I had the opportunity to spend this past weekend with the Mountain Rescue Graduate class. Boy was I impressed! This group is one of the most dedicated people that I have had the opportunity to visit with, in all my many years in rescue! They worked 10 to 12 hours a day on Saturday and Sunday, sleeping in tents at night. This Mountain Rescue Graduate School has been active since 1990, this being their seventh year. The school moves around each year. This year it was held in the mountain tops of Alexander County. I would like to take this opportunity to thank these students and their instructors. Joe Burris and Gene Gladdin, of the NC Dept. of Insurance, (after their 10 and 12 hour day classes) had an opportunity to fellowship and talk about rescue. As most of you know, I attended the 1st Rescue College held in Greenville, NC in 1963. Over the years, there has been a lot of changes in the rescue methods. I think we are very fortunate in the state of North Carolina to have the Department of Insurance and their instructors who keep us up to date with all the changes. We have indeed changed with the times over the years and we will have to continue to change or we will be left behind. Again, thanks to the Department of Insurance for the many fine schools they have conducted across the state.
Several years ago I was asked to consider the position of Vice-Commander of our Association. I spoke with many members and received encouragement from them in leading the Association in this area. My family, employer, my squad and others have supported me during my term as Vice-Commander and I am thankful for that. As another election time nears, I have also given much thought and consideration to the position of Commander. Again, there has been encouragement from members and others, and I appreciate that. As of May 7, 1997, I have forwarded my papers to the Credentials Committee and I will be a candidate for the position of Commander of the North Carolina Association of Rescue & EMS. Our Association is working well and is strong in its representation of its members. That came about because of its membership. I encourage our members to attend this years' convention in Hickory and cast your vote for me. Thank you for all you do for the citizens of North Carolina. They do appreciate your efforts. Our next BLS Judges Evaluation will be in Dunn, NC on July 26, 1997. We are also planning a last chance BLS Judges Evaluation for Hickory, NC on August 23, 1997. This only takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours for the process. Rescue Judges Evaluation will be August 23 & 24, 1997 in Hickory also. The qualified rescue judges will be used for the Rescue Challenge competition in addition to our regular rescue competition. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the Goldsboro office.
July 26 & 27, 1997........Harnett County
For Sale - 1991 Wheel Coach Type III ambulance, 1990 Chevrolet Type II ambulance with radio, (3) Model 30 multi-level cots, Ferno. (1) Life Pack 5, (1) Life Pack 250, (2) Syntor X Radios with front and rear controls. All equipment under service contracts and are in service now. Ambulances are on front line now. For further information contact Watauga EMS at 704/264-9486.
If you have an item to trade-swap-sell or just need to locate an item, please write, call (919) 736-0506 or fax (919) 736-7759 the Association office.
The Western North Carolina Association of Rescue Squads and Area X recently donated $1000 to the Rescue & EMS Memorial Fund. The check was presented by Area X Director Dean Grigg at the Board of Directors meeting held April 27th at the Polk County Rescue Squad.
Judy Aycock of Kenly EMS presented a check for $500.00 to Area Directors Allen Johnson and Ricky Davis at the Area IV meeting held May 4th at the Kenly EMS.
September 12, 13, 14, 1997. Sponsored by the Division of Emergency Medical Services, Department of Emergency Medicine, East Carolina University School of Medicine. To be held at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City, NC
The Sheraton Atlantic Beach will be the host hotel. For further information, please call Mrs. Susan Copeland at 919/816-2154.
DEADLINE: AUGUST 1, 1997. Basic Life Support Competition Entries...Rescue Challenge Competition Entries...Rescue Competition Entries...Heavy Rescue Judge's Evaluation...Steve Richey Memorial Award Entry...Rescue of the Year Award Entry...Memorial Service Information. Early Convention Registration $15.00 by August 1; after August 1 $20.00.