie, based on whether you are EMS or fire. The goal

protects the Four for Life and the VDFP ATL funds from intrusion by other agencies, etc., so that

these funds will be used for the purpose intended. In addition, in 2009 both funds had the interest

removed and sent to the General Fund. There will be attempts to regain these funds for use by the

agencies for their constituents.

During the last quarter of this year, your agency's

leadership will see an EMS Needs Assessment for

completion. This will be a bare bones questionnaire

on your agency, contacts, equipment, membership,

budget, and your needs. This information will be a

resource not only for OEMS, but also for VAVRS

and additionally for the work VAVRS does with

the legislature. A subcommittee of one of the

advisory board's committees worked on this over

this past summer coming up with approximately 38

questions, which should take a short period to

complete. It will be coming via online to one of

the top officers of the organization, so once it is


S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2

T h e

L e g i s l a t i v e

A t t i c

Submitted by Ed Rhodes



received, complete it and return it to OEMS.

Over this summer, my wife and I have traveled to and visited half of the districts in the VAVRS. There

are a couple we have yet to get to, but don't worry, we will. We have enjoyed our visits and the

hospitality from each of the districts. One of the comments that I have made, and when I say it, only

those that have been around awhile will even remember, but that traveling to the meetings reminds us

of when I was running for a VAVRS state office. I hate say it, but that was a few years ago.

As for legislation in the coming session, the only piece that I currently have is the EMT testing waiver

that came up last year. VAVRS and VAGEMSA are supporting this measure. We do not have a patron as

of now, but should in the next few weeks. The Legislative Committee should be meeting during the

convention to discuss other ideas. Remember, if you have an idea, let the committee know, but

remember whatever you are asking about will affect members statewide, not just in your neighborhood.

Thanks for your support during the legislative session and expect to be making phone calls or sending e-

mails. I will see you at convention and possibly at your district meetings. If you have questions, please

do not hesitate to ask.


GLASGOW LIFESAVING AND

FIRST AID CREW IS SELLING

THIS RESCUE VEHICLE

ASKING PRICE IS $168,000

2003 FORD F-650 SUPER DUTY

For more information contact

Craig Campbell at 540-291-3658

or email [email protected]

View more details at

www.vavrs.com/news

BOYDTON LIFE STATION IS

SELLING THIS AMBULANCE

ASKING PRICE IS $40,000.00

(NEGOTIABLE)

2003 CHEVROLET DURAMAX

C-4500

87,000 MILES

If interested contact John Toone

at 434-738-6896

View more details at

www.vavrs.com/news

mailto:[email protected]



Submitted by Gerald W. Morton, NREMT-P, Bristol Lifesaving Crew

My partner and I were in route, emergency

traffic, to treat an assault victim when

dispatch provided us an update. We learned

that police were on scene, that our patient

was down, bleeding from multiple facial

lacerations, and that he had a service dog

with him. I had never treated a patient

with a service dog, but the first thing that

crossed my mind was that I would be

treating a blind patient. Because we had

only a three-minute response time, I had

little opportunity to consider any further how having a service dog as part of my responsibility would

affect my treatment and transport plan. I was, however, about to get a quick lesson in the role service

dogs can play and my obligations as a paramedic to a patient with such a companion.

Because my partner and I had two probationary members with us on the call, I had plenty of hands on

board to assist. Immediately obvious as we arrived on scene was that our patient did, in fact, have

serious injuries. He was also intoxicated, was in fact assaulted outside a liquor store. He had a small

spaniel on a rope leash with a service dog shroud. His altered mental status, in part from being

intoxicated and perhaps also the result of head trauma, left him unable to give the officers any

information about the assault or my team about his medical history. While my partner and one of our

probationary members loaded our patient for treatment and transport and the other probationary

member took charge of the dog, I made a quick call to the ED to determine whether we should bring

the dog with us or have the officers contact animal control. I was informed that we should bring the

dog, and I quickly learned why. While I worked to control his bleeding and establish IV access for a

fluid bolus, my patient’s only concern was whether we had brought his dog. He was a difficult patient at

best, and I can only imagine how much more so that would have been the case if we had not had his dog

in the ambulance. What was clear to me throughout this call was how little I knew about service dogs.

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

service dogs.

The first thing EMS providers need to know is that because of provisions of the Americans with

Disabilities Act, we not only can transport service dogs to the ED, we are required to do so. The ED is

also obligated to keep a service dog with its owner while being treated.

Second, service dogs serve a variety of purposes, but none more important than offering emotional

comfort for their owners. In fact, many post traumatic stress syndrome patients have service dogs for

the sole purpose of providing emotional support. My patient, with both medical and psychological issues,

very much needed to have his service dog with him during my treatment and transport, as well as during

his treatment at the ED.

A third consideration especially important to EMS providers is knowing that many people with severe


Service Dogs: What Every EMS Provider Needs to Know



diabetic and seizure conditions use service dogs. I

later learned, in fact, that my patient had his service

dog because of his epilepsy. While some researchers

have speculated that dogs, with sensory capacity 25

times greater than that of humans, can detect the

chemical changes that occur before a seizure patient

actually begins to seize or a diabetic’s blood glucose

drops to a dangerous level, no study has actually

proven either scenario to be accurate. More likely,

service dogs are so attuned to their master’s

behavior patterns that they sense the change in

these patterns which occur just before a seizure or a

diabetic emergency. Based on their training, these

animals can warn their owners of an impending event

and/or take a protective posture should their owner actually experience a health crisis.

This third consideration can be especially helpful to EMS providers. Consider the following scenario:

EMS arrives to find an unconscious patient with a service dog at his or her side. Obviously we should

consider such a patient as having potentially suffered from a dangerous drop in blood glucose or

possibly being postictal. The presence of that service dog is just further evidence that these two

possibilities need to be considered immediately and the patient treated appropriately. Especially

important is knowing that a patient receiving D-50 or one awakening after a seizure will need to have

that service dog close by as he or she becomes alert.

My first reaction to learning that I would be treating a patient with a service dog was that the animal

would only complicate my job. In truth, the calming effect of that animal on its distressed owner was a

genuine benefit. I returned to the ED several times during that shift and looked in on my patient.

Once he had been sedated and stitched up, he slept. Asleep in the floor next to his bed was that very

special and very loyal companion. And now that I have studied further the role service animals can play

and the laws regarding the accommodation of these animals, in the future I will see service dogs as my

partners in caring for their owners.


Never Alone in the Back: A Paramedic’s Reflections on Faith,

Prayer and the Journey with God by Gerald Morton with its

compelling true and inspirational stories of faith and love from

the often dramatic world of EMS will touch the hearts of

readers everywhere as it did the City of Bristol’s. It includes the

story of Sami Musick, a little five-year-old girl from Virginia

whose incredible recovery after a horrific accident in March

2009 in which she suffered multiple skull fractures touched the

lives of her family and those who treated her at the scene of the

accident. Visit: neveraloneintheback.com to order



AVAVRS Officers AVAVRS Committee Chairs Convention - Janis Slough

Convention Co-Chair - Vickie Arnold

Life Membership - Ruth Swicegood

Nominating - Carolyn Brand

Resolutions - Harry Householder

Emergency Care - Ailease Short

Membership - Sharon K. Campbell

Finance - Kitty Campbell

Roll Call - Jean Garrett

Roll Call Co-Chair - Valarie Becker

Recruitment & Retention - Marie Householder

Fund Raising - Linda Berkstresser

President - Fern Puckett

Vice President - Sharon Campbell

Secretary - Dolores Hudson

Treasurer - Kitty Campbell

Chaplain - Clara Craig

Historian - Heather S. Fox

Parliamentarian - Harry Householder

Immediate Past President - Joan Smoot

Midwestern VP - Sheila Gordon

Northeastern VP - Eddie Ann Orndoff

Southcentral VP - Patsy Wingfield

Southeastern VP - Gary Frame

Southwestern VP - Jean Garrett

Western VP - Curtis Preston

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

Slate of officers for the AVAVRS for 2012-2013

President - Fern Puckett Washington County Lifesavings Crewettes

Vice President - Sharon Campbell Cave Spring Rescue Squad Auxiliary

Treasurer - Kitty Campbell Loudoun County Rescue Squad Auxiliary

Historian - Heather Fox Auxiliary to Lexington Fire & Rescue Department

Chaplin - Clara Craig Bassett Rescue Squad Auxiliary


S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2 P a g e 2 7

Submitted by Fern Puckett, AVAVRS President

I am pleased to report that The Auxiliary Management Class at

Rescue College this year was a big success with thirty-three in

attendance. This was a two day class offering Mini Sessions on

Parliamentarian Procedures, Proper Procedures of Record Keeping,

Disasters/Terrorism, Minutes, Leadership, Photography and

Recruitment/Retention. Each year every attempt is made to offer

new sessions as requested by our members. The Instructors made

this class very educational and enjoyable for all the students.

I want to thank the following Instructors and commend each one for

a great job: J C Phillips, Warren Winner, Brenda Hargrave, Fran Phillips, Janis Slough.

I also want to thank all of the following students for

attending and making this Class a big success: Judy

Matthews, Jamie Mangovski, Layne Lusk, Maxine

Kerns, Dolores Hudson, Doug Hartsock, Deanna

Hartsock, Brenda Hargrave, Sheila Gorgon, Brittan

Gordon, Jean Garrett, Clara Craig, Carl Cherry,

Barbara Cherry, Roger Bryant, Pat Bryant, Linda

Berkstresser, Valarie Becker, Gladys Becker, Eddie

Ann Orndoff, Fran Phillips, Ronald (Sparky) Ridgely,

Debbie Rohr, Ashley Russell, Janis Slough, Judy

Snyder, Jack Swicegood, Ruth Swicegood, Rhonda

Thompson, Nancy Winner.

From the AVAVRS President

Virgie Gallahan Miller turned 92 on July 3, 2012 and Christine Spicer turned 91 on July 2,

2012. They both send their sincere thanks for the lovely birthday cards and all the messages they received on these very special occasions.



Submitted by Linda Berkstresser, President

ALFRD has had a busy year working hard for our Community and Department. We

currently have six (6) members on roll. Our Officers for this year are as follows:

Linda Berkstresser - President Jane Rogers - Vice President

Lana Nicely - Secretary Janis Slough -Treasurer

Shorty Berkstresser - Chaplain Heather Fox - Historian

ALFRD's officer were installed on February 4, 2012 at our installation Banquet held at the Lexington

Country Club Golf Course. Fern Puckett Our AVAVRS President installed us for the year 2012.

This year we had three (3) members to attend the Convention at Virginia Beach and the Spring

Officers Workshop in Richmond. Along with a BOG Rep. from the Lexington Department.

We have attended all of our Western District Meetings. We have had three (3) members that have

served and are serving in a District Office and on bylaws committee. With the AVAVRS we have three

(3) member that are serving elected offices and are Chairs of Committee's

Last year at Convention we attended all function help by the VAVRS and AVAVRS including all meetings,

Saturday morning memorial service, Life membership Breakfast, Officer's Luncheon, President's Party,

Saturday evening Awards and Memorial Service and new officers meeting on Sunday. We also helped by

contributing 28 door prizes for the week including the President's Party. We also participated in

helping to sell the raffle ticket and the 50/50 tickets.

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

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

We continue to quarterly provide to the local Realtor's Association their Breakfast for their meeting

and continuing education classes.

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

Several times during the year we fed the duty crews. We also supported our Chief on his medical leave

by providing some meals for him during his illness.

This year along with the Department we sponsored an EMS Day, giving free food and drink and chips to

all that came. Blood pressure checks were given by the EMS providers on hand. The local Lexington

News Gazette and the Rock bridge Weekly appeared at the building for this events and took pictures.

Our Chaplain continues to send out cards to the sick and those that have bereavements and to ones

that just need a kind word or two.

Several officers and their guest from the department attended the installation of officers and were

presented with Flatware for department kitchen and a monetary donation to be used as needed.

One of our Auxiliary members helped with a fundraiser that the department held and served food. This

was a fundraiser for a department member that lost his home in the area.

This Auxiliary continues to support their community in anyway needed along

with the department.

Thank you to this auxiliary for the support that you have given me as

president of this auxiliary. It is a pleasure working with you all. I look

forward to bigger and better events to come.

I wish you all safety and God goodness and support. Thank you all for your

service to the communities across this state of Virginia. Have fun at the

Beach and a Safe trip home. God Bless You All.

From Auxiliary to the Lexington F & R Dept



Submitted by Curtis D. President, AVAVRS Western District Vice President

Hello again to everyone. Hope you all had a wonderful summer!

I have enjoyed every moment of being the Vice President of the Western District this year. Although,

I haven't been able to visit a lot of districts during my reign due to work I felt "at home" at the ones

that I did visit. I want to thank the state officers for all their help and my home auxiliary of Glasgow

for all their support.

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

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

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

Congratulations to these ladies. The remainder of the officers haven't been announced. I assumed

the position of Glasgow's Auxiliary President the 2nd of July until elections for our auxiliary next June.

There we have been busy planning several upcoming projects for the remainder of the year. One

project that we have never taken on till this year is a Picture Project. We are looking forward to

events Labor Day and at the Natural Bridge Speedway in Oct. I am looking forward to seeing everyone

at this year's Convention. See you soon!

Submitted by CeCe McCormick, Waynesboro First Aid Crew Historian

Hello everyone, hope everyone is having a good summer and staying cool. We have had our hands in a lot

of stuff this summer. We, the Auxiliary, have taken the CPR course, "The Here and There CPR & First

Aid Training", with our Instructor Ralph Brewer and his team. We all had a good time and learned with

everyone in the class passing the course. We just finished installing tint on all our windows and doors

in the multi-purpose room. It made such a difference we are looking to put it in the windows in the

stairwell of the building. We also voted to put another set of cabinet's in the multi-purpose room to

match the others we already have in there. It will definitely make the room look great with Danny

McCormick and his pastor installing them. During the 4th of July holiday CeCe McCormick hung red,

white, and blue bows in the front of the building. In May, we gave ice to the two events in Waynesboro,

The Running of the Torch for Special Olympics and a Field Day that was held at Parkway Village. The

Waynesboro Youth Service Sponsor's that. During the bad wind storm we had which left several

counties in the area without power for several days. Waynesboro opened a cooling building at the

middle school. EOC Director Gary Critzer asked if we would offer our large coffee pot. We also gave

all the supplies like coffee creamer and sugar. For the August 4th drill we, the Auxiliary, cooked

breakfast for about 40 people. They had an MCI shooting where two Auxiliary members participated.

One was a teacher and another a parent of one of the students. Also in July, we had a wonderful time

at Cindy Bank’s home where we held our Auxiliary Picnic. Thanks again Cindy. We had a wonderful time,

food, and fellowship. The WFAC had their District Meeting in Waynesboro where the Auxiliary

prepared a cookout making BBQ, hotdogs, Mac salad, potato salad, Cole slaw and lots of sweets. WFAC

is having their picnic in August where we all will gather at a crew member’s home to fellowship. We also

will celebrate Augusts' birthdays together at Ruby Tuesday on the 30th for Charlotte Kyles and Jill

Stachowski. We are still getting this ready for Convention, until then, take care.

From Western District Vice President

From Waynesboro First Aid Crew Auxiliary



Submitted by Linda Berkstresser, AVAVRS Fund Raising Chair

Thank you Fern Puckett for asking me to serve as the AVAVRS

Fund Raising Chairperson. I love the opportunity to grow in what

I do. I attended the Spring Workshop in Richmond and Rescue

collage this year. Had a great time at both. I also visited with

the South Central District.

I would like to thank you all for selling the raffle tickets last

year and am hoping for a better year this year. Push these

tickets in any way you can.

Thank you Auxiliaries for selling your tickets, we will need your

help selling tickets this year at the Convention Center on

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. If a few people would like to

help sell on Thursday night

please let me know and we

will meet and get the vendors taken care of. They love these

tickets and I only got to half of them last year. This is what we do

best is volunteer, so come on out and help us. Without your help

selling theses ticket it just would not happen. So thank you all again.

Thank you Life members and member for your many years of

Volunteer service to this organization. I looking forward to seeing

you all at Convention. I have had a wonderful time serving as

chairperson of this committee and I hope to continue in some way.

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

you each and everyone.

From AVAVRS Fund Raising Committee

Submitted by Sharon Karlet Campbell, AVAVRS Vice President

Another Auxiliary year is coming to a close and soon we will be converging

on Virginia Beach. This has been an exciting year and our organization is

growing, thanks to all of you. I often tell you that you are my eyes and

ears and your persistence has paid off. We have several new auxiliaries

on the horizon and together we can help them become active members of

the AVAVRS. Keep up the good work.

I am so pleased to announce that we had six (6) entries in the ―2012

AVAVRS Auxiliary of the Year‖ competition. I don’t get a vote but just

looking them over, it is evident that you all have certainly been busy. I

am anxious to see who the committee will choose as the winner and look forward to the announcement

on Saturday night at convention.

I hope each of you has had a safe and fun summer holiday and look forward to seeing you at the beach

in September, Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we will have nice weather and can walk on the beach.

From the AVAVRS Vice President





Submitted by Sharon Karlet Campbell, Cave Spring Auxiliary

We tried to take a little time off for ourselves this summer.

That was a goal that was not totally accomplished. June 22nd,

we fed 76 boys and their coaches from across the Central and

Southwestern parts of the state. They were playing in an All

Star Football Classic. These boys made you proud of our

youth today. They were kind, mannerly, fun to be around and

boy could they eat. The boys were divided into two teams

depending on their high school. One team was dressed in VT

colors and the other team in UVA colors. We decorated the

tables in the colors and were told they all mingled together

for dinner but once they took the field, sides were taken.

July 4th, we provided snacks and of course a big watermelon

for the duty team. The 4th is a family day and we wanted to

make things a little more festive for the men and women

running calls.

July 11th, found us fixing dinner for the crew prior to their

business meeting. We had a great turnout and they seemed to

enjoy the pork barbecue, potato salad, baked beans, chips,

drinks and again watermelon.

We have made several donations this summer; one donation was made to a member of the Franklin

County Rescue Squad who was injured while out of town at the beach and another donation to the

Second Harvest Food Bank for the children’s summer program. We have also collected diapers and

wipes for The Rescue Mission. The memory board on one of the kitchen stoves stopped working so we

hired someone to repair that and to clean the ice maker.

This summer has proved to be very difficult for the members of the Cave Spring Rescue Squad

Auxiliary. In June, Crew Life Member, Bill Duff lost his mother. Sandra was a loving mother and

grandmother and her death was fairly sudden. July 15th, Norma Wirt, the wife of Crew Life Member,

Doug Wirt lost her battle with cancer. Norma was a gracious and kind lady who always had a big smile

and was a wonderful supporter of our endeavors. Then on July 18th, we lost Auxiliary Life Member,

Edith Kelley. Edith was a tireless worker for the auxiliary and loved going to District meetings and

convention. She was a wonderful quilter and an avid reader who loved a good game of cards. Edith was

knowledgeable on so many subjects and we always knew we could depend on her. She was diagnosed

with cancer and died three weeks later. Needless to say we all have heavy hearts at this time. We

rounded out July by attending the South Central District meeting. We won the EMT quiz which I

understand Patsy and Brenda took turns guessing at the answers for the questions. Maybe we need to

try that more often.

In August the members will celebrate 45 years as an Auxiliary. We can look back with pride at all of

the funds we have raised and the help that we have been able to provide to the crew and our

community. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Cave Spring Rescue Squad Auxiliary. It is our hope that each of

you has had a great summer and we look forward to seeing you in Virginia Beach for convention.

Busy July — Cave Spring Rescue Squad Auxiliary







Here are your humorous captions to this photo of

participants in the Tactical Medic Class at the 2012

VAVRS Rescue College:

Submitted by R. Slough, ―Remember the good ole

days when patients would just get in the ambulance?

Now we have to force them in with weapons!‖

Submitted by W. Myers, ―On three, turn to the right

and squirt Scott!‖

Submitted by R. Hodge, ―Does my blue gun clash with my yellow scissors?‖

And the winner, Submitted by Robbi Blackburn, Waynesboro FAC, ―What do you mean we have to give

the toys back?‖

In each of the 2012 issues

VIRGINIA LIFELINE we

have been having a photo

caption contest. This is our

latest submission and we

are soliciting your humorous

captions to this photo of

VAVRS District 1 VP Scott

Masincup and VAVRS

Rescue College Chair Wayne

Myers. All entries will be

(after censoring) printed.

Send your captions by email

to [email protected].

and cared about people. What about you?

Robbi in Waynesboro

Dear Robbi,

I would like to hear them say, ―Look, he’s moving!‖

Dear Rescue Ranger,

Did you hear about the man that walked into a bar

with a chunk of asphalt under his arm and says,

―Beer please, and one for the road.‖

J. S. from Franklin Co

Dear Jack,

Hey, I tell the jokes around here!.

A man walked into a bar looking sad, and the

bartender asked him, ―What’s the matter?‖ The

man said, ―My wife and I had a fight, and she told

me she wasn’t going to speak to me for a month.

And the month is up today.‖

Also, this skeleton walked into a bar and said,

―Give me a beer and give me a mop.‖

Now, that’s funny.

Dear Rescue Ranger,

We responded to a residence and found the

grossly dehydrated and malnourished patient

lying unresponsive on the floor with a cucumber up

his nose, a carrot in his left ear and a banana in

his right ear. We simply removed the food items

from their various locations, started an IV (4 if

you are from Rome), placed him on a cardiac

monitor and transported. He woke up enroute to

the hospital and first said he was Mickey Mouse

then he said he was Donald Duck. Still don’t know

who he is or what was wrong with him. Any ideas.

Roger Medic in Rustburg

Dear Roger,

Sounds like your not eating properly and having

Disney spells. By the way, do you know the

difference between a Yankee Stadium hot dog and

a Camden Yards hot dog? You can buy a Yankee

Stadium hot dog in October.



Dear Rescue Ranger,

Our squad is so looking forward to the 2012

Convention. We have practiced all year and will

settle for nothing less than first place in the EMT

Competition.

Pete at Washington Co LSC

Dear Pete,

Being first isn’t always that great. Remember the

early bird may get the worm, but it’s the second

mouse that gets the cheese.

Dear Rescue Ranger,

You are a world traveler. What do you believe is

the biggest difference in ALS practice in, lets

say, Rome, Italy as compared to the good ole

USA?

Buddy in Alberta

Dear Buddy,

Great question. The only difference I have seen

is that paramedics in Rome refer to IVs as 4s and

about half of them are below average.

Dear Rescue Ranger,

Did you hear that Willie Nelson got hit by a car in

Texas during the recent hurricane?

Georgia in Luckenbach VA

Dear Georgia

Thanks for writing, you were on my mind. And yes

he did. His blue eyes were crying in the rain from

playing on the road again.

Dear Rescue Ranger,

Fire science question for you. If H20 is the

chemical name for the liquid inside a fire hydrant

what is the chemical name for the liquid outside?

Phil from WFD

Dear Phil,

K9P

Dear Rescue Ranger,

Sometimes we have very interesting conversations

at the squad. One night last week we were talking

that when we die and we are lying in our casket

what would we like to hear our friends or family

say about us? I said I would like to hear them say

I was a great medic and a good family man.

Another guy said he would like to hear them say

he was compassionate to each and every patient

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PO Box 279

2535 Turkey Creek Road

Oilville, VA 23129

ISSN 0279-6023

Phone: 804-749-8191

Phone: 800-833-0602

Fax: 804-749-8910

E-mail: [email protected]

"Greater Love Hath No

Man Than This, That A

Man Lay down His Life

For His Friends."

- St. John 15:13

Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue

Squads, Inc.

Documents

VIRGINIA LIFELINE - VAVRS September-October 2012