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
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 3 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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
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
P a g e 4 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
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
P a g e 5 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
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 6 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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)
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 9 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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)
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 8 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
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
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 1 0 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
P a g e 1 9 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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
P a g e 1 2 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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.
P a g e 9 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
P a g e 1 4 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
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
P a g e 1 3 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
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
P a g e 1 6 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
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.
(Continued on page 17)
National EMS Memorial
Service
P a g e 1 5 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
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.
(Continued from page 16)
P a g e 1 8 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
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
P a g e 7 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
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
(Continued on page 20)
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
(Continued on page 21)
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 2 0 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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!
(Continued from page 19)
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 1 7 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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.
(Continued from page 20)
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 2 2 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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.
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 2 1 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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?
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
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
(Continued on page 25)
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
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 2 3 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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.
(Continued from page 24)
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
P a g e 2 6 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
Submitted by Gerald W. Morton, NREMT-P, Bristol Lifesaving Crew
My partner and I were in route, emergency
traffic, to treat an assault victim when
dispatch provided us an update. We learned
that police were on scene, that our patient
was down, bleeding from multiple facial
lacerations, and that he had a service dog
with him. I had never treated a patient
with a service dog, but the first thing that
crossed my mind was that I would be
treating a blind patient. Because we had
only a three-minute response time, I had
little opportunity to consider any further how having a service dog as part of my responsibility would
affect my treatment and transport plan. I was, however, about to get a quick lesson in the role service
dogs can play and my obligations as a paramedic to a patient with such a companion.
Because my partner and I had two probationary members with us on the call, I had plenty of hands on
board to assist. Immediately obvious as we arrived on scene was that our patient did, in fact, have
serious injuries. He was also intoxicated, was in fact assaulted outside a liquor store. He had a small
spaniel on a rope leash with a service dog shroud. His altered mental status, in part from being
intoxicated and perhaps also the result of head trauma, left him unable to give the officers any
information about the assault or my team about his medical history. While my partner and one of our
probationary members loaded our patient for treatment and transport and the other probationary
member took charge of the dog, I made a quick call to the ED to determine whether we should bring
the dog with us or have the officers contact animal control. I was informed that we should bring the
dog, and I quickly learned why. While I worked to control his bleeding and establish IV access for a
fluid bolus, my patient’s only concern was whether we had brought his dog. He was a difficult patient at
best, and I can only imagine how much more so that would have been the case if we had not had his dog
in the ambulance. What was clear to me throughout this call was how little I knew about service dogs.
I made it a priority to fill this gap and learned a great deal that EMS providers need to know about
service dogs.
The first thing EMS providers need to know is that because of provisions of the Americans with
Disabilities Act, we not only can transport service dogs to the ED, we are required to do so. The ED is
also obligated to keep a service dog with its owner while being treated.
Second, service dogs serve a variety of purposes, but none more important than offering emotional
comfort for their owners. In fact, many post traumatic stress syndrome patients have service dogs for
the sole purpose of providing emotional support. My patient, with both medical and psychological issues,
very much needed to have his service dog with him during my treatment and transport, as well as during
his treatment at the ED.
A third consideration especially important to EMS providers is knowing that many people with severe
(Continued on page 27)
Service Dogs: What Every EMS Provider Needs to Know
P a g e 2 5 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
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.
(Continued from page 26)
Never Alone in the Back: A Paramedic’s Reflections on Faith,
Prayer and the Journey with God by Gerald Morton with its
compelling true and inspirational stories of faith and love from
the often dramatic world of EMS will touch the hearts of
readers everywhere as it did the City of Bristol’s. It includes the
story of Sami Musick, a little five-year-old girl from Virginia
whose incredible recovery after a horrific accident in March
2009 in which she suffered multiple skull fractures touched the
lives of her family and those who treated her at the scene of the
accident. Visit: neveraloneintheback.com to order
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 2 8 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
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.
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 3 0 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 2 9 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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
P a g e 3 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
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
P a g e 3 3 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
P a g e 3 4 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
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
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 3 5 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
P a g e 3 6 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
P a g e 3 7 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
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
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.
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
P a g e 3 8 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
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
NO
N-P
RO
FIT
OR
GA
N..
U.S
.PO
ST
AG
E
PA
ID
WO
OD
ST
OC
K, V
A
PER
MIT
NO
. 8
2
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.