NCAR&EMS 2002-Mar-10 Newsletter
March 10, 2002

• Commanders Message
• Vice-commanders Message
• Brotherhood Obituaries
• Director's Meetings 2002
• NC High Angle Rescue School

COMMANDER'S MESSAGE

When I took the position as Commander, I said I had some big shoes to fill and was going to do the best I could to keep the Association going in the direction it was. I still stand by that and am telling you JULY 1, 2004 is coming. The new standards are a reality. The big rub seems to be the ERT's. These certifications just didn't happen in the last couple of years. They have been around for a long time. Getting these certifications take some time, but these days to do the task and do it right you need training which takes some time.

You can get your ERT through your local community college. If that does not work for you, there are numerous classes across the state; Mountain Rescue, Rescue College, McDowell College and the list could go on. All of these offer ERT classes that go towards total certification. There is an ERT Assessment center coming up this spring at Rescue College. Two days and you are an ERT, but don't go if you aren't prepared. It's not a give me. It's real. The time and gas money you put out to attend classes is nowhere near the benefits you stand to lose if your squad does not have the minimum personnel or equipment. The wheel has been turning and the journey is getting shorter. Time to go to class.

VICE-COMMANDER'S MESSAGE

HELLO!!! Seems like I just finished the last message. I guess this is a part of the "fast-lane" we seem to be living in today.

A reminder about the N.C. High Angle Rescue School to be held March 22, 23, 24, 2002 at Stone Mountain Park. Levels I and IV will be offered. There will be a lot of knowledge and good training offered at Stone Mountain Park.

A Pilot Assessment Center will be offered at Rescue College this year, hosted by Gaston College in Gastonia, N.C. The dates will be April 26-28 and May 3-5, 2002. Each candidate must be pre-registered 30 days prior to testing. The information you need is on-line. You can get study guides, certification manuals and technician practicals. The center was organized for members with rescue training and technical knowledge to challenge the ERT Certification Test. Obtain the information, register, attend, take the test and become ERT certified.

The next NCAR&EMS Directors meeting will be April 13, 14, 2002 at Polk County Rescue, Columbus, N.C. Looking forward to seeing your there.

Communicate with those around you. You will be surprised at the knowledge that is available.

BROTHERHOOD OBITUARY

NORTH CAROLINA HIGH ANGLE RESCUE SCHOOL

March 22, 23, 24, 2002. Sponsored by the N.C. Department of Insurance, Office of State Fire Marshal, Commissioner Jim Long, State Fire Marshal and Wilkes Community College. In cooperation with Stone Mountain Park and the N.C. Association of Rescue and Emergency Medical Services.

DESCRIPTION. The N.C. High Angle Rescue School is a progressive school. The curriculum offers a wide range of rescue procedures that may be applied to the Emergency Rescue Technician certification program. The school will consist of "hands-on" tasks and skills with an examination given at the end of each level. The skills that are taught in this school are not limited to a wilderness environment, but can easily be adapted to urban high level rescue situations. A certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of all four levels.

LIMITED CLASSES. In order to provide close supervision and quality instruction, class size is limited. Attendance at this school is Pre-Paid and Pre-Registered Only. All students must be 18 years or older, in good physical condition, and a member of a rescue squad or fire department. The chief must sign the DOI registration form authorizing attendance. To receive credit for certification, each attendant is required to fill out the Community College registration form. No certification credit will be issued without a completed form. Duplication of the registration form may be made as needed.

REGISTRATION. Any fire/rescue or other emergency services personnel meeting the above requirements may register for Level I. Students may register for Level IV only if they have successfully completed Level I through III.

Eligible registrations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

REGISTRATION FEE. $55.00 per student.

For more information and a registration form call Bonnie Harris at 1-800-634-7854.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AND INFORMATION NOW ONLINE

Scholarships for Children
Scholarships for Members