Purcellville Rescue has been busy ever since Spring started!

There have been several highlights from the past few weeks, as PVRS has continued to grow and develop.

On Saturday, March 20th, 2010, PVRS teamed up with LCFR Co. 2's B-Shift to put-on an Extrication Drill for any PVRS members who might be interested. The drill started at 0900 and went on till 1300. During this time, those PVRS members who showed up (several of the operational officers, as well as several precepting EMT-Bs and one new member) were led through extrication drills by the skilled staff of B-shift. Drills started off small; PVRS members were split into 2 or 3-man teams, and were then instructed to KED (Kendrick Extrication Device - used to help stabilize a patient's spine) and extricate a conscious (volunteer) "patient," who they were to then backboard and remove from the "scene of the accident."

Once everyone had gotten a chance to KED and extricate a "patient," Captain Swartz of PVRS and Captain Brazier of B-shift explained how to perform a rapid-extrication, and instructed the teams to extricate a "patient" in such a manner. The point of rapid-extrication is quickly, and safely, remove a patient from a vehicle, when there is imminent risk to the patient's health or safety. The providers, prior to beginning extrication procedures, were told that either there was a large fuel spill underneath the car or that the engine was on fire. Both instances would require rapid-extrication in real life.

After a few tries at rapid extrication, and one memorable extrication performed by Captain Swartz (the patient appeared to fly out of the car, it was so quick), B-shift and the teams moved onto the next segment of the drill. Breaking out the heavy extrication equipment (cribbing, cutters, spreaders, air hammers, etc.), B-shift then began to instruct our providers on the proper use of the equipment, demonstrating on the car being used. Only catch was, there was a live "patient" in the driver's seat, with one of the providers sitting right behind them in the car!

The point of this exercise was to show providers just how loud an extrication scene can be; especially when you are in the car trying to comfort and care for the patient. Both the "patient" and any provider who got in the car first donned all the required safety gear (extrication pants and jacket, work gloves, helmet, and safety glasses) and were then covered in blankets to help protect from falling glass or metal.

Once the provider and "patient" were in position, B-shift and the teams got to work demolishing the car! By the end of the whole scenario, the roof of the car was gone, all the doors had been cut off, sections of the hood and back hatch had been removed, and most of the lights were out. Once clean-up was finished, everyone who participated retired to the kitchen for a community lunch.

[Please Note: the car that was used in this extrication drill was prepared beforehand by a professional mechanic; all fluids were removed, lights disconnected, battery disconnected, etc. SAFETY FIRST!! If you wish to perform a drill similar to this, or on a live scene, take steps to ensure the safety of your crew and friends.]

 

Important April Announcement:

PVRS is offering a Heartsavery CPR with AED class to ANYONE who might be interested. Class will be on April 10th, 2010, from 0900 to 1200. Limited class size of 12 people only! First come, first serve - $45 donation asked. Look on our Community CPR page to signup.

 

Many people like to use winter as a quiet, reflective time to stay indoors, spend time with the family, and enjoy a hot drink. However, the winter of 2010 has been nothing but busy for the Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Soon after our annual Installation Banquet, Loudoun County, as a small part of the whole East Coast, got hit hard by several snowstorms and blizzards. Two large snowstorms hit Purcellville, leaving up to 9' drifts in some areas, paralyzing most of the town, especially in the rural outskirts.

However, just because large portions of the town were stuck in all the snow, does not mean that PVRS was as well. In an impressive display of commitment to get the job done, to respond to the numerous emergency calls we recieved, and to help look out for, and protect, our community PVRS maintained full staffing 24/7 for the entire "snowmageddon/snowpacolypse."

Through the week of 2/5 to 2/11, PVRS was upstaffed (e.g. more than one unit was staffed at all times) with rotating crews of four.  The company went back to normal operations on the morning of 2/12.  The grand total of manhours put in by our providers was 1787 hours over the 7 day period.  Over the course of the week, 32 providers were in and out of the to answer the 41 calls for service in that time that we recieved.  Most of the duration of the second storm we had all three ambulances completely staffed, as well both chase vehicles. Additionally, Co. 14 had ALS staffing in the station most of the time, ranging from the Enhanced ALS to Paramedic levels.  During the second part of the storm, PVRS could have staffed an extra two ambulances, at times two ALS units, and a medic chase.  There were no less than 15 personnel in the station at all times for the storms.  Our thanks goes to all the providers who turned out, and in some cases literally could not get home and were stuck at the station the entire week, who manned the station during the storms to help provide emergency service to the area.

After working with the following organizations, additional thanks goes to the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company, the Town of Purcellville, Virginia National Guard, Loudoun County Sherrif's Office, the Purcellville Police Department, VDOT, and all the snowplowers for their work and dedication.

(some of the calls that PVRS responded to are highlighted in Purcellville Gazette issue Vol. 7, No. 9 and in the Washington Post .

After the snow began to clear and regular operations resumed, things still remained exciting in the Purcellville Public Safety Center.  On February 25th, the new Ambulance 614-2 arrived at the station. Very similar to Ambulance 614-3, the new ambulance was ordered to replace our oldest unit, Ambulance 14-2. While the new 614-2 required some interior work to be done before being put in service, Engineer 14 worked hard to complete the unit.  At 09:50 3/4/10 , Engineer 14 retired our old Ambulance 14-2, and placed the brand-new Ambulance 614-2 in service. The old bus served us very well for many years, but we are looking forward to providing emergency service in the new ambulance; with its redesigned features, comfort and safety. Thanks goes to Engineer 14 for all the blood, sweat, and tears he put into getting this new ambulance for PVRS!!

As spring draws near, and the snow melts more each day, PVRS remains excited and ready for whatever lies ahead. We welcomed in several new members from the past few months, and more are waiting in the wings. Several new projects are currently in the works, but what we are currently waiting for is the arrival of Purcellville's Public Safety Day, where area safety agencies come together to help teach the public about how to live in a safe manner.

 

Congratulations to Chris Horan, CT1406, and his wife Tarin on the arrival of Michael Sidney Horan. Michael was born at 0346 this morning, Monday, January 25th, 2010.  He weighed in at 6 lbs. 13.9 oz. And was 19.1 inches long. Mom, baby, and dad are all doing well.
 

 

On Saturday, January 16th, 2010, PVRS held its annual Installation Banquet at the Best Western in Leesburg, VA.

There are several reasons why we have a banquet around this time every year. First, its a way for the company to come together and interact in a fun and social environment. All too often, members go from shift to shift in a complete "business mindset" and rarely meet, much less interact, with all the additional volunteers that are members at our company. At the banquet, all members, and family, are invited for dinner, drinks, and the chance to meet while not on duty.

Another reason why we hold a banquet is to hold a ceremony to swear in all the new officers for the year. While they were voted on in December of 2009, and they took over the operation of the company a few weeks ago, now is the time when they are "officially" officers. While not all officers were able to attend due to work conflicts, most were able to participate in the ceremony. 28-year veteran, and Life-member, Jack Merrit read the Officers Oath, and Father Tom Simmons, PVRS Chaplain, gave the benediction. And as always, the officers added their own twist, when the three operational members present pulled out sunglasses to wear through the ceremony.

The last reason for the banquet is to bestow awards upon those who have acted in the best interests of the company within the past year; those who have actively promoted PVRS, have worked long hours, ran many calls,  or otherwise left a positive impact. While many members recieved certificates for accomplishments (all new members got a certificate of appreciation and those who took EVOC and EMT recieved certificates), only a few recieved awards. Each member who recieved an award was either nominated by the officers, and then voted on by the membership during the officer election in December, or were picked by the officers themselves, depending on the award.

This years award winners were:

Chief's Award - Nicole Nedela

President's Award - Trina Ihle

Volunteer of the Year - Andrew Thomson*

Rookie of the Year: Jamie Stephens

Officer of the Year: Linda Curtis

Junior Member of the Year: Jordan Hollowell

Top BLS Runner: Ashlynne Meiklejohn

Top ALS Runner: David Swartz

*Engineer 14 Andrew Thomson is also up for nomination by the Town of Purcellville to recieve the Valor Award, as presented by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce for his actions in a potentitally life-threatening event. See the Purcellville Gazette article for more details.

Congratulations to all recipients and thanks to all the members of PVRS for all your hard work and dedication! We all look forward to a great year in 2010!

 

December, and especially the weeks around Christmas, have been very busy for Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Loudoun County was predicted to recieve a heavy amount of snow the weekend before Christmas (18th-20th). To prepare for the weather and a possible heavier-volume of gears, on Friday night PVRS began staffing two crews, which ended up lasting the entire weekend.

Snow began falling heavily on Friday night, around 10 PM, bringing traffic on all roads, include major roads such as 287 and 7, down to 25 MPH or less. Due to the rapid change in weather, travelers were caught unaware leading to both crews and ALS being dispatched soon after the snow hit ground. Friday night brought three calls for our BLS crews, and two calls for our ALS unit. One call even brought our BLS first-out crew and ALS to Lovettsville to assist Engine 612 in dealing with an accident. Got to love that teamwork!

While Friday night was busy, Saturday day was completely quiet, as many people were stuck inside due to the near-two feet of snow!

Units finally rolled out of the bay that night however, responding to a further 2-3 calls. The highlight of the night is when the first-out crew responded to an OB (obstetrical) call, and ended up delivering an infant in the back of the ambulance!!

The rest of the weekend remaind quiet, and many members who had literally been stuck at the station since Friday, were able to get out and return home. Some members were on duty for over 36 hours straight - now that's dedication.

 

A week later, PVRS members were showing their dedication again as they staffed units on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day saw multiple calls; and CO. 14 was there to meet them, even responding to Hamilton, and transporting one patient all the way to Fairfax Hospital!

 

PVRS would like to thank all the members who gave up their weekends and holiday vacations to volunteer with us, and to help keep the community safe.

Thank you all for your support of our company, and we wish you all a happy and safe New Year! Check us out on Facebook!

 

Officer Elections were held Monday, December 7th, 2009 for the year 2010. All positions will go into effect January 1st, 2010.

Positions up for election included:

Operations - Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant

Administration - President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, BOD Repasentative

 

Newly elected, as well as continuing, officers can be seen in the "Personnel" section of the "About Us" page. Next elections will be held in December of 2010.

 

 

Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad is excited to announce that steps have begun to create an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Explorer Program.

This program will be for individuals ages 14 and up, and will allow members of the program to experience the exciting world of an EMS provider first-hand.

Members will be allowed to go on calls with the duty crews of PVRS, recieve training in pre-hospital emergency care and EMS operations, provide support for PVRS activities and public events, and become prepared to become full members of PVRS.

 

To begin this program, PVRS requires at least five (5) prospective students, and at least two (2) PVRS members as leaders. If you are interested, please send an email to Assistant Chief (AC) 14, or to info@purcellvillerescue.org.

 

Purcellville Rescue has been busy ever since Spring started!

There have been several highlights from the past few weeks, as PVRS has continued to grow and develop.

On Saturday, March 20th, 2010, PVRS teamed up with LCFR Co. 2's B-Shift to put-on an Extrication Drill for any PVRS members who might be interested. The drill started at 0900 and went on till 1300. During this time, those PVRS members who showed up (several of the operational officers, as well as several precepting EMT-Bs and one new member) were led through extrication drills by the skilled staff of B-shift. Drills started off small; PVRS members were split into 2 or 3-man teams, and were then instructed to KED (Kendrick Extrication Device - used to help stabilize a patient's spine) and extricate a conscious (volunteer) "patient," who they were to then backboard and remove from the "scene of the accident."

Once everyone had gotten a chance to KED and extricate a "patient," Captain Swartz of PVRS and Captain Brazier of B-shift explained how to perform a rapid-extrication, and instructed the teams to extricate a "patient" in such a manner. The point of rapid-extrication is quickly, and safely, remove a patient from a vehicle, when there is imminent risk to the patient's health or safety. The providers, prior to beginning extrication procedures, were told that either there was a large fuel spill underneath the car or that the engine was on fire. Both instances would require rapid-extrication in real life.

After a few tries at rapid extrication, and one memorable extrication performed by Captain Swartz (the patient appeared to fly out of the car, it was so quick), B-shift and the teams moved onto the next segment of the drill. Breaking out the heavy extrication equipment (cribbing, cutters, spreaders, air hammers, etc.), B-shift then began to instruct our providers on the proper use of the equipment, demonstrating on the car being used. Only catch was, there was a live "patient" in the driver's seat, with one of the providers sitting right behind them in the car!

The point of this exercise was to show providers just how loud an extrication scene can be; especially when you are in the car trying to comfort and care for the patient. Both the "patient" and any provider who got in the car first donned all the required safety gear (extrication pants and jacket, work gloves, helmet, and safety glasses) and were then covered in blankets to help protect from falling glass or metal.

Once the provider and "patient" were in position, B-shift and the teams got to work demolishing the car! By the end of the whole scenario, the roof of the car was gone, all the doors had been cut off, sections of the hood and back hatch had been removed, and most of the lights were out. Once clean-up was finished, everyone who participated retired to the kitchen for a community lunch.

[Please Note: the car that was used in this extrication drill was prepared beforehand by a professional mechanic; all fluids were removed, lights disconnected, battery disconnected, etc. SAFETY FIRST!! If you wish to perform a drill similar to this, or on a live scene, take steps to ensure the safety of your crew and friends.]

 

Important April Announcement:

PVRS is offering a Heartsavery CPR with AED class to ANYONE who might be interested. Class will be on April 10th, 2010, from 0900 to 1200. Limited class size of 12 people only! First come, first serve - $45 donation asked. Look on our Community CPR page to signup.

 

Many people like to use winter as a quiet, reflective time to stay indoors, spend time with the family, and enjoy a hot drink. However, the winter of 2010 has been nothing but busy for the Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Soon after our annual Installation Banquet, Loudoun County, as a small part of the whole East Coast, got hit hard by several snowstorms and blizzards. Two large snowstorms hit Purcellville, leaving up to 9' drifts in some areas, paralyzing most of the town, especially in the rural outskirts.

However, just because large portions of the town were stuck in all the snow, does not mean that PVRS was as well. In an impressive display of commitment to get the job done, to respond to the numerous emergency calls we recieved, and to help look out for, and protect, our community PVRS maintained full staffing 24/7 for the entire "snowmageddon/snowpacolypse."

Through the week of 2/5 to 2/11, PVRS was upstaffed (e.g. more than one unit was staffed at all times) with rotating crews of four.  The company went back to normal operations on the morning of 2/12.  The grand total of manhours put in by our providers was 1787 hours over the 7 day period.  Over the course of the week, 32 providers were in and out of the to answer the 41 calls for service in that time that we recieved.  Most of the duration of the second storm we had all three ambulances completely staffed, as well both chase vehicles. Additionally, Co. 14 had ALS staffing in the station most of the time, ranging from the Enhanced ALS to Paramedic levels.  During the second part of the storm, PVRS could have staffed an extra two ambulances, at times two ALS units, and a medic chase.  There were no less than 15 personnel in the station at all times for the storms.  Our thanks goes to all the providers who turned out, and in some cases literally could not get home and were stuck at the station the entire week, who manned the station during the storms to help provide emergency service to the area.

After working with the following organizations, additional thanks goes to the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company, the Town of Purcellville, Virginia National Guard, Loudoun County Sherrif's Office, the Purcellville Police Department, VDOT, and all the snowplowers for their work and dedication.

(some of the calls that PVRS responded to are highlighted in Purcellville Gazette issue Vol. 7, No. 9 and in the Washington Post .

After the snow began to clear and regular operations resumed, things still remained exciting in the Purcellville Public Safety Center.  On February 25th, the new Ambulance 614-2 arrived at the station. Very similar to Ambulance 614-3, the new ambulance was ordered to replace our oldest unit, Ambulance 14-2. While the new 614-2 required some interior work to be done before being put in service, Engineer 14 worked hard to complete the unit.  At 09:50 3/4/10 , Engineer 14 retired our old Ambulance 14-2, and placed the brand-new Ambulance 614-2 in service. The old bus served us very well for many years, but we are looking forward to providing emergency service in the new ambulance; with its redesigned features, comfort and safety. Thanks goes to Engineer 14 for all the blood, sweat, and tears he put into getting this new ambulance for PVRS!!

As spring draws near, and the snow melts more each day, PVRS remains excited and ready for whatever lies ahead. We welcomed in several new members from the past few months, and more are waiting in the wings. Several new projects are currently in the works, but what we are currently waiting for is the arrival of Purcellville's Public Safety Day, where area safety agencies come together to help teach the public about how to live in a safe manner.

 

Congratulations to Chris Horan, CT1406, and his wife Tarin on the arrival of Michael Sidney Horan. Michael was born at 0346 this morning, Monday, January 25th, 2010.  He weighed in at 6 lbs. 13.9 oz. And was 19.1 inches long. Mom, baby, and dad are all doing well.
 

 

On Saturday, January 16th, 2010, PVRS held its annual Installation Banquet at the Best Western in Leesburg, VA.

There are several reasons why we have a banquet around this time every year. First, its a way for the company to come together and interact in a fun and social environment. All too often, members go from shift to shift in a complete "business mindset" and rarely meet, much less interact, with all the additional volunteers that are members at our company. At the banquet, all members, and family, are invited for dinner, drinks, and the chance to meet while not on duty.

Another reason why we hold a banquet is to hold a ceremony to swear in all the new officers for the year. While they were voted on in December of 2009, and they took over the operation of the company a few weeks ago, now is the time when they are "officially" officers. While not all officers were able to attend due to work conflicts, most were able to participate in the ceremony. 28-year veteran, and Life-member, Jack Merrit read the Officers Oath, and Father Tom Simmons, PVRS Chaplain, gave the benediction. And as always, the officers added their own twist, when the three operational members present pulled out sunglasses to wear through the ceremony.

The last reason for the banquet is to bestow awards upon those who have acted in the best interests of the company within the past year; those who have actively promoted PVRS, have worked long hours, ran many calls,  or otherwise left a positive impact. While many members recieved certificates for accomplishments (all new members got a certificate of appreciation and those who took EVOC and EMT recieved certificates), only a few recieved awards. Each member who recieved an award was either nominated by the officers, and then voted on by the membership during the officer election in December, or were picked by the officers themselves, depending on the award.

This years award winners were:

Chief's Award - Nicole Nedela

President's Award - Trina Ihle

Volunteer of the Year - Andrew Thomson*

Rookie of the Year: Jamie Stephens

Officer of the Year: Linda Curtis

Junior Member of the Year: Jordan Hollowell

Top BLS Runner: Ashlynne Meiklejohn

Top ALS Runner: David Swartz

*Engineer 14 Andrew Thomson is also up for nomination by the Town of Purcellville to recieve the Valor Award, as presented by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce for his actions in a potentitally life-threatening event. See the Purcellville Gazette article for more details.

Congratulations to all recipients and thanks to all the members of PVRS for all your hard work and dedication! We all look forward to a great year in 2010!

 

December, and especially the weeks around Christmas, have been very busy for Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Loudoun County was predicted to recieve a heavy amount of snow the weekend before Christmas (18th-20th). To prepare for the weather and a possible heavier-volume of gears, on Friday night PVRS began staffing two crews, which ended up lasting the entire weekend.

Snow began falling heavily on Friday night, around 10 PM, bringing traffic on all roads, include major roads such as 287 and 7, down to 25 MPH or less. Due to the rapid change in weather, travelers were caught unaware leading to both crews and ALS being dispatched soon after the snow hit ground. Friday night brought three calls for our BLS crews, and two calls for our ALS unit. One call even brought our BLS first-out crew and ALS to Lovettsville to assist Engine 612 in dealing with an accident. Got to love that teamwork!

While Friday night was busy, Saturday day was completely quiet, as many people were stuck inside due to the near-two feet of snow!

Units finally rolled out of the bay that night however, responding to a further 2-3 calls. The highlight of the night is when the first-out crew responded to an OB (obstetrical) call, and ended up delivering an infant in the back of the ambulance!!

The rest of the weekend remaind quiet, and many members who had literally been stuck at the station since Friday, were able to get out and return home. Some members were on duty for over 36 hours straight - now that's dedication.

 

A week later, PVRS members were showing their dedication again as they staffed units on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day saw multiple calls; and CO. 14 was there to meet them, even responding to Hamilton, and transporting one patient all the way to Fairfax Hospital!

 

PVRS would like to thank all the members who gave up their weekends and holiday vacations to volunteer with us, and to help keep the community safe.

Thank you all for your support of our company, and we wish you all a happy and safe New Year! Check us out on Facebook!

 

Officer Elections were held Monday, December 7th, 2009 for the year 2010. All positions will go into effect January 1st, 2010.

Positions up for election included:

Operations - Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant

Administration - President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, BOD Repasentative

 

Newly elected, as well as continuing, officers can be seen in the "Personnel" section of the "About Us" page. Next elections will be held in December of 2010.

 

 

Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad is excited to announce that steps have begun to create an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Explorer Program.

This program will be for individuals ages 14 and up, and will allow members of the program to experience the exciting world of an EMS provider first-hand.

Members will be allowed to go on calls with the duty crews of PVRS, recieve training in pre-hospital emergency care and EMS operations, provide support for PVRS activities and public events, and become prepared to become full members of PVRS.

 

To begin this program, PVRS requires at least five (5) prospective students, and at least two (2) PVRS members as leaders. If you are interested, please send an email to Assistant Chief (AC) 14, or to info@purcellvillerescue.org.