The CVRS Chicken BBQ is TODAY!

There will be two pick-up times, 12:00PM and 5:00PM.  Tickets may be purchased at the door for $12 while they last.  For more information about the event call the building at 518-677-8211.

We hope to see you there! Thank you in advance for your support of the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad.

Some of the CVRS crew who provided EMS to participants in the Tour of the Battenkill cycling race.

CVRS played EMS host to 3,000 cyclists, their families and spectators over the weekend. The Tour of the Battenkill is held each year in and around Cambridge, NY and is the largest single day cycling race in North America.  With approximately 2,800 competitors in Saturday’s Pro/Am and 200 in Sunday’s Pro race the need for EMS can be significant.

Doug Dale knows first hand how important EMS is in this race.  He suffered life threatening injuries in 2011′s race resulting from a pile up with other racers. “The doctors at Albany Medical Center said I owed my life to the first responders, EMT’s, and helicopter crew who got me there with a blood pressure.”, Dale recalled at dinner Friday night.  Dale went on to say that the Doctors at Albany Medical Center (the area’s Level 1 Trauma center) whisked him off to surgery shortly after his arrival and he’s spent the past year recovering.

Wanting to “give something back”, Dale, an artist created a commemorative painting for 2012′s event and has kindly offered to donate proceeds from the auction of the original painting to local EMS agencies.  Posters are also available.

Each year CVRS is joined by several other area agencies to staff the course with ambulances and first response vehicles. Additionally, staff from the Washington County Department of Public Safety’s Dispatch Center man a mobile Field Command Center to allow improved dispatch of resources specifically for the event.

OPEN HOUSE at CVRS March 14

The Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad answered 987 calls in 2011, providing emergency medical care and transport to area hospitals. When a call is made to 911 and CVRS is dispatched, well trained volunteers and staff utilize a variety of medications and equipment to ensure the best pre-hospital care possible. In addition to those providing direct patient care, CVRS recognizes the need for a strong Auxiliary of members who are able to help in other ways. Auxiliary Members can serve through fund-raising and public outreach programs, as well as other occasional duties that could genuinely benefit the rescue squad’s ability to ensure a safer community for its residence.

Any person who is 18 years of age or older, and resides within the CVRS district, is encouraged to apply for membership in the Auxiliary; those who live in close proximity or work in the CVRS district may also apply. Members are expected to attend at least six meetings each year, and are welcome to attend trainings as well.

An Open House, at which CVRS hopes to introduce new Auxiliary members, will be held Wednesday, March 14^th at 7:00 PM at the Cambridge Rescue Squad building on Gilbert Street.  CVRS realizes the value of a good Auxiliary and hopes all who are able to dedicate some time and effort toward helping them with these crucial needs will join. Please feel free to contact Jessica Sullivan at 677-8211 or vicepresident@cambridgeems.com.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a nationally recognized program designed by the American Heart Association (AHA) for healthcare providers involved in the resuscitation of a patient, whether in or out of the hospital.  Recently, several CVRS members completed this course at the Cambridge station.

Through this course, providers enhanced their skills in the management and treatment of an adult victim of a cardiac arrest and other cardiopulmonary emergencies.

Will Moses, Scott Sacala, Jessica Sillivan and Tammi Gebo run through an ACLS scenario using the training manikin.

Cambridge, NY  November 8, 2011 — Every 17 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes and 1 in 3 American adults is projected to have diabetes by 2050 unless steps are taken to stop this trend, according to the American Diabetes Association. They also advise that diabetes kills more people each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.  During this month of November, which is American Diabetes Month, the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad would like to share information with the community about this disease currently affecting 26 million children and adults, with another 79 million at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can have life-threatening consequences if not controlled.  CVRS answers a couple of dozen calls each year for serious diabetic conditions. Diabetes results when the pancreas is not producing insulin or, as in Type 2 diabetes, there is not enough insulin being produced.  Insulin helps glucose get into our body’s cells and provide valuable nutrition.  Insulin deficiencies cause increased blood glucose levels that can result in damage to the patient’s eyes, kidneys, nervous system, and heart as an effect of poor circulation. Long term effects associated with the illness can cause deterioration of the extremities, frequently resulting in amputations.  Though Type I diabetes, also called juvenile-onset diabetes, is diagnosed in young children and requires regular insulin injections, Type 2 diabetes is significantly preventable and in many cases treated with a healthy diet and exercise.  If diagnosed, symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can virtually disappear with proper personal care.  Another form of diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, may occur during pregnancy but generally disappears after the baby is born.

A diabetic with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may have an “altered mental status”, similar to someone who is intoxicated.  The person may be delirious, combative, or shaky.  Speech may be slurred and weakness or delirium may cause the person to stumble.  Vision may also be impaired.  Hypoglycemia is a life-threatening emergency.

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis) may cause nausea, irritability, weakness, or convulsions.  One may be excessively thirsty and urinate frequently.  A key sign that a patient’s sugar might be too high is breath with a strong, fruity smell, similar to Fruit Loops.  High blood sugar causes significant dehydration and can lead cause long term impairment.

When you or someone you know may be encountering a diabetic emergency, call 911.  Look for medic alert tags around the patient’s neck, wrist, or ankle, or a medical alert ID card in a wallet.  A medic alert has a 6-pointed “star-of-life” embossed on it.  If a person has high blood sugar, give the person water to drink.  If the person with low blood sugar is conscious and can swallow, provide orange juice or some other form of quickly absorbable sugar if that is available. Remember to inform the 911 dispatcher that the patient is a diabetic and include any interventions you have performed.  The more information available to emergency teams when they arrive, the quicker they can respond with needed care.

Last month, CVRS answered 83 calls, bringing their yearly total to 748 calls just in the Cambridge community.  In addition, they were called to help surrounding communities with other emergency situations.  Meanwhile, the EMT-Basic classes continued while advanced training was also held.  As part of the requirements of continuing education, certified EMTs spent time last month learning new protocols for up-to-the-minute critical care.  In addition to covering procedures involving medications that can reverse the effects of opiates in a patient’s system, they also practiced CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) skills to aid with positive flow of oxygen in the lungs in the event of a respiratory emergency and Pre-hospital Therapeutic Hypothermia, which can slow a patient’s metabolism down after successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest to increase chances of survival, much like in stories heard about falling through ice but recovering well.  The Junior Squad enlisted three new members and continues to welcome participants who are interested.

Cambridge, NY – October 24, 2011 — The Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad (CVRS) will be participating in the Halloween activities occurring at Cambridge Central School Saturday evening, October 29^th, beginning at 5:00 PM.  Games, fliers, and treats will be available, and CVRS will be giving tours or an ambulance.  Many events in the large gym will be geared toward younger children, including fun activities and information provided by CVRS to remind children and families about staying safe while trick-or-treating.  Olive Sexton of the CVRS will be present to talk about the Junior Rescue Squad with any teens who are interested.

Tips for Trick-or-Treaters

CVRS would like to remind everyone that the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Center for Disease Control, and many other government and health-care agencies all issue warnings and guidelines for having a safe Halloween.  They report that children are more likely to be hurt by a car, a fall, or their costume than by any malicious trick.  Following the advice they give can help protect everyone’s safety and fun.

• Eat a good meal before going out and keep candy consumption reasonable.  Many teachers report drastic changes in behaviors on the day after Halloween as students are affected by excessive sugar intake.
• Always stay with your group and have a trusted adult along.  Do not go trick-or-treating alone.  Older trick-or-treaters should also remain with a group and be sure parents know their route.
• Carry a light or use reflective tape on your costumes and bags so you can be seen well.
• Be sure your vision is not obstructed and your costume fits well to eliminate the possibility of tripping over it.  All parts of your costume should be flame resistant.
• If you carry props such as a sword, cane, or stick, be sure they are short, soft, and flexible to avoid injury.
• Look carefully before crossing streets.
• Use sidewalks when going from house to house to avoid tripping on lawn ornaments or uneven surfaces.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards or tampering before eating them.
• Observe any curfews established by local authorities.
• Be sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.
• Stay safe and have fun!

CVRS Junior Squad

The Junior Rescue Squad is open to anyone 12 years or older and may be especially appealing to youth interested in the medical field.  Volunteers on the Junior Squad participate in trainings, learn the importance of HIPAA laws and confidentiality, and help at CVRS functions like the annual barbeque, Balloon Fest, and the bike races.  They also visit the area 9-1-1 center where they can “get a feel for how the call center works,” according to Olive Sexton, one of the group’s advisors.  They become very useful during EMT trainings by acting as patients during labs and role plays.  At 14 the members can obtain CPR training and ride in an ambulance where they can provide valuable assistance to EMT’s. Membership in the Junior Squad requires maturity as well as 12 hours of participation each month and attendance at six meetings each year.  Some youth put in more time and have found it is a rewarding way to earn community service credits for school courses.

Olive Sexton, an advisor to the Junior Squad, has remained involved as a special way of guiding young people.  “Taking on a responsibility like this will help them,” she explains.  “Some come in quiet and shy, but open up as years go on,” adds Tammi Gebo, advisor of the Junior Squad since its inception.  Both recognize that the ages at which someone is eligible to join the Junior Squad are also ages that expose young people to a lot of negative temptations as well.  “They’re our future, really,” says Tammi about the Junior Squad members.   The Junior Squad has proven to be a positive outlet for many youngsters.

To join the Junior Rescue Squad, pick up an application at the CVRS Halloween events or at the CVRS building, or call Tammi Gebo at 677-5713.

The Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad is seeking volunteers to serve as drivers and emergency care providers.  Now is a great time to consider volunteering with the CVRS since a basic emergency medical technician (EMT-B) class is starting in October and will be hosted at the CVRS station in Cambridge.

The EMT-B is trained in basic life support skills according to a New York State certification program administered by the Department of Health.  Skills include establishing scene and crew safety, basic patient assessment, basic airway management, bleeding control, emergency first aid, splinting and immobilization, and CPR among others.  The course runs from October 2011 through March 2012.

Will Moses, Assistant Captain at CVRS, has recently completed training to become a New York State Department of Health Instructor Coordinator and he will be the course instructor. He notes, “EMS in general and this course in particular are great opportunities to enrich yourself, serve your community and potentially lead to a new career.”  Moses also notes that the closure of Mary McClellan Hospital has led to an increased need for EMS providers due to extended transport times to other area hospitals.  The course is open to anyone over the age of eighteen including those who are considering working or volunteering with neighboring rescue squads.  All area EMS agencies are in need of volunteers.

Meaghan Wilkins is a recently certified EMT-B who volunteers with the CVRS. “I joined the squad in September of 2010 and began taking the EMT-B course.  I was impressed by the thorough classroom teaching and the hands-on learning I gained through the lab instruction.  The willingness of all the senior members I worked with to teach and assist me in my training both in class and on calls was beneficial to my success in the EMT-B course and proficiency providing patient care in the ambulance.  I encourage anyone who has the desire to make a difference in the community to consider joining the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad and begin their training as an Emergency Medical provider.“, said Wilkins.

The CVRS Junior Squad is also looking for new members.  The Junior Squad is an opportunity for teenagers over the age of fourteen to become actively involved in EMS.  The Junior Squad members meet regularly, attend trainings and also help provide patient care along-side certified providers and mentors in the CVRS.

Those interested in either volunteering with the CVRS and/or enrolling in the EMT-B course should contact the station at 518 677 8211 or by email at info@cambridgeems.com.

Scott Sacala and Larry DuPont practice skills using a training manikin at the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad (CVRS). The CVRS is seeking new members and will be hosting an EMT- Basic class starting in October.

Caption: Scott Sacala and Larry DuPont practice skills using a training manikin at the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad (CVRS).  The CVRS is seeking new members and will be hosting an EMT- Basic class starting in October.

More information on the NYS Department of Health Bureau of EMS EMT-B curriculum can be found at http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/ems/basic.htm.

CVRS is pleased to announce their 2011 officers, who took their positions in January.  The individuals pictured are the officers who have been elected by the CVRS membership and who are committed to lead the organization for the upcoming year. Pictured left to right are: Brian Gibney, Chairman of the Board of Directors and 2^nd Lt. Safety; Patrick Jameson, Vice President; Mark Spiezio, Captain; Bob Wilmot, Member of the Board of Directors; Craig Reynolds, Secretary; Ted Berndt, Member of the Board of Directors, Scott Sacala, 2^nd Lt. Mentoring; Will Moses, Assistant Captain and Chris Callahan, President and Lt. Quartermaster.