lifeline jan feb 2015

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2015

VIRGINIA LIFELINE

P a g e 2 O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e V A V R S

J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5 P a g e 3

Nominating: Bruce Stratton

Membership: Kim Craig

By-Laws: Bruce Edwards

Lifeline: Gary Dalton

Conference: Ford Wirt

Camporee: Ronnie Slough

Finance: Steve Grayson

Scholarship: Carolyn Brand

EMS Memorial: Kevin Dillard

Grant: Elizabeth Papelino

Facility Manager: Lin Matthews

Web Page: Gary Dalton

Legislative: Dreama Chandler

Legislative: Bubby Bish

2014-2015 VAVRS Committee Chairs

Rescue College: Rickey Hodge

Rescue College: Wayne Myers

Human Resources: Kim Craig

Life Membership: Ronnie Slough

Rescue Hall of Fame: Page Entsminger

EMS Advisory Board: Valeta Daniels

EMS Advisory Board: Denene Hannon

Strategic Planning: Bubby Bish

New Course Development: Wayne Myers

Recruitment and Retention: Fran Phillips

Recruitment and Retention: Bobby Hill

Volunteer Management: Page Entsminger

EMS Exchange Program: Jane Laverne

President Rickey Hodge

Vice President Kim Craig

Secretary Scott Davis

Treasurer Steve Grayson

Training Officer Cecil Leach

Chaplain Mike Smoot

Chaplain Emeritus Page Entsminger

Historian Dreama Chandler

Editor Gary Dalton

Legal Advisor S. Craig Lane

Parliamentarian J. C. Phillips

Immediate Past President Bubby Bish

Medical Advisor James R. Dudley, MD, MBA

2014-2015 VAVRS Officers

District 1 V. P. Steve Southworth

District 2 V. P. Carolyn White

District 3 V. P. Warren Winner

District 5 V. P. L. Frank Smith

District 6 V. P. Doug Adams

District 7 V. P. Coby Fizer

District 8 V. P. Steven Reynolds

District 9 V. P. Dwayne Stanley

District 10 V. P. George Langford

Office Manager Frances Brooks

Training Coordinator Kathy Eubank

Administrative Secretary Shirley Bagby

Lobbyist Ed Rhodes

President Victoria Gaudin

Vice President Elizabeth Pittman

Secretary/Treasurer Savannah Hise

Historian Cara Beasley

Chaplain TBA

2014-2015 VAJVRS Officers

Advisor, Chair Alfred Smith

Advisor Brandon Baugus

Advisor Woody Conner

Advisor Micky Grodski


For a complete list of the current

courses being

offered by the

VAVRS—go to

Deadline for the Upcoming Issues

of the VIRGINIA LIFELINE Articles may be submitted by any member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS

and VAJVRS. Feature articles are encouraged. Photos and/or

graphics are acceptable and can be returned if requested.

Contact the Editor if you need assistance in writing an article

at [email protected]

Deadline for future issues as follows:

February 1, 2014 for March/April 2015 Issue

April 1, 2015 for May/June 2015 Issue

June 1, 2015 for the July/August 2015 Issue

August 1, 2015 for the September/October 2015 Issue

THE VIRGINIA

LIFELINE

ISSN 0279-6023

is the official bimonthly

publication of the Virginia

Association of Volunteer

Rescue Squads, Inc.

Editorial material should

be sent directly to the

VAVRS Editor at

P O Box 522

Woodstock, VA 22664

(H) 540-459-4849

(W) 540-536-2758

(FAX) 540-459-4925

(C) 540-481-0125

[email protected]

Requests for advertising

rates, material

specifications and

deadlines should be

directed to the Editor.

President - Sharon Campbell

Vice President - Harry Householder

Secretary - Dolores Hudson

Treasurer - Patsy Wingfield

Chaplain - Ailease Short

Historian - Linda Berkstresser

Parliamentarian - Maxie Skeen

2014-2015 AVAVRS Officers

Immediate Past President - Fern Puckett

Midwestern VP - Nancy Linkous

Northeastern VP - Debbie Smallwood

Southcentral VP - Clara Craig

Southeastern VP - Roger Lynthlin

Southwestern VP - Valarie Becker

Western VP - Janis Slough

Conference: Vickie Arnold

Conference: Sheila Gordon

Nominating: Ruth Swicegood

Life Membership: Carolyn Brand

Emergency Care: Laura Booze

Resolutions: Maxie Skeen

2014-2015 AVAVRS Committee Chairs

Membership: Patsy Wingfield

Finance: Harry Householder

Roll Call: Donna Porter

Roll Call: Valarie Becker

Fundraising: Stacey Frame

Fundraising: Tracey Frame


may state what is bothering

them. Rules should be set

before the meeting. Persons

may ask questions, make

comments, without

repercussions from

Administration or Operations.

When members bring a problem

to the attention of the

President or Chief that

problem should be looked into

immediately and if necessary

corrected. Either way the

member bring the problem to

the attention of the officer

should be contacted with the

results of the examination of

the problem and what if

anything will be done. At least

the person will know it was

looked into. If the officers

deem it necessary to correct

the problem it should be

corrected immediately if

possible. Everyone in your

organization should be treated

the same - Senior Squad,

Auxiliary and Junior Squad. If

there is an infraction of the

Bylaws or SOPs the persons

should be counseled

on the infraction.

This meeting should

be recorded on a

“Counseling Form” by

the person doing the

counseling. The

person doing the

counseling and the

member should sign

this document

stating that they

RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

agree or disagree with the

synopsis of what happened and

the outcome of the meeting.

The original is stored in a

designated place and a copy is

placed in the members

personnel file. If the

infraction is considered bad

enough, the President or Chief

should instigate an

investigation. This

investigation should be a step

by step procedure which should

be outlined in your Bylaws. If

everyone follows the laws/

rules/guidelines as outlined in

the Bylaws and SOPs then your

membership will continue to

grow in Recruitment and

Retention of members in a

healthy environment with few

decisive issues.

“Respect ALL members in your organization with the same degree that you wish to be respected.”

Submitted by Fran Phillips, VAVRS R&R Committee Chair

Many of you will have new

officers in 2015. All officers,

old or new, both Administrative

and Operations, should follow

the Bylaws and SOP’s set forth

by your squad. These

guidelines are there for a

reason. That reason is to keep

the squad running properly and

smoothly.

The Bylaws are just that --

“BY LAW”. These LAWS have

been voted on by your

membership to govern your

rescue squad or fire

department. These laws should

be worded so that their

meaning is obvious. They

should be laws for all persons in

your organization not just a

few.

The Standard Operation

Procedures [SOPs] are usually

the Operations end of the

squad or fire department.

These are rules or guidelines

and must be followed so that

the organization will run

properly. Again, these SOPs

are for all persons in your

organization not just a few.

Many squads have internal

problems. “One side against

the other”, stated one caller.

This discontent can undermine

your organization and if you are

not careful destroy it. You may

wish to have a “Tell the

President and Chief” meeting.

At this meeting any member

BYLAWS

SOPs

OFFICERS

MEMBERS



meetings and served in various

leadership positions. Some of

our local community activities

include supporting our local

food bank, Toys for Tots,

Valley Mission, and Augusta

Health Hospice of the

Shenandoah Hospice House.

We also have provided support

and gifts to residents in our

local nursing homes. We

continue to look for new ways

to recruit new members and

display our membership

information at various

activities.

The Auxiliary picture project

and other fundraisers have

allowed us to assist with the

purchase of a new ambulance

Submitted by Kim Galloway

The Auxiliary to Staunton

Augusta Rescue Squad had an

exciting time at conference e

this year. Our Auxiliary

received the Emergency Care

Trophy which recognized our

participation and promotion of

First Aid/Emergency Care

Training, Safety and

Community Awareness.

Auxiliary members accompanied

the squad along with Sam the

Safety Saurus to various

activities in the community

throughout the year to

promote topics such as bike

and summer safety, along with

other educational items. The

Auxiliary also participated in

Community Day at Gypsy Hill

Park to promote community

awareness. This gives our

organization an opportunity to

interact with the community

personally in a non-emergency,

crisis situation so that

relationships and trust can be

built.

The Auxiliary was also honored

to receive the Auxiliary of the

Year. This outstanding service

award recognized an auxiliary’s

achievements in five main

categories: AVARS

participation, Service to the

community, Recruiting Program,

Service to the squad and

increased community

awareness. Our auxiliary has

always been active in our

district, attended district

Auxiliary to Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad

and other equipment. We

continue to support the squad

by serving meals for the

business and training meetings

as well as other special events.

Upon returning from

conference the auxiliary

celebrated with a meal that

was served by members of the

quad and we took the

opportunity to recognize our

members and their commitment

of the time and talents to the

organization. The Auxiliary

celebrates over 45 years of

service to Staunton Augusta

Rescue Squad and we look

forward to continuing our

mission to assist the squad in

any way possible.

Left to right: Kim Galloway, Debbie Rohr, Judy Leach, Paige Wagner,

Jane Drumheller, Tori Warrington, Randy Swisher, Nancy Lawler,

Eugenia Taylor, Patty Smith, Margaret Lyle and Jim Reid.

their 2015 officers were

installed. Our Junior crew is a

small bunch but a strong group

of young adults. We are so

very proud of what they do for

Submitted by Cece McCormick, Waynesboro FAC Auxiliary Historian

Hello everyone from

Waynesboro.

It's hard to believe Conference

is over.

The Waynesboro First Aid

Crew had an MCI drill with 40

rescuers and auxiliary members

being involved. We fed them

dinner Thursday night and

breakfast Friday morning. We

also prepared a meal for the

Mason’s Ladies Night Out

where in turn they presented

us with the "Community

Worker’s Award". What a

great honor!

Some Auxiliary and Junior

members joined the Senior

crew going to the District One

Meeting in Boiling Springs.

What a great time and

fellowship was had by everyone.

At the District meeting Cece

McCormick took first place on

scrapbook.

Our officers for 2015 were

installed. We finished up with

our picture project where

again, thanks to the community,

we have done very well. We

served over 100 members and

their family for our annual

Thanksgiving dinner that the

Auxiliary gives to the crew

members and their families.

Auxiliary members joined the

Junior crew at their banquet

which was at Masaki's where

Waynesboro FAC Auxiliary

our organization. Keep up the

good work.

We hope everyone had a safe

and wonderful holiday.


The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip

Submitted by J. C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian

I thought you might be

interested in a brief history of

the eleven editions of Robert’s

Rules Of Order, published over

the past 139 years. General

Henry M. Robert was born on

May 2, 1837 and wrote the

first edition on Parliamentary

Law in February 1876. It was

called, “POCKET MANUAL OF

RULES OF ORDER FOR

DELIBERATIVE

ASSEMBLIES.” “A Deliberative

Assembly is a group of people,

having or assuming freedom to

act in concert, meeting to

determine, in full and free

discussion, courses of action to

be taken in the name of the

entire group.” In other words, a

meeting such as a rescue squad

meeting.

The first edition was so

successful, that the second

edition was published five

months later, July 1876. The

third edition was published in

1893 with minor changes and

had a shorter title, simply

called, “ROBERT’S RULES OF

ORDER.”

In 1915, the fourth edition was

published with many updates.

This was the last edition that

Henry Robert wrote. The word

“REVISED” was added to the

title.

The fifth edition was published

in 1943, the sixth edition in

There are more than five and a

half million copies of Robert’s

Rules Of Order in print. It is

the most recognized authority

that most organizations use as

a meeting guide to cover items

that are not covered in their

own bylaws.

NOTE ... If you need to contact

me by e-mail, I have a new e-

mail address,

[email protected]

1951, the seventh edition in

1970, the eighth edition in

1981, the ninth edition in 1990,

the tenth edition in 2000 and

the eleventh edition in 2011.

Some of the past seven

editions were written by

members of the Robert’s family

and other Parliamentarians,

such as Sarah Corbin Robert,

Henry’s daughter-in-law and

Henry M. Robert, III, Henry’s

grandson.

P a g e 1 0 O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e V A V R S

J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5 P a g e 1 1

VAVRS President Rickey Hodge reading a section

|of names during the ceremony.

Brick from the Virginia Public Service

Memorial Wall dedicated to VAVRS President

Rickey Hodge for his service as a Virginia

Public Safety Foundation Director

L-R VAVRS President Rickey Hodge,

Lobbyist Ed Rhodes, VAVRS Immediate Past

President Bubby Bish and Virginia EMS

Advisory Board Chair Gary Critzer


of the veteran members of the

team had foretold, a very

different person and a very

much enlightened EMS

provider. What most “changed”

me as a provider, however, was

a discussion I had one evening

with one of the ER physicians

who had organized the mission,

followed the next day by our

efforts to treat a very atypical

patient for our clinic setting.

Prior to going to Haiti, I had

known all three of the

physicians on the trip for

several years. I had worked as

a paramedic in Bristol, Virginia

and taken patients to the ER at

Bristol Regional Medical

Center. I had developed a solid

working relationship with all

the doctors, but then became

friends with them during our

mission to Haiti. When one of

the physicians learned that in

my first profession I had

served as a university English

professor and that I had a

Submitted by Gerald W. Morton, NRP - Ashe Medics

In August 2014, I had the

opportunity to visit Haiti as a

member of a medical mission

sponsored by the Azil

Foundation of Johnson City,

Tennessee. Three ER

physicians who work primarily

at Bristol Regional Medical

Center formed the core of the

team. We had two nurses, a

nutritionist, and several

volunteers who served in

support roles. I was the lone

paramedic.

Each day the team set up

clinics in or near Caphaitian, on

the northern coast of Haiti.

Predictably, we were

overwhelmed with patients, so

much so that I spent much of

the time way outside my

comfort zone. My role,

because of the number of

patients we tried to serve, at

times became to assess

patients, treat them when

possible, and prescribe

medications. Our clinic

pharmacy would then fill those

prescriptions. Fortunately, we

were treating patients mostly

for urinary and bladder

infections, yeast infections,

hypertension, basic allergies,

STDs, and generalized body

aches as a result of our

patients’ having suffered from

chikungunya fever. I returned

from the mission, just as some

Providing Emergency Medical Care:

An Art or a Science

doctorate in English, he

observed: “I have always

preferred the math and

sciences where you have a right

or wrong answer to most

questions. In English, you guys

seem to have a more flexible

approach to analysis and

problem solving.” I had heard a

version of his observation

throughout my career.

For about 30 minutes we

discussed how the humanities

are different from the

sciences, but that to be

successful in both requires

critical thinking. I gave

basically the short lecture I

used to give students about

how interpreting a work of

literature requires our use of

evidence and logic, even if the

nature of evidence appears to

be subjective. In essence, I

explained that analyzing a

poem requires taking what we

have from the text and using

that text to guide our thinking.

True, determining the meaning

to a literary text is not the

same as solving an equation. But (Continued on page 15)


an 84 year old man who was

much sicker than anyone we

had seen that week.

We took him directly to the

physician area. Our patient

was hypotensive and able to

speak only in short gasps. He

was suffering from abdominal

pain and fighting both nausea

and diarrhea. The physician

who examined the patient, the

very doctor with whom I had

had the late night discussion

about problem solving in the

arts and the sciences,

considered his options. He

ordered bilateral IVs with a

normal saline challenge,

reassessment of blood

pressure every ten minutes, 8

mg of Zofran, and 2 grams of

Rocephin. We placed the

patient in Trendelenburg

position and began treatment.

The only difficult part was

giving the Rocephin as a slow IV

push since this broad spectrum

antibiotic is usually given one

gram over 30 minutes, using an

IV pump. I spent the next

hour administering the drug

using a syringe connected to

the IV line as slowly as I could

to compensate for the lack of

equipment. The patient,

however, was dehydrated and

septic, so improvisation was in

order. After about two hours,

he was stable enough for the

family to take him home, and

our mission coordinator

provided funding so that they

could arrange transport to a

hospital in Cap Haitien.

both are best performed by an

analytical mind. The next day,

the physician with whom I had

had the “science/art”

discussion and I found

ourselves in a challenging

situation and perfect follow-up

to our discussion.

Our mission trip was about half

way completed when the team

made its most difficult journey.

We drove approximately three

hours into the mountains south

of Cap Haitien in our converted

troop carrier. When the

mountain road gave way to a

path, we hiked another mile.

Because we carried our gear in

on our backs, we had minimal

supplies. We were greeted by

a local pastor and his

congregation. More than 200

very eager, but amazingly

patient and polite, Haitians

awaited our arrival. As quickly

as we could, we set up our

pharmacy, triage area, and

physicians stations, then began

seeing patients. Although most

of the complaints were

relatively minor, the numbers

were so great that I had been

asked to circulate through the

waiting area under a low

hanging tarp and look for any

patients who appeared to need

to be fast tracked through

triage. I was able to spot a

few elderly patients and

pediatrics who appeared to be

in greater need of care than

were most of those waiting.

Then a family arrived, carrying

(Continued from page 14) Later, I asked about the

assessment and recommended

procedures, especially without

having the benefit of blood

work, an abdominal CAT scan,

or any other of the diagnostic

tools routinely used in the ER.

The response was ironic given

the previous night’s discussion.

The doctor had used his best

judgment, based on the

evidence he had and his

experience as a physician. He

had, in other words, engaged in

the type of critical thinking

that I had used and taught

when I was an English teacher.

What struck me most about

this whole experience is how

much those of us who work in

the field, without advanced

assessment tools, rely on

experience and judgment. We

engage routinely in the type of

critical thinking that all three

doctors had used in the Haitian

mountains and that I had used

as a student and teacher of

literature. We practice very

much the kind of critical

thinking which is used in all the

academic disciplines. In the

field, with a serious patient, we

have only very basic

assessment tools. However, if

we do our jobs well and

constantly strive to learn, to

become better paramedics, we

do have our most reliable tool,

our ability to think critically.

Emergency medicine is

certainly a science, but it is

sometimes performed by an

artist.


Lebanon Lifesaving Crew was

awarded the Governor's EMS

Award for Outstanding Pre-

hospital Educator at the 2014

EMS Symposium. William

Akers has made tremendous

contributions to the

advancement of EMS education

throughout the Commonwealth

in his nearly 40 years of

experience as an EMT. As an

educator, he has coordinated

and instructed more than 142

approved EMS courses and

implemented the region’s only

paramedic program, the

Southwest Virginia Paramedic

Program, a nationally

accredited consortium that is

uniquely structured to allow a

large geographic area to be

efficiently served. The

program has pass rates on the

Submitted by Ruth T. Stanley

The District 9 meeting was

hosted by Lebanon Lifesaving

Crew on October 18, 2014.

The Betty Fields Memorial

Award was presented to Glade

Spring Vol. Life Saving Crew

for overall best EMT team for

the 2013-2014 year,

congratulations to Dwayne

Stanley, Chris Bryant, Angela

Bussey and Kimberly Phillips

and also Jonathan Wymer for

filling in when needed.

The Claude Graybeal Memorial

Award was presented to Alesia

Crewey of Glade Spring Vol.

Life Saving Crew for best

overall EVOC driver for the

year. Congratulations Alesia.

William Akers Jr. from

News from District Nine

National Registry exams that

exceed the national average,

and its graduates have

experienced a 100 percent job

placement rate. In addition,

William has worked to obtain

grant funding to implement

several high school-based EMT

programs throughout the

region. His expertise and

reputation have earned him

recognition throughout the

state and he has served on

various prestigious state

committees focused on EMS

education. William Akers’

significant contributions to

Virginia’s local, regional and

state EMS system are

exceptional and greatly valued

by the Commonwealth of

Virginia.

Congratulations Bill.


countless hours to working with

boys and girls throughout the

Commonwealth, he also has fi-

nancially supported many pro-

jects that continue to ensure

future generations will make

outstanding contributions to

the public safety system. Ac-

cording to the team that nomi-

nated Dove for the award, his

significant contributions to Vir-

ginia’s local, regional and state

EMS system are exceptional

and greatly appreciated by the

Commonwealth of Virginia.

Submitted by Sara Hunt

Longtime member of Chancellor

Volunteer Fire & Rescue cited

for work with children Steven

Dove, a member of Chancellor

Volunteer Fire & Rescue

(CVFR), won the Governor's

EMS Award for Outstanding

Contribution to EMS for Chil-

dren. The award was presented

to Dove at the EMS Symposium

held recently in Norfolk, Va.

For many years, Dove has been

instrumental in shaping a fu-

ture for children and their in-

volvement with Emergency

Medical Services. His efforts

to educate the younger genera-

tion about the importance of

public safety in the community

have focused on teaching valua-

ble life-saving skills to young-

sters of all ages.

Dove’s projects with children

have included working diligently

with many schools, organiza-

tions and various public safety

agencies to coordinate well-

rounded programs on topics

such as “hands-only” CPR, bike

and pedestrian safety, fire

safety and the roles of public

safety officials. As Junior Ad-

visor to the Virginia Associa-

tion of Junior Volunteer Rescue

Squad, Inc., he has worked to

restructure their involvement

on the district level.

Not only has he dedicated

“So many people helped me get

to this point and I can’t thank

them enough,” said Dove.

“Without them, this recognition

would not have been possible.”

Kevin Dillard, Administrative

Chief for CVFR, praised Dove’s

longtime involvement in many

positions with CVFR. “Steve is a

very deserving recipient of this

distinguished EMS award and

we are very proud of him,” said

Chief Dillard. “He has devoted

considerable time and energy

to ensure that children under-

stand the importance of being

safe at home, at school and at

recreational activities.”

Steven Dove Wins Prestigious EMS Award


District Ten News


http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1280&bih=622&tbm=isch&tbnid=fb5E19aO5X0LmM%3A&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Ftheinspiredclassroom.com%2F2012%2F09%2F10-great-websites-for-creating-free-online-exams-and-quizzes%2F&docid=KFph4QjSuf35lM&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fth

VAVRS Chaplain

Mary Jane “Mickey” Harden

Millwood-Station Auxiliary

Donald R. Heironimus

Covington Rescue

Betty Kidd

Northumberland Rescue

Paula Lindsay

Lakeside VRS

Danny L. Parsons

St. Charles Vol. Rescue Squad

Elmer Randolph Pugh Jr.,

Virginia Beach Rescue Squad

Leo Herschel Rutherford

Bristol Life Saving

Glen Stanley Unroe,

Cave Spring Rescue

Gone but not forgotten!

Please continue to keep the

office and myself informed of

anyone needing cards and in the

event of the loss of a member.

Submitted by Mike Smoot, VAVRS Chaplain

I would like to take the time to

pause and remember those

that have left us over the last

several months:

Katie Barrick

Woodstock Auxiliary

Karen Aldridge Bornstein

Prince George Emergency Crew

Paula Thomas Brandt

Brunswick Rescue

Nelson Wayne Brookman

Williamson Road Life Saving

Crew

James Hubert Browning

Salem Rescue Squad

David Burton Cronk

Cleveland Life Saving Crew

John V. Goodall

Fieldale-Collinsville

I will need pictures of your

members that have passed and

a patch of your squad to be

included in the Memorial

Service at Conference by

August 1st. Please send them

in as soon as possible. You may

email them to me at

[email protected] or mail

them to the state office.

I hope that each of you have a

wonderful and healthy New

Year!


mailto:[email protected]

CBVRS Looks “Pretty in Pink” for Breast Cancer Awareness

Members of Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad created special t-shirts to help

raise awareness about the fight against breast cancer. The squad put their logo

on pink ribbon tie-dye shirts and sold them to fellow members and the public for $15.00 each.

Proceeds were donated to a local breast cancer fund. Several Colonial Beach VRS

members and some Colonial Beach Juniors recently posed for a photo

in their special pink shirts that were designed for a good cause.

“We all enjoyed working together on this fundraiser,” said Wesley Melson, CBVRS Rescue Chief.

VAJVRS President

will be attending district

meetings and assisting in junior

squads throughout the state. I

hope to double our Junior

membership this year. I can't

wait to see what this year will

bring.

Photo to right: L-R VAJVRS

Junior Advisor Micky Grodski

and VAJVRS President

Victoria Gaudin

Submitted by Victoria Gaudin, VAJVRS President

I am honored to be this year's

VAJVRS President. We have a

great group of Junior officers

this year.

I was invited to attend the new

officers meeting in Oilville

November 1st. I gained great

insight into my new position. I


Local Girl Scouts Learn First Aid

to be able to present our

information in a way that the

youngest ones could understand

without losing the interest of

the older scouts. It was

pleasantly surprising, however,

that even the youngest girls

understood the information and

were asking excellent

questions. We even

heard one of our

favorite questions: “How

do I become an EMT?”

SVEC has always been

dedicated to educating

our community about

personal health and

safety, and it is always a

pleasure to be able to

invest in the future of

the community by

teaching its young

people.

Submitted by Harold Good, Southside Virginia Emergency Crew

One of my favorite parts about

EMS has always been

community outreach, especially

when interacting with kids.

Recently, Southside Virginia

Emergency Crew had an

opportunity to help a local Girl

Scout troop learn about first

aid. We were asked to teach

about hyperthermia,

hypothermia, shock, and things

they need know when calling

911. So, we loaded up into one

of our trucks and off we went.

This particular trip turned out

to be not only a rewarding

experience, but a challenging

one as well. The group of girls,

about twelve total, ranged in

age from six up to seventeen.

We found it somewhat tricky

District 3 Report

District 3 did good on selling

the raffle tickets for the

drawing at the Conference.

District 3 Life Members:

Kenny Frenier

Vernon Wilson

Cindy Swann

were given plaques recognizing

us as Life Members. Again I

want to thank everyone.

I hope everyone had a

Wonderful Christmas and a

great New Years.

Submitted by Cindy Swann, District 3 Historian

District 3 November meeting

was held at Colonial Heights at

the Moose Lodge. As always we

want to thank everyone for

their hospitality and a great

meal.

Our next meeting will be

February 7th. at Henrico VRS.

Come and join us. Valeta

Daniels covered training classes

that are coming up.


District 7 Report

miles traveled were by Wythe

County Rescue Squad. Both

squads received a $25.00 gift

certificate provided by

Christiansburg Rescue.

VAVRS officers present were

recognized as well as AVAVRS

State officers, VAVRS Life

Members, VAVRS Hall of Fame

Members, VAJVRS Officers &

members, and District 7 Life

Members. In addition all US

Military Veterans were

recognized.

ALS and BLS competition

trophies were handed out with

both going to the Riner Rescue

Squad teams. We had a large

turnout for the EVOC

competition with 14 District 7

members competing. 5th place

went to Gregg Plaff of Riner,

4th place Cody Blankenship of

Giles, 3rd place for the second

district meeting in a row went

Submitted by Coby Fizer District 7 Vice President

District 7 held its November

15, 2014 meeting at the

Christiansburg Rescue Squad

building. The meeting was called

to order at 6:00pm and Jack

Swicegood returned thanks and

led the group in the pledge of

allegiance. A good meal was had

by those in attendance which

was catered by Mrs. Wades

Kitchen. Chief Joe Coyle

welcomed everyone and let the

District membership know that

the meal was on Christiansburg

Rescue.

The meeting re convened at

7:00pm with the 50/50 drawing

of $31.00 going to Jack

Swicewood. The squad with the

most members present was

Riner Rescue Squad and most

to Lindsay Davis of

Christiansburg, 2nd place Luke

Price of Christiansburg, and 1st

place for the second district

meeting in a row went to Dustin

Mitcham of Riner. Dustin has

laid down a challenge to all

District 7 members when he

stated after the meeting that

“if you can’t compete with the

big dogs, stay at your squad

building”. The challenge has

been issued and we hope to see

more competitors at

Tannersville in February.

The Auxiliary and Junior

members were released so that

they could conduct their

business meetings.

Reports were given by the

District 7 officers and VAVRS

state officers in attendance as

well as visitors from District 1

(Continued on page 23)

District 7 Members Enjoying Dinner


Riner ALS First Place L to R - Nic Coalson, Sr.

Greg Pfaff, Dustin Mitcham, and Jolaine Kooger

Photo on right:

EVOC Competitors Waiting To

Compete

All photo submitted by

Cody Fizer

District 7 Vice President

Picture to the

right:

Riner BLS

First Place

L to R

Nick Coalson, Jr

Amanda Simpkins

Eric Wilhurn

Samantha Miles

Greg and Kate Burton. The

state offices as well as the

district’s finances were

reported. A list of important

dates to remember was

reported to the membership.

Reminders to keep up to date

with District 7 training on

Facebook https://

www.facebook.com/

VAVRSdistric7 and we look

forward to seeing a big group in

attendance at the next District

7 meeting on February 21, 2015

at the Tannersville Community

Building.

The meeting adjourned at

7:20pm.

(Continued from page 22)


https://www.facebook.com/VAVRSdistric7



The Unpredictability of a Child

normal saline attached at a

wide open rate. A King Airway,

size 2, was inserted, placement

confirmation revealed bilateral

breath sounds and good rise

and fall of the chest.

Ventilations continued and

capnograph attached. Repeat

pulse check confirmed the

patient remained pulseless and

the monitor rhythm remained in

v-fib. A second shock was

performed at 100 joules and

CPR continued. Epinephrine

0.25 mg was administered

through the IO. Her third

pulse check showed continued v

-fib and a third shock was

delivered at 150 joules. CPR

continued. Shortly after third

shock the child began

breathing at a rate of 39 over

the King airway and ETCO2

increased to 34 mm Hg . CPR

was ceased and an organized

rhythm was noted on the

monitor. A femoral pulse at a

rate of 113 was palpable and

within one minute she lost her

pulse and returned to a v-

fib rhythm. CPR was

reinitiated. A fourth shock

was delivered at 150 joules

and CPR continued. A

repeat dose of Epinephrine

0.25 mg was administered.

At 2132 she had regained a

palpable pulse with an

organized rhythm.

Ventilations continued and

monitor while en route to

hospital. Vital signs at

District One Call of the Quarter submitted by Amy Markham, District One Secretary

July 26th was a beautiful

Saturday evening when at 2117

the Staunton Augusta Rescue

Squad was toned to respond to

the Staunton Fire and Rescue

station for a pediatric seizure

that lasted one minute. Medic

52 responded at 2117. Upon

arrival at 2120 the crew found

the fire fighters at the side

caring for an 8 year old female.

Across the room assessment

revealed an unresponsive child

with cyanosis noted around

mouth and agonal respirations.

Mother reports that the child

was sitting on her lap and her

body went rigid and she went

unresponsive but was

breathing. Reported history of

febrile seizures but mother

denies any recent illness.

The patient placed in the

ambulance with a Staunton Fire

medic and enhanced provider

accompanying the SARS crew.

Ventilations were performed

via BVM with 100% oxygen.

Pulse check at 2121 revealed

that the patient pulseless. CPR

was initiated and patient was

placed on monitor which showed

ventricular fibrillation. She

was defibrillated at 50 joules

and CPR was continued.

Intraosseous access

established in her left tibia and

2137 were pulse 129,

respirations 23 and a ETCO2 of

23.

Upon arrival at Augusta Health

Emergency Department the

patient’s vital signs were pulse

129, respirations 42, and an

ETCO2 of 14. She remained

unresponsive with ventilations

via BVM through the King

Airway and sinus rhythm on

monitor. At Augusta Health

she was stabilized and rapidly

transferred by Augusta Health

Transport to the University of

Virginia Emergency

Department.

Last reports are that this

precious child had an

implantable cardiovert

defibrillator placed and has

returned to school. She was

found to have a genetic cardiac

condition which lead to this

near fatal experience. She

continues to follow up with

pediatric cardiology specialists.


September 22–26, 2015

81st Annual VAVRS

Conference-Virginia

Beach

An excellent opportunity for

learning new techniques

through medical seminars,

competitions, and participating

in educational and social

activities. The conference

hosts one of the largest EMS

product shows on the east

coast, featuring vendors of

EMS related equipment,

supplies, vehicles and clothing.

October 10, 2015

1st Annual District 1

Super CE

Dabney S Lancaster

Community College

Clifton Forge

6 hours of Category 1 CE will

be offered by instructors from

all over the state in a variety

of topics for ALS and BLS

providers. There is also an

opportunity for a Q&A session

with the District 1 Medical

Advisor, Dr. Asher Brand.

Classes will be of a manageable

size and many hands-on

opportunities to facilitate

learning are available.

Please feel free to contact us

with any questions or

comments.

Kate Burton, EMT-I

District 1 Training Officer

[email protected]

Here are a few of the upcoming

events:

March 14, 2015

March Medical Madness

Lake Monticello Volunteer

Rescue Squad

June 12 – June 20, 2015

40th State Rescue

College Virginia Tech

The college offers all VAVRS

courses at both the basic and

instructor level. The VAVRS

is excited to also host the EMT

-B Instructor Institute in

conjunction with the Office of

EMS.

District One Training

Submitted by Kate Burton, District One Training Officer

As 2014 draws to an end, I

would like to thank everyone

for their continued support of

VAVRS within their districts

and throughout the state.

2015 is quickly approaching and

I wanted to touch on some of

the exciting training events

scheduled; we encourage

members to take opportunities

to attend available training and

CE that is offered throughout

the state. Additionally, please

remember that any time your

agency is interested in a

training opportunity, even if

the course is not listed, please

contact the state office! We

are always willing to schedule

any class that you are

interested in; if you provide

the participants, we can help to

provide the instructors and any

necessary supplies.


March Medical Madness March 14, 2015

Lake Monticello Volunteer

Rescue Squad March Medical Madness was developed by a team of volunteers at

Lake Monticello Volunteer Rescue Squad. With continuing education hours

in ALS, BLS, First Responder, and Water Rescue, MMM has plenty

of learning opportunities for you and your organization.

Pre-registration will begin by the end of January.

Courses offered include:

Field Triage: Who Needs to Go Where and When – Mr. Buck Deforge [ALS 78; BLS 04]

The Itchy Scratchy Show: The World of Allergies – Ms. Valerie Quick [ALS 75; BLS 05]

Pediatric Burn Care – Ms. Carolyn Ramwell [ALS 90; BLS 04]

Peds Assessment: Figuring Out if a Child is Sick – Ms. Betsy Smith [ALS 85; BLS 08]

AED Refresher – Ms. Val Lopez & Mr. John Lye [ALS 72; BLS 10]

Handling Large Scale Events – Mr. Frank Cheatham [ALS Cat 2; BLS 92]

Anatomy & Physiology Review: Integrating the New Curriculum – Ms. Rita Krenz [ALS Cat 2; BLS 05]

Don’t Die on Me: Stress Management in Emergency Response – Ms. Dana Racette [Cat 2]

UVA Medcomm: What Happens in the Fishbowl? – Mr. Gary Morris [Cat 2]

Capnography & Respiratory Case Studies – Mr. Steve Elliott [ALS 88; BLS 03]

The Bug Update – Dr. Joanne Lapetina [ALS 89; BLS 06]

12 Lead: Review of When and How to Perform a 12 Lead ECG – Ms. Donna Burns & Mr. Gary Wyatt

[ALS 88; BLS 09]

Sepsis for the Prehospital Provider – Ms. Courtney Lambert & Ms. Jennifer Noble [ALS 83; BLS 05]

Rules & Regulations Update – Mr. Michael Berg [ALS Cat 2; BLS 07]

Peds Assessment Scenarios – Dr. Theresa Guins [ALS 86; BLS 08]

If Time Is Brain, Then What Are We Waiting For?: The Evolving Paradigm of Acute Stroke Care – Dr.

Andrew Southerland [ALS 89; BLS 05]

Active Shooter – Mr. John Burruss [Cat 2]

For more information, please visit:

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com or call (434) 760-0337


http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#ramwell

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#lopez

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#lye

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#cheatham

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#lapetina

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#burns

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#wyatt

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#lambert

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#noble

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#berg

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#guins

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#southerland

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/schedule-course-list/instructor-bios#burruss

http://marchmedicalmadness.wordpress.com/

District One Report

Squad.

Guests in

attendance

at this

meeting were: Kim Craig:

VAVRS Vice President, Steve

Grayson: VAVRS Treasurer/

Life Member, Jeanette Mann:

EMS Coordinator at Dabney S.

Lancaster Community College,

and Andrea Gibson:

Southeastern Emergency

Equipment.

District 1 Life Members Glenn

Drumheller, Greg Burton,

Bobby Varner, Betty Dean, Amy

Markham, Robbi Blackburn,

Betty Wolfe, and Della Hylton

were also present.

Kate Burton, who was

announced as District 1’s

Training Officer, gave report

on upcoming events. Lake

Monticello Rescue Squad, near

Charlottesville, will be hosting

March Medical Madness, an

excellent CE opportunity for

BLS and ALS providers, on

March 14, 2015. All agencies in

District 1 were challenged to

send at least one member to

the event. It was also

announced that District 1 will

be hosting their first annual

Super CE Training Day to be

held at Dabney S. Lancaster

Community College in Clifton

Forge on October 10, 2015.

This event will be an

opportunity for all providers to

earn up to 6 Category 1 CE

hours from an excellent array

Submitted by Greg Burton, District 1 Alt. VP Covington Rescue Squad

District 1 rescue squads met on

October 26, 2014 in Alleghany

County for their quarterly

meeting. Boiling Springs Fire

and Rescue hosted the meeting

with well over 100 people in

attendance representing 15

ems agencies. The day was

filled with friendly but

competitive contests in EVOC,

Vehicle Extrication, EMT ALS,

and EMT BLS.

The following agencies received

awards:

EVOC: 1st- Justin Strader

(Stuarts Draft RS), 2nd- Kate

Burton (Covington RS), 3rd-

Sherri Strader (Stuarts Draft

RS)

Vehicle Extrication: 1st-

Covington Rescue Squad, 2nd-

Staunton-Augusta Rescue

Squad, 3rd- Waynesboro First

Aid Crew

ALS: 1st- Stuarts Draft

Rescue Squad, 2nd- Staunton-

Augusta Rescue Squad

EMT: 1st- Covington Rescue

Squad, 2nd- Waynesboro First

Aid Crew, 3rd- Stuarts Draft

Rescue Squad

Man Miles: Staunton-Augusta

Rescue Squad

Activity Report: 1st- Staunton

-Augusta Rescue Squad, 2nd-

Waynesboro First Aid Crew

Vice President's Award:

Staunton-Augusta Rescue

of speakers and topics!

We were excited to announce

that the 2015 State Rescue

College Brochure is now

available online with

registration to begin soon. The

registration deadline for

Rescue College is April 13; be

sure to register early as

classes fill up quickly.

Kim Craig, Junior Advisor,

introduced Victoria Gaudin

(Waynesboro First Aid Crew)

who was elected as the new

Junior Vice President at the

Conference in September,

2014.

Glenn Drumheller, Chairman of

District Life Members,

announced that Clifton Forge

Rescue Squad will be hosting

the next District Life

Member’s Dinner to be held on

June 6, 2015. Thank you for

volunteering to be the host for

this annual occasion to honor

the life members.

Steve Grayson, VAVRS

Treasurer, reported on the

2014 Conference activities and

added that the Conference

Committee will be meeting in

the near future to discuss

plans for the 2015 Conference.

Bonnie Caplinger from

Broadway Emergency Squad

was in attendance and was

excited to announce the plans

for the next District Meeting

on January 25, 2015. We are

looking forward to seeing

everyone!


Stuarts Draft, Dunlap, Staunton-Augusta, Clifton Forge, Boiling Springs, Covington, Burnsville

Boiling Springs Rescue Squad Volunteers who helped in hosting

a successful district meeting in October.


The VAVRS will be hosting several of these events and currently working on additional training dates. Below is what we have established at this time. Please see our website to register and note that 15 persons will have to register by the deadline for these classes

or they will not be held.

Location: VAVRS State Headquarters

2535 Turkey Creek Road

Oilville VA 23129

Tuesday, January 6 6 pm to 10 pm

Tuesday, January 20 6 pm to 10 pm

Saturday, February 7 8 am to 12 noon

1 pm to 5 pm

6 pm to 10 pm

What is Traffic Incident Management:

A new coordinated, multi-disciplinary training

program developed through the Second Strategic

Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) available for

all emergency responders and those supporting

Traffic Incident Management operations.

This training puts police, firefighters, state and local departments of transportation, towing, medical

personnel, and other incident responders on the same page, leading to a safer, faster, integrated

responder team.


Save Lives

-Faster incident response and clearance times

result in fewer secondary crashes.

-Training results in less exposure of responder

team to moving traffic during recovery.

Save Money

-Less congestion leads to fewer freight and

traveler delays in backups.

-Fewer secondary crashes save on insurance

claims.

-Faster cleanups lead to cost savings for

incident personnel.

Save Time

-Smarter response techniques cut congestion

clearance time- decreasing delays.

Submitted by Steve Dove

On Saturday, October 11, 2014

VAVRS District 10 hosted the

5th Annual Fall Rescue Camp

for Kids at the Fredericksburg

EXPO & Conference Center.

Despite some minor changes

because of inclement weather

the Camp was another huge

success for District 10.

Fifty-three kids ranging in age

from 8 to 18 years of age took

part in this exciting event. The

participants took part in five

break-out stations during the

beginning of the Camp. Kelly

Southard (Orange Vol. Rescue

Squad and VAVRS Life

Member) along with Sam

Burnette (Virginia Department

of Fire Programs) instructed

the kids on how to

tie knots that would

safely withstand

weight and could be

used to help secure

items or personnel.

In addition the kids

learned that the use

of a pulley system

could help move

items such as a

vehicle, working as a

team pulling ropes

through the system.

Kids also participated in Infant

CPR training and relieving a

foreign body airway obstruction

for a responsive and

unresponsive infant. In years

past we have instructed the

kids on adult CPR, with many

repeat attendees we decided to

change up this year’s training.

This life saving lesson

instructed the kids on how to

properly perform two-finger

chest compressions as one

rescuer and the thumbs-

encircling method for two (Continued on page 33)

District 10 Host 5th Annual Fall Rescue Camp for Kids


Volunteer Fire & Rescue

Department & American Heart

Association BLS Instructor)

for helping coordinate this

valuable training for the kids

during the Camp.

Another station at the Camp

focused on venomous and non-

venomous snakes in the

Commonwealth of Virginia. Sgt.

Pete O’Brien with the

Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office

Animal Control Division

provided an in depth look at

those snakes that are common

to Virginia. Kids helped

rescuers. The participants

found that giving enough air to

cause the chest to rise in an

infant required much less force

and volume than that of the

adult. The kids also learned

that five back slaps and five

chest thrust should help

relieve a foreign airway

obstruction in a choking infant.

If those attempts are

unsuccessful and the infant

became unresponsive the kids

learned to activate the 911

system and being chest

compression to help relieve the

item. Special thanks to Beth

Addington, (Chancellor


identify which of these snakes

were venomous as opposed to

those that were not. Sgt.

O’Brien also brought several

snakes to introduce the kids to.

In addition, a small alligator

was there for hands –on

experience many of the kids

will not soon forget. Many of

these creatures had been

seized during criminal activity

and are now used to help

educate the public on the

dangers these animals face



because of the lack of

knowledge from those that

posses them. While many of

the adults were skeptical about

stepping foot inside the room,

the interaction between the

kids and the reptiles proved to

be a very positive experience.

Stacy Southard (Orange Vol.

Rescue Squad) worked with the

kids in another station, teaching

them how moulage was used to

help simulate injured patients

for training situations. The

kids focused on how to darken

the skin to create what would

appear to be a contusion. They

applied make-up wax to create

wounds that would have stage

blood oozing from them. The

kids find it exciting to apply

makeup to one another to

simulate a “black eye.” Many of

the kids were so proud of their

simulated injuries they decided

to keep them applied for the




Beach Vol. Rescue Squad) and

Kevin Dillard (LifeCare Medical

Transports & VAVRS Life

Member) set-up a cone course

for the kids to safely negotiate

a UTV through. Despite the

occasional rain showers the

kids had a blast maneuvering

the apparatus through the

course attempting to avoid the

traffic cones outlining their

route of travel. Kids learned

that when operating any vehicle

duration of the Camp. This of

course provided many

concerned looks on the parent’s

faces as they arrived at the

end of the Camp to pick up

their children.

We brought back a very

popular attraction at this

year’s Camp for the kids.

Christopher Kerns (Colonial


they should maintain control by

keeping both hands on the

steering wheel. Chris and Kevin

explained the importance of

wearing a seatbelt no matter

where they were seating in a

vehicle, and how seatbelts

reduce the number of injuries

to those that may become

involved in a motor vehicle

crash. This outlook on safety

helps become instilled in the

minds of the younger

generation as they moved

towards obtaining their

operator’s license in the future.

When the kids took a break for

lunch many took the

opportunity to meet members

of other organizations or new

friends they had meet at the

Camp to talk about the morning

activities. Many of the Junior

Members from attending

Rescue Squad’s spoke to kids

that were not active in their

local Junior Rescue Squad

program to engage them to

become involved and explained

the different activities they

participate in. The interaction

between the kids was an

outstanding example of being

part of a team and working

together to help others.

As the skies began to clear in

the afternoon, we realized the

cloud ceiling would still not be

safe to land a medical

helicopter on site. Slight

adjustments were made in the

schedule without missing a beat

though and the kids moved to



the next schedule event.

The Fredericksburg Fire

Department arrived to explain

to the kids how they safely set-

up a landing zone for the air

medical transport units. The

kids learned that a safe area

would be marked with flashing

strobe lights to help guide the

aircraft in to the landing point.

Kids learned that not only did

the ground need to be level and

clear of debris but they must

(Continued from page 35) also look overhead and ensure

there are no obstacles that

would prohibit the aircraft

from landing safely, paying

close attention to power lines,

communication towers, light

post and tree lines. The

participants respected the

decision of not jeopardizing the

safety of those providers on

the helicopter by flying in less

than favorable conditions.

Soon the sound of loud barking

could be heard in the

Fredericksburg EXPO &

Conference Center. This was an

indication that our next guest

had arrived. Officer Josh

Lynch with the Fredericksburg

Police Department and his K-9

partner Max would conduct a

presentation on how K-9’s are

used to help law enforcement

officials in searching for

missing people and items. In

addition, the kids learned that

Max was trained to apprehend

suspects that may be fleeing

from a crime scene. Officer

Kenny Camp donned one of the

training tools used to help

teach Max how to take down a

subject that may be

uncooperative with law

enforcement officials. Max

instinctively went into action

when Officer Lynch yelled the

command. His actions would

result in being able to play with

his favorite toy that is used to

reward K-9’s for performing

their tasks.



their homes and to test them

monthly. Finally, George

Langford (VAVRS District 10

VP and VAVRS Life Member)

along with Kelly Southard

worked with the participants

in practicing their skills of

using an extinguisher by Pulling

the pin on an extinguisher,

Aiming the discharge hose at

the base of a fire, Squeezing

the handle and Sweeping back

and forth to extinguish a

simulated fire.

The day came to a close with a

brief graduation ceremony.

The Colonial Beach Volunteer

Junior Rescue Squad Honor

Guard Members did a

presentation of the flags prior

to the medals and certificates

being awarded to each

participant of the 5th Annual

Fall Rescue Camp for Kids.

As Max departed to patrol the

street in the City of

Fredericksburg, Sam Burnette

conducted a PowerPoint

presentation on the Use of Fire

Extinguishers for the

participants. The kids learned

the P.A.S.S. method of using an

extinguisher. Emphasis was

placed on knowing when to use a

fire extinguisher to put out a

small fire, or if the fire was

too large, exit the area and call

for additional help. There was

discussion about having safe

routes out of homes and a

central meeting place for all

parties in a home to go to in

case of an emergency.

Additionally, the kids learned

the importance of having

working smoke detectors in


Each participant also received a

goodie bag stuffed with items

from different businesses and

public safety agencies in the

region.

As the kids began to exit the

Camp many asked about the t-

shirt color for next year’s

Camp. This has been a ritual to

change the color of the t-

shirts for each camp and it is

kept a secret until they arrive

at the Camp. In keeping with

that tradition, the color will be

kept a secret until October

2015.

We look back on the past five

years of the VAVRS District 10

Fall Rescue Camp for Kids as an

excellent way to expose kids to

the public safety system in the

Commonwealth of Virginia. The

lessons they learn from the

Camp may one day save a life or

encourage them to make a

career out of helping others.

We are thrilled to have the

generous financial support of

our sponsors for the Fall

Rescue Camp, without them the

Camp would not be possible.

We would also like to thank all

those that help throughout the

day with mentoring and

counseling the kids.

Additionally, without our

presenters conducting their

seminars in each station, the

Camp would not be a success, so

to all those that shared their

talents with the kids we send a

sincere thank you.


emergency medical technician

shall make a record of all drugs

administered to a patient.”

Effective November 24, 2014,

the Virginia EMS Regulations

will change to reflect the

changes in the BOP regulations

and to remove the requirement

of a practioner’s signature for

any drug administration,

patient assist medications or

invasive therapy. Provision of

patient care documentation

(12VAC5-31-1140) will state in

part: Marissa J. Levine, MD

MPH, FAAFP, State Health

Commissioner

“EMS personnel and EMS

agencies shall provide the

receiving medical facility or

transporting EMS agency with

a copy of the prehospital

patient care report for each

patient treated at the time of

patient transfer. Should EMS

personnel be unable to provide

the full prehospital patient

care report at the time of

patient transfer, EMS

personnel shall provide an

abbreviated documented

report with the critical EMS

findings and actions at the time

of patient transfer and the full

prehospital patient care report

shall be provided to the

accepting facility within 12

hours.”

Elimination of Requirement to Obtain

Medical Practioner Signature on

Prehospital Patient Care Report

There is language in the

pending regulatory packet for

the BOP to further amend

18VAC- 110-20-500 stating:

“3. Drugs and devices may be

administered by an emergency

medical technician EMS

provider upon an oral or written

order or standing protocol of

an authorized medical

practitioner in accordance with

§ 54.1-3408 of the Code of

Virginia. Oral orders shall be

reduced to writing by the

technician EMS provider and

shall be signed by a medical

practitioner. Written standing

protocols shall be signed by the

operational medical director

for the emergency medical

services EMS agency. A

current copy of the signed

standing protocol shall be (Continued on page 45)

November 14, 2014 Memo from Michael D. Berg, BS, NRP,

Manager, Regulation and

Compliance for the Virginia

Office of EMS

During the 2013 session of the

General Assembly, several bills

were introduced and

subsequently passed to amend

§54.1-3408 of the Code of

Virginia permitting certified

EMS personnel acting within

their scope of practice to

administer drugs and devices

pursuant to an oral or written

order or standing protocol. The

Board of Pharmacy (BOP)

subsequently adopted these

changes within their regulation.

The following is an excerpt

from the above referenced

BOP regulation:

“Drugs may be administered by

an emergency medical

technician upon an oral or

written order or standing

protocol of an authorized

medical practitioner in

accordance with § 54.1-3408

of the Code of Virginia. Oral

orders shall be reduced to

writing by the technician and

shall be signed by a medical

practitioner. Written standing

protocols shall be signed by the

operational medical director

for the emergency medical

services agency. The


certified education coordinator

and plays an integral role in the

region as an educator, mentor

and administrator. He

established and currently

oversees the region’s only

accredited ALS training

program, which has enabled the

region to increase the number

of ALS providers while

ensuring that they are

receiving the most up-to-date

and progressive training

available. Matthew is also

working on bringing paramedic

education to the region in 2015.

He takes pride in making every

minute count as a learning

experience for his students

and fellow providers, and he

shares his knowledge willingly

and enthusiastically. Currently,

Matthew serves as the program

director and assistant director

of the Central Shenandoah

EMS Council, and he works with

a number committees and work

groups on both the regional and

state level. He also served as

an accreditation site reviewer

for state accreditation visits

conducted by the Office of

EMS. Matthew Lawler’s

contributions to Virginia’s local,

regional and state EMS system

are exceptional and greatly

valued by the Commonwealth of

Virginia.

Taken from the Virginia Office of EMS Website

Congratulations to the 2014

Governor’s EMS Award winners!

By the virtue of the authority

vested by the Constitution in

the Governor of the

Commonwealth of Virginia,

there is hereby officially

recognized:

The Governor’s EMS Award

for Excellence in EMS

Matthew Lawler

Matthew Lawler has been

involved in Emergency Medical

Services for more than 30

years, and his drive and

commitment to bettering the

EMS system has demonstrated

his excellence in the field.

Matthew is an active life

member of the Staunton-

Augusta Rescue Squad and he

holds a current certification as

a nationally registered

paramedic. He is also a Virginia


for Outstanding EMS

Administrator The Kent J.

Weber Trophy

Ronald Passmore

For more than 25 years, Ron

Passmore’s career in EMS and

health care has been

committed to the advancement

of professionalism in EMS. Ron

took over as Chief of Galax-

Grayson EMS in 2008, and

since that time he has built a

solid reputation for excellence

in agency administration. Under

his leadership, he has

transformed Galax-Grayson

EMS into a high quality,

professional and Governor’s

EMS Award-winning agency,

through the implementation of

innovative programs that

enhance the quality of care

provided. He has also

strengthened the agency’s

workforce by establishing high


2014 Governor’s EMS Award Winners!


expectations and standards, in

addition to transitioning all of

the staff to paramedic level

through the implementation of

a comprehensive staff

education program. In addition

to greatly strengthening Galax-

Grayson EMS, Ron has also

served actively as a member of

the Southwest Virginia EMS

Council Board of Directors and

is a member of the State EMS

Advisory Board. Ron’s





in the Commonwealth of

Virginia.


for Physician with

Outstanding Contribution to

EMS

The Frank M. Yeiser Trophy

Michael Moran, M.D.

Dr. Michael Moran’s medical

career has spanned the course



of 21 years, and has involved

his work in emergency medicine

as a physician, medical director

and an Operational Medical

Director (OMD) for eight EMS

agencies in Alleghany County.

He also remains a volunteer

member of Falling Spring

Rescue Squad. Dr. Moran is

committed to his involvement in

EMS education and the delivery

of quality EMS services in

Alleghany County. He is a

teacher, mentor and supporter

of EMS providers, ER nurses

and staff. His passion and

enthusiasm for emergency

medicine is demonstrated when

he teaches college students

and providers. His knowledge is

communicated in a way that

encourages his students to

reach for higher goals and

strive to be the best. Dr.

Moran is very engaged with,

and accessible to, the EMS

agencies under his direction

and he is constantly looking for

ways to support emergency

medical services and bridge the

gap between prehospital and

hospital care. Dr. Moran’s






Virginia.


for Nurse with Outstanding

Contribution to EMS

Jane LaVerne, R.N.

For 35 years, Jane LaVerne has

worked as a registered nurse

for Virginia Commonwealth

University Health Systems,

where she currently

coordinates training rotations

for advanced level EMT

students. She is also a life

member of the Powhatan

Volunteer Rescue Squad and a

member of Middlesex

Volunteer Rescue Squad. In

addition to teaching and

facilitating training sessions,

Jane has played an important

role in the Special Operations

Combat Medic Program, which

the military has awarded her

for her contribution. She also

serves as chair of the EMS

Exchange Program for the

Virginia Association of

Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.,

where she is responsible for



education throughout the

Commonwealth in his nearly 40

years of experience as an EMT.

As an educator, he has

coordinated and instructed

more than 142 approved EMS

courses and implemented the

region’s only paramedic

program, the Southwest

Virginia Paramedic Program, a

nationally accredited

consortium that is uniquely

structured to allow a large

geographic area to be

efficiently served. The

program has pass rates on the

National Registry exams that

exceed the national average,

and its graduates have

experienced a 100 percent job

placement rate. In addition,

William has worked to obtain

grant funding to implement

several high school-based EMT

programs throughout the

region. His expertise and

reputation have earned him

recognition throughout the

state and he has served on

various prestigious state

committees focused on EMS

education. William Akers’






Virginia.

German paramedics who visit

Virginia and operate with our

EMS agencies, and in turn

alternate with Virginia

paramedics visiting Germany to

do the same. Jane is selfless in

her dedication to EMS and has

used her skills and efforts to

assure that the citizens in her

community obtain the best

medical care, regardless of

sex, race or income. Jane

LaVerne’s significant




valued in the Commonwealth of

Virginia.


for Outstanding Prehospital

Educator

William Akers, Jr.

William Akers has made

tremendous contributions to

the advancement of EMS



for Outstanding Prehospital

Provider

Amy Ward

For more than 18 years, Amy

Ward has provided outstanding

and dedicated service to the

system through her

involvement in all facets of

EMS at the local and regional

level. Ward has worked

tirelessly to improve EMS

services in her agency,

Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and

Emergency Services, as well as

in the Tidewater region. As a

paramedic, she is an advocate

for employee training, clinical

initiatives and the

strengthening of the EMS

division within Portsmouth Fire,

Rescue and Emergency

Services. As a clinical

coordinator for the

department, Amy has

introduced an inaugural EMS




academy along with the Field

Training Evaluation Program,

which has greatly aided in the

success of newly hired

paramedics within the agency.

Amy Ward’s significant





Virginia.


for Outstanding Contribution

to EMS Health and Safety

David Jones

David Jones lives and breathes

physical fitness and wellness,

which is evident through his

enthusiasm serving as Roanoke

County’s Medical and Fitness

Coordinator for the past 10

years. In 2004, the initial goals

of the department were to

develop a fitness program

modeled after the

International Association of

Fire Chiefs and International

(Continued from page 42) Association of Fire Fighters’

Wellness Fitness Initiative.

Under David’s leadership and

dedication, Roanoke County’s

wellness and fitness program

has met this goal and is

regularly called upon by other

agencies to demonstrate its

progress. The program requires

all Roanoke County fire and

rescue personnel to have an

individual fitness profile, which

is designed to help achieve

personal goals. David has shown

great commitment to helping all

of Roanoke County Fire and

Rescue to be as healthy and

physically fit as possible, so

that they can provide high

quality service to their

patients. David Jones’





in the Commonwealth of

Virginia.



to EMS for Children

Steven Dove

An article and photo covering

Steven Dove’s prestigious

award can be found on page 17

of this publication.


for Outstanding EMS Agency

Bland County Volunteer

Rescue Squad

Over the past decade, Bland

County Volunteer Rescue Squad

has transformed from a small

volunteer agency to a

professional-grade agency that

serves as a model to others. It

is the only licensed EMS agency

that serves the 359-square

mile of mountainous area in

Bland County, and it provides

both emergency and

convalescent transports. They

provide a host of community

services aimed at improving the

health and safety of their

community through health

screenings, CPR and first aid

training at community events,

which are provided free of

charge to all public school

teachers and employees. In

addition, the agency supports

its own members by

emphasizing ongoing education



training providers and helping

callers with pre-arrival

instructions. She is a 25-year

veteran of the Martinsville-

Henry County 911 Center. Early

in her career she was

instrumental in the

development and

implementation of 911 in Henry

County. Due to technology and

conditions in the community at

that time, there was no 911 or

Emergency Medical Dispatch

(EMD). Currently, Susan

provides internal training to 24

full-time Emergency Medical

Dispatchers on all levels, in

addition to helping to maintain

the Martinsville-Henry County’s

state of readiness to serve the

citizens, visitors and agencies

in that region. She is often

called upon by other agencies

and peers to assist with

training, and to provide advice

and input on key topics related

to EMS, EMD and 911 services.

Susan Fulcher’s dedication and




exceptional and greatly

appreciated by the

Commonwealth of Virginia.

and professional development.

Bland County Volunteer Rescue

Squad operates under one

mission, to provide the services

that are needed by their

community. This agency has

proven that tough economic

conditions and a rural location

is not an obstacle for providing

quality patient care. Bland

County Volunteer Rescue

Squad’s significant





Virginia.



to EMS Telecommunications

Susan Fulcher

For the last 31 years, Susan

Fulcher has shown her passion

to serve her community as a

volunteer EMS provider, by




to EMS by a High School

Senior The Dr. Carol Gilbert

$5,000 Scholarship

Michael A. Hoffman, II

Michael Hoffman takes great

pride in being able to serve his

community in Appomattox, Va.

He was inspired by both of his

parents to become involved in

EMS and he realized very early

on all of the great things that

EMS has to offer.

Michael joined the Appomattox

County Rescue Squad in the

spring 2013, and has proven

through his level of

commitment and dedication

that EMS truly is his passion.

While in high school, Michael

earned his associate’s degree in

general studies from Central

Virginia Community College, and

he’s currently attending the

University of Virginia. The

most import aspect of EMS for




him is helping people during a

tough time in their life and

making a

difference. In efforts to help

improve the EMS system in

Virginia,

Michael wishes to encourage

more people to become

volunteers.

For Michael, continuing his

education is essential to

achieving his goals

in life and he hopes one day to

become an emergency

physician. Michael’s





Virginia.


maintained by the pharmacy

participating in the kit

exchange. The emergency

medical technician EMS

provider shall make a record of

all drugs and devices

administered to a patient.”

All EMS agencies are

encouraged to submit a copy of

their agency protocols signed

by their agency operational

medical director (OMD) to

pharmacies frequently used to

restock drug kits in

anticipation of this regulatory

change.

In conclusion, effective

November 24, 2014, there is no

longer a requirement to obtain

(Continued from page 39) a practioner’s signature for any

drug administration, invasive

procedure or patient assist

medication. The Virginia EMS

Regulations 12VAC5-31 will be

updated on November 24, 2014

to reflect the changes

(http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/

OEMS/Agency/RegCompliance/

Regulations.htm).

If there are additional

questions to this memorandum,

please contact your area EMS

Program Representative or Mr.

Michael D. Berg, Regulation and

Compliance manager, Virginia

Office of EMS at 1-800-523-

6019 (toll free in Virginia),

804-888-9131 (direct) or by

email at

[email protected].

To all the winners from the VAVRS!

an hour later, all mangled up

and bloody. We asked, “What

happened to you?”

The rookie replied, "I walked

out there five hundred feet,

followed some tracks, and got

hit by a TRAIN!

Dear Rescue Ranger,

I heard you had something

funny happen to you last week

while you were at McDonalds.

Can you clue us in?

S. R.

Dear Steve,

Yeah, I was eating there with a

friend when suddenly the

Town’s Fire Alarm went off …

my friend jumped up and

headed for the door … I

shouted, “Hey, Tom, I didn’t

know you were a fireman!” Tom

replied, “I’m not, but my

girlfriend’s husband is…”

Dear Rescue Ranger,

If you are so smart and you

know me so well, tell me some

things about me!

Anonymous

Dear Bubby,

10 Facts About You:

1. You're reading this now.

2. You're realizing that this is a

stupid fact.

4. You didn't notice I skipped

number 3.

Dear Rescue Ranger

Dear Rescue Ranger,

I know you are a hunter and

was curious, have you bagged a

deer yet?

Hunter from Hampshire

Dear Hunter

Yes I did. Kind of a funny

story. Three of us from the

squad went on a hunting trip.

There was a rookie, the captain

and me. The weather was

miserable and we hadn’t seen

any deer all day. Finally we

came across an old shack where

we went inside to play a game

of poker.

After loosing a couple of hands,

I threw down my cards and said

“That does it! I am going out to

get me a deer.”

About fifteen minutes later, I

came back with a nice four

point buck. The captain and the

chief asked, “How did you get

that?”

I replied, “I walked out fifty

feet, followed some tracks and

shot this buck.” The captain

then said, “I’ve had enough of

this I am going to get my deer.”

He came back a half hour later

with a 6 point buck.

The rookie asked, “How did you

get that?” The captain then

replied, I walked out a hundred

feet, followed some tracks and

shot this buck.

The rookie not wanting to be

out done said, “I’m out of here,

I’m going to bag the biggest

buck of the day.” He came back

5. You're checking now.

6. You're smiling.

7. You're still reading this even

though it is stupid.

9. You didn't realize I skipped

number 8.

10.You're checking again and

smiling because you fell for it

again.

11. You're enjoying this.

12. You didn't realize I said 10

facts not 12.

Dear Rescue Ranger,

Which is faster, light or sound?

D. E.

Dear Doug,

Light travels faster than

sound. This is why some people

appear bright until you hear

them speak.

Dear Rescue Ranger,

What do you like most in me,

my pretty face or my beautiful

figure?

D. C.

Dear Dreama,

Your sense of humor!


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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." John 15:13

Virginia Association of Volunteer

Rescue Squads, Inc.

The Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads is THE voice of EMS…. the advocate for our members, Virginia’s EMS agencies and providers. We link members

and agencies for the purpose of sharing ideas, giving you a voice at the General Assembly, on state advisory boards, as well as on state and local committees. When our members have training issues or needs, they come to the VAVRS.

When our members need assistance from leadership to budgets they come to the VAVRS. We help rescue squads throughout the Commonwealth thrive and succeed so they can provide prompt, effective patient care 24/7 in the communities they serve.

Celebrating our 80th Anniversary

HAVING AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR NEEDS

AND GOALS IS THE WAY WE SERVE YOU

Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.

PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road

Oilville, VA 23129

(800)833-0602 (804)749-8191

Website: www.vavrs.com

Email: [email protected]

lifeline jan feb 2015

Documents

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