http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/rss News articles published on spotsyrescue.org using RSS 2.0 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:50:18 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=178 We are sad to announce the loss of Ms. Arvel P. Shannon, who passed away at the age of 81. In July 2004 she established a trust fund for SVRS, which supported the renovation of the Training Center and the ongoing maintenance and development of the building. Through her contributions we have been able to provide EMS training opportunities to many providers. Her contributions to SVRS have been recognized at the regional and state level. In 2010 she was a recipient of the Governor's Award for Outstanding Contributions to EMS. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A service will be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 7 at the funeral home. Entombment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery Mausoleum. Other stories about Ms. Shannon http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2012/012012/01052012/674689 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=152 http://www.vdh.state.va.us/OEMS/ProviderResources/GovernorAwards/2010AwardWinners.htm http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=141 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:13:36 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=178 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=177 Christmas has come to SVRS and local children were treated to an early visit with Saint Nick at the Shannon Training Center tonight. Elves were on hand to read a story to the children while they were waiting patiently for their turn with Santa. After having 'the chat', the children were treated to pancakes, eggs, cookies, juice and of course candy canes! Santa spent time talking to some 40 area children (and children at heart) during his two hour visit with SVRS. He told the children about the line up of the reindeer who pull his sleigh. "The boy reindeer (Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen) are at the front of the team, and the girl reindeer (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen) are harnessed closest to the sleigh." Mrs. Claus was notably absent tonight, having had to stay home at the North Pole due to an apparent "Occupy" movement in the workshop by a group of Bratz dolls. She sent her Christmas greetings, though. Santa assured his young guests that all the preparations for December 24th are on schedule and he looks forward to a wonderful round-the-world trip. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 02:58:46 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=177 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=176 Come join SVRS ring in the Holidays and welcome Santa! They will be hosting "The Big Man" at a pancake supper. Children can meet Santa and tell him what they would like for Christmas. Also they can have their photo taken with him! It's all FREE! Please call to reserve your child's spot! Santa will be arriving on Wednesday, November 30th from 6-8pm at the Arvel Shannon Training Center, 8711 Courthouse Rd, Spotsylvania. For reservations, please call: 540-809-2869. See you there! Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:22:34 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=176 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=171 A.Whittaker: "I was born in Washington D.C.; however I reside in Spotsylvania County for the time being. Nineteen years of age, no children, two jobs, and a good life I am in for. Wouldn't you say so? :P kidding. Anyways, I'll jump right to it. Why did I join the rescue squad? To be perfectly honest I didn't have any interest in being in the back of an ambulance responding to who knows what. NONE. At the time, after high school I had nothing to do but work so my mother, who had encouraged me to take the EMT-B class for about a year, suggested that I take the class last September. After the first couple of classes, I grew more and more interested. One thing I tend to look for is interesting things and helping people, whether it be at work or out at a restaurant. I'm the type that would hold a door for another. But, I surely have found one of my callings. I ended up joining the Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad in January of this year and should be here for quite some time. I was just released as an EMS provider with the squad… this month actually, after going through a rigorous precepting training program. I say rigorous because it's precise, thorough, and detailed; it isn't tough as long as you don't make it that way. (applies to everything in life) Besides, there are a ton of members who are willing to help you if you are stuck. Quite frankly, this can be a serious business. No, scratch that, IS a serious business but you can have a lot of fun doing what you do to help out the community and possibly yourself. From experience, person to person, try it and you may find that doors seem to crack open to new experiences. Shout out to my Preceptor, Rob, and all of those who have helped me find a way." Sat, 15 Oct 2011 19:55:58 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=171 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=175 The following were award winners: Basic Life Support Provider of the Year The BLS provider of the year goes above and beyond what is required, shows dedication and commitment to the squad by providing more time than is obligatory, and is knowledgeable and confident. There is a tie for 2011 BLS provider of the year. Winners are Jim Lehnert and Robert Hayden Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year The ALS provider of the year responds to calls for ALS assistance when appropriate, works well with BLS providers, correctly and carefully documents ALS procedures, and is knowledgeable and confident in their ALS skills and uses everything available to them in providing the best care to their patients. ALS Provider of the Year: Kim Madison Rookie of the Year The Rookie of the Year is a released provider that has been a squad member for less than two years, has worked hard within the agency, has shown their dedication to the squad, fulfills duty requirements while not having been questioned by administrative committees. Rookie of the Year: Joe Schlatter Squad Member of the Year: The Squad Member of the Year is someone whom the squad would like to recognize for their commitment and dedication to the squad, is in good standing with the squad, goes above and beyond what is required of a squad member, and is someone you would feel comfortable with placing in the eye of the public as a representative and spokesperson of the squad. The 2011 Squad Member of the Year is Justin Richardson Karen Brennan Spirit Award While serving on committees, pulling extra shifts, and going above and beyond are attributes of the squad member of the year, The Karen Brennan Spirit Award was created to recognize those members in the agency who embody the essence of Karen and share her love of helping people in need. She always showed the utmost dedication for all her patients whether a paper cut or cardiac arrest. Each and every patient received the best care she could provide. Her enthusiasm and devotion to her community were inspiring. She ran rescue because of her love for helping others and the joy of making a difference. In its first year, the Banquet Planning Committee has selected an individual whom they believe embodies all of these attributes. Rebecca Wilson Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:34:48 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=175 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=174 Rescue Squad Awards This weekend, Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad held its annual awards banquet. A dozen volunteers have given more than 1,000 hours this year: Amie Putnam – 1051 Joe Schlatter – 1124.5 Kristyn DeCaprio – 1126 Bob Morrison – 1138.5 Justin Richardson – 1178.5 Carolyn Marsh – 1188.5 Tom Smith – 1270.5 Kim Madison – 1275.5 LeRon Lewis – 1501.5 Elizabeth Vickers – 1757 Tom Vickers – 2092 Jim Lehnert – 2092.5 Congratulations to all the 1,000 Hour Winners! Thanks for all the hard work and dedication to SVRS. 2012 has already started, make sure you are turning in your time sheets, want to see this list double next year. Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:34:00 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=174 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=173 The Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad will be holding its Second Annual Haunted House on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 7pm-11pm at the Arvel Shannon Training Center. The Training Center is located at 8711 Courthouse Rd, Spotsylvania. This event provides area residents an opportunity to enjoy Halloween haunts in a safe, family-friendly enviornment. There is no cost, so come on down and say hello to all the zombies, ghouls and goblins! They're DYING to meet you! Sat, 08 Oct 2011 05:18:17 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=173 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=172 Life Member Stan Czajkowski died today after a long battle with cancer. He was a career firefighter in New York and upon his retirement, he moved to Virginia. He chose to continue his service with SVRS and joined the agency in 1999. He held the office of RL2 for two years, and in 2009 was voted in as a Life Member. Stan was also a driver preceptor. He was always willing to lend a hand, a friendly ear, a smile, or anything else that was needed. He was a vital and faithful part of the Squad until his diagnosis with cancer and his health concerns forced him to curtail his squad participation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this time. He will be missed greatly. Arrangements are incomplete and will be handled at Found and Sons. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:30:57 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=172 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=170 BLS CPR Save On Saturday, July 16th, the BLS crew from Rescue Station 4 and Engine Company 4 were called for a reported unresponsive patient. The dispatch notes indicated a male subject was unconscious in his car port, but was breathing. The crews arrived on scene and were met by a family member who frantically reported that the patient was no longer breathing. Providers rushed to his side and quickly eased him from the chair he was seated in to the ground. A quick scan revealed that he was indeed not breathing and CPR was initiated with one crew member providing compressions and another providing ventilations. The AED was brought to the patient's side and the pads attached as other members of the crew readied the stretcher. The AED indicated 'shock advised'. The patient was defibrillated and CPR resumed. CPR continued as the patient was loaded onto the stretcher and into the ambulance. One additional analysis from the AED indicated that a shock was again advised, and the patient received defibrillation once more. CPR continued throughout transport with one crew member providing compressions and another providing ventilations with a BVM device. No advanced airway, IV or ECG monitoring was available. The patient was transported to the Freestanding ED, and upon arrival was noted to have a weak, though regular pulse. He was still not breathing on his own. At the Freestanding ED, he was stabilized and transported to Mary Washington, where he underwent cardiac catheterization. He was found to have a complete blockage of the Left Anterior Descending coronary artery, which is also known as "The Widow Maker". After an 8 day course in the hospital, the patient was released to home. The Rescue crew consisted of: Kris, Rich, Arthur and Tom (Smith). As a CPR and EMT-B Instructor, it gives me more motivation for the students to drive home the point that GOOD BLS and GOOD CPR can have a GOOD outcome. Job Well Done. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 14:24:05 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=170 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=169 On April 4, 2011 Medic 8-2 and Wagon 8 were dispatched for a man with chest pains, and that he had already taken 2 nitro. As they pulled up to the house the man was walking to the truck. The patient got in the back of the truck by himself and stated "I'm having chest pain" and that he had taken 3 nitro pills. Medic Kim Moore asked him where his medications were and his last works were... "my wife has them" He then slumped over, the crew laid him down, checked his pulse, and determined that he didn't have one. Kim Moore did the cardiac thump and started CPR. FF/EMT Norman Brooks Jr, EMT Samantha Sensel, and EMT-E Jared Egan, jumped into the back of the truck to assist. FF/EMT Chris Dodd got patient information and then took over driving duties. As the patient was hooked up to the Lifepack, Jared inserted a King airway, while Samantha ventilated the patient, and Norman did compressions. Kim defibrillated the patient twice prior to arrival at Spotsylvania Regional Hospital. Each time she defibrillated him he would take 4-6 breathes and his heart would stop again. As they turned over to the hospital staff Norman kept doing CPR and each time he was shocked the patient would take 4-6 breaths every time. This was a man who was a fighter. As they left the room after turning over care, the ER doctor said he was going to pronounce the patient. Minutes later, as they were doing the paper work and cleanup, they were told the patient was still alive and was being transferred to the Cardiac Catherization lab. This was not the end of the story. Rarely do we as EMS providers get to follow-up with patients, or do patient's follow-up with us. The patient in this story wanted to share his gratitude to the crews and include them in celebrating his life. The patient, Mr. Tyler Rouse, was released from the hospital after 5 days. The day after his release, he went to Virginia Beach with his wife to celebrate his Birthday. On June 18th, 2011, Mr. Rouse (who runs a catering company in northern Virginia) cooked dinner at Spotsylvania Fire and Rescue Station 1 for any Fire and Rescue member that wanted to attend. He wanted to show his appreciation to the valiant efforts of our Emergency Services who played a part in saving his life. Job Well Done. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 14:47:02 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=169 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=168 On Tuesday July 5th 2011 fire and ems units where dispatched to Court House Rd. near Spotsy Elementary School for an overturned vehicle. When units arrived on scene they found a white car on it's roof on the side of the road. The vehicle was traveling south bound when the diver blacked out, crossed over from the right lane, onto the center median, then back across the two lanes. The car then hit the ditch on the side of the road, rolled, and rested on it's roof. The patient was self extracted and was evaluated by Career paramedics who where first responders. The patient was transported to Spotsy Regional with no major injuries. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:10:33 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=168 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=167 Rarely does a 911 dispatcher ever get to put a face to a name and a voice, but on June 19, 2010 Deputy Chief LeRon Lewis got to do just that. Chief Lewis, whose full time job is a Communications Officer with the Sheriff's Office; was working when he received a 911 call from a nervous and excited dad who's wife was 9 months pregnant and in labor with their second child. Due to a large call volume at the time, the closest ambulance was dispatched from the Route 3 corridor to the expectant father's home in Lancaster Gate subdivision off of Rt 1 in Massaponax. Chief Lewis stayed on the phone with the dad providing pre-arrival instructions and helping the dad deliver his son into the world while fire and rescue units were responding. Just shy of one year later, Chief Lewis got to meet that baby boy and the proud parents (including nervous dad) on Saturday, June 18, 2011. Wed, 29 Jun 2011 03:40:53 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=167 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=166 "Stephanie Van Zandt 41/W/F :) AKA - White Cloud I was born and raised in Orange County, California. When I was 18 I joined the Air Force where I spent 4 years as a Satcom/Wideband Maintenance Specialist. I loved the Air Force, but fell in love with a Marine. I got out of the Air Force in 1992 to married my husband Ken and follow him around the world for the next 20 years. It has been an adventure to say the least. Nine years ago we came to live in Spotsylvania VA and I have loved every minute of living here. My husband will retire from the USMC after 30 years of service on May 20 and we plan on making Spotsylvania our permanent home. I have two wonderful children, Luke 18 and Shelby 16. Luke will start VMI in August and Shelby plans on following him there in 2 years. I couldn't be prouder of the wonderful people my children have both turned out to be. I love to travel and have been all over the world and hope to continue to travel and explore all the places I have yet to see. I am a die hard Dallas cowboy fan and you will always find me routing for Jamie Mcmurray in NASCAR. I have always been interested in becoming an EMT and now that my children are almost grown and gone I decided I needed to do something for myself so I signed up for the EMT class and haven't looked back. I have an unnatural attachment to the KED and can't wait for the opportunity to use one. I also hope that someday I get to apply a tourniquet just so I can write the time applied on their head.... yes I know sick and twisted ( think I will fit in just fine) =) I hope to eventually get my EMT -I or maybe my paramedic . I am enjoying getting to know the members of SVRS, and can't wait to be a contributing member of the squad. A big thanks to all of you that have helped precept me and an even bigger thanks to my preceptor Justin Richardson for putting up with me." Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:19:38 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=166 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=165 The current SVRS EMT-B graduated on 6/22 and will take the state test on 6/23. Good Luck to all those testing. Thanks to all those that contributed to getting them to the point of testing - those members which served as mentors during ride-alongs; those that helped students practice and become more proficient while on duty and off; all the instructors that helped out with practicals; and last, but not least to the lead instructor Chief Lewis. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:08:11 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=165 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=164 Congratulations to squad members Jenny (Hilker) Love and Jesse Love who were married on Saturday 04JUN11. Wish them all the best. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:33:22 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=164 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=162 The Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad recently completed its first EMT-Enhanced certification class at the Arvel Shannon Training Center. Thirteen members of Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad completed training and certification testing by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services. Class members, who already held certification as EMT-Basics, came from all walks of life including government employees and contractors, phlebotomists, day care providers and stay-at-home moms. They each share a common goal of providing quality EMS care to the citizens of Spotsylvania County. The class, which started in September, focused on advanced care practices in patient assessment and care for trauma and medical emergencies as well as hands on training in medication administration and advanced procedures. Students received 80 hours of classroom training as well as 48 hours of clinical training in a hospital setting. Additionally, they completed field internships where they assisted in providing care to patients while under the direct guidance of ALS providers on ambulances. The new EMT-Enhanced providers will now provide extended ALS coverage for Spotsylvania County. The Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad offers both BLS and ALS classes throughout the year at the Arvel Shannon Training Center. Fri, 04 Feb 2011 03:50:24 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=162 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=159 This evening at the 2010 EMS Symposium LeRon Lewis received the 2010 Governor's Award for Outstanding Dispatch and Mrs. Arvel Shannon received the 2010 Governor's Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS. In each category they competed against 10 other nominees from across the State of Virginia. Congratulations to both of them for winning such prestigious awards. Sun, 14 Nov 2010 14:58:23 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=159 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=157 At approx. 22:45 units were dispatched to assist law enforcement with a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, one vehicle was found over the embankment into a fence. One of the fence posts had penetrated the windshield and entered the passenger compartment. The driver denied any injuries and refused care. Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:03:10 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=157 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=156 On Saturday, October 16 SVRS hosted their annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony at Brock's Riverside Grill in Historic Downtown Fredericksburg. The night was filled with fun among friends and collegues. Dr. Coleen Rickabaugh, the agency OMD was the guest of honor and participated in the awards ceremony and installation. Lieutenant Colonel Mike Timm, Chief Deputy of the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office served at the Master of Ceremonies and provided some inspiring words of encouragement. Congratulations to the 2010 Award Winners: o BLS Provider of the Year - The BLS provider of the year is a released provider that goes above and beyond what is required of a BLS provider, has not had their performance found questionable by the QI committee, shows their dedication and commitment to the squad by providing more time than is obligatory, and is knowledgeable and confident in all of their BLS skills The BLS Provider of the Year for the 2nd year in a row: Justin Richardson o ALS Provider of the Year - The ALS provider of the year is a released ALS provider that responds to calls for ALS assistance when appropriate, works well with BLS providers, correctly and carefully documents ALS procedures on their PPCRs, and is knowledgeable and confident in their ALS skills and uses everything available to them in providing the best care to their patients Tie: Doug Found & John Weedon o Rookie of the Year - The Rookie of the Year is a released provider that has been a squad member for less than two years, has worked hard within the agency to perfect their skills, has shown their dedication to the squad during their tenure, fulfills their duty requirements while not having been questioned by administrative committees. Rookie of the Year: Amie Putnam o Squad Member of the Year - The Squad Member of the Year is someone whom the squad would like to recognize for their commitment and dedication to the squad, is in good standing with the squad, goes above and beyond what is required of a squad member, and is someone you would feel comfortable with placing in the eye of the public as a representative and spokesperson of the squad. The 2010 Squad Member of the Year is Elizabeth Vickers Karen Brennan Spirit Award - While serving on committees, pulling extra shifts, and going above and beyond are attributes of the squad member of the year, The Karen Brennan Spirit Award was created to recognize those members in the agency who embodied the essence of Karen and shared her love of helping people in need. She always showed the utmost dedication for all her patients whether a paper cut or cardiac arrest. Each and every patient received the best care she could provide. Her enthusiasm and devotion to her community were inspiring. She ran rescue because of her love for helping others and the joy of making a difference. In its first year, the Banquet Planning Committee has selected an individual whom they believe embodies all of these attributes. Paramedic John Weedon Congratulations to all of the winners! Many thanks to Fredericksburg Rescue Squad for assisiting in staffing during our event. Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:30:40 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=156 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=154 The call came in about 12:10 on September 4 for a 2-car MVC with rollover at Courthouse Road near Smith Station Road. Crews arrived to find a pickup on the left side of the road, and overturned SUV on the right side. The actual events of the crash were still under investigation, but initial witness reports are that the pickup changed lanes and struck the SUV in the rear/side, causing the SUV to somehow flop/ride up onto the pickup's nose then roll over. Amazingly, both drivers were evaluated at the scene, denied any injury, and refused treatment or transport. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:00:28 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=154 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=153 Shortly after noontime, units were dispatched for a two-vehicle MVA with rollover at the intersection of Courthouse Rd and Smith Station Road. On arrival, providers found a minivan in the middle of Smith Station Road at the entrance to CVS. While on all four wheels, the vehicle showed obvious signs of rolling over. A second vehicle was located in the parking lot of Bloom. Everyone in both vehicles was out and walking around. The family in the minivan had been on the way to a soccer game at the time of the accident. Luckily, everyone involved was properly belted, and denied any injury. The scene was turned over to the Sheriff's office, and all units cleared shortly thereafter. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:22:37 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=153 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=152 Congratulations to Mrs. Arvel P. Shannon for winning the Outstanding Contribution to EMS Award. Mrs. Arvel Shannon is well known throughout the surrounding communities for her support and financial contributions to important causes. In July, 2004 she established a Trust Fund for Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad. Mrs. Shannon realizes the importance, value, and role the volunteer system plays in our community. She further recognizes the need for continued training and the resources of a facility to provide that training. The dream of an EMS Training Center for Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad became a goal. In July of 2009 that dream became a work in progress. On November 22, 2009 the dream was a reality and Mrs. Shannon was there to cut the ribbon to open the Arvel P. Shannon Training Center and stated: "It feels good to help especially with something as important to the community as this organization, and constant training is an important duty of the squad". Prior to the opening of the training center the agency would provide classes at the rescue building. It would require moving all the ambulances out of the bays and cleaning in order to set up training stations. There would be three or four practical stations going on in the bay area of the building and it could get very hectic working with the students and accommodating for the duty crews. The noise factor from the alert system and other practical stations made training a challenge at times. The training center is owned by Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad. But the center benefits the entire system in Spotsylvania County and other localities. The agency can now offer EMT- B, Enhanced, EVOC, and CPR classes on a regular basis and these classes are open to all regardless of agency affiliation or locality. The facility now has two large class rooms, one of those can be broken down into two medium size training rooms and a smaller room that can be divided as well. All total there can be a total of 3 to 5 break out rooms for training. There is an ambulance simulation room with an ambulance box equipped with everything an ambulance would have on it to respond to calls. Students can even access the outer compartments for equipment. In this training room there are also two sets of stairs with a landing. Students can now learn appropriate techniques on how to bring a patient down stairways utilizing various types of equipment. Mrs. Shannon's continued contribution from the trust fund will support the operation of the training center and purchase of the necessary equipment to facilitate training courses in the future. Her huge contribution and dedication to EMS training is why I feel she is deserving of the Outstanding Contribution to EMS. Mrs. Shannon will now move on to the Governor's Awards. Wed, 19 May 2010 00:46:48 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=152 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=151 Congratuations to LeRon Lewis for winning the Regional Outstanding Telecommunications Dispatcher award. LeRon has been employed with the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office as a 911 dispatcher since the summer of 2006. LeRon started as a call taker and learned the responsibilities of the position very quickly. Because of his ability to learn tasks quickly he was promoted to dispatcher within 4 months of being hired by the county. From the first day as a dispatcher he was calm and seemed a perfect fit for the position. From the outside looking in you would have never known he was new to the position. LeRon is an excellent fire/rescue dispatcher for Spotsylvania County. His experience as a field medic and firefighter enhances and supplements his capability to dispatch fire and rescue. He uses superb judgment and possesses excellent decision making skills. He is quick to "think on his feet" to handle various types of situations. LeRon is capable of handling several major incidents all while maintaining a professional attitude and demeanor. Recently, a citizen of Spotsylvania County call the 911 center because her brother who lived in Georgia was attempting to kill himself via overdose and was in and out of consciousness. LeRon stayed on the phone with the woman while trying to contact the appropriate jurisdiction in Georgia. He was successful in his notification of the 911 center. LeRon remained on line with the 911 center and was able to give the woman an update on her brother's status. Due to LeRons dedication, knowledge, and compassion he was able to save a life hundreds of miles away and be that kind caring compassionate voice on the other end of a phone that helped this woman through a family crisis. LeRon also uses his dispatching knowledge to help new providers understand the dispatching system to include: ? Why you may have a delayed response in communications from a dispatcher ? The stress dispatcher's experience ? Proper language to use when communicating on the radio ? Improper language used in radio communications ? Schedule 911 Center Rotations for fire and rescue providers with an interest ? Sends notices out to the agencies regarding changes or issues that may arise with the communication center. LeRon will now move on to the Governor's Awards. Wed, 19 May 2010 00:46:29 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=151 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=150 Congratulations to Bob Morrison for winning the Outstanding Contibutiion to EMS for Children. Bob has been delivering the program to second graders in 5 Spotsylvania County schools since 2005 and reaches an average of 975 children every year. Through his educating children at an early age on how to use 9-1-1 correctly, youngsters can act quickly to obtain the necessary public safety assistance they need to save lives and property. In turn this education proactively worked to decrease the incidents of accidental and prank 9-1-1 calls. The reduction of these types of incidents saves our government millions of dollars but has also helped to maintain the integrity of the 9-1-1 emergency network. Bob will now move forward for the Governor's Award! Wed, 19 May 2010 00:44:57 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=150 http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=149 The members of SVRS had a busy weekend! In addition to their regular duty, members participated in the First Massoponax S.A.D.D. Kickball tournament, provided a standby the Open House at the new Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center and the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon. The Massponax Students Against Drunk Driving hosted a kickball tournament and invited local fire, ems and law enforcement to participate. The SVRS kickball team competed in two games, coming in third in the tournament. One member indicated that the 'Ponax track team were good kickers, but way too fast with base running. Well done to all the kick ball players! Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is slated to open on May 24th. It held its public open house on Saturday. The event was well attended and well received. SVRS provided a stand by unit for display and transport. Welcome to Spotsylvania, SRMC! Sunday, members of SVRS assisted the City of Fredericksburg in providing stand by and bike team for the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon. Over 7,000 runners were expected from 47 states and 7 countries. There were no major injuries or illnesses, and all had a great time. Congratulations to SVRS' own Robert Hayden for finishing the race in under 2 hours! Well done! Mon, 17 May 2010 03:32:42 GMT http://www.spotsyrescue.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=149