http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/rss News articles published on elversonems.org using RSS 2.0 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:59:38 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=202 Over the past few years Medic 93, from Brandywine Hospital has been station at the West Nantmeal Township Building during the day light hours. Medic 93's Director Leo Scaccia always has the best intentions of the community at hand and approached Elverson EMS and the Twin Valley Fire Department about using garage and office space in the new building. An agreement was reached and Medic 93 has now moved into the Elverson EMS building. The officer and members of both Elverson EMS and TVFD would like to welcome Leo and his group of outstanding Paramedics to our building! Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:37:50 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=202 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=201 Over the past few months Elverson EMS's dispatch numbers have continued to increase. This past month Elverson EMS received a record breaking amount of emergencies in our responding area. The old record set in July of this year was with a total of 135 emergencies. But this October surpassed the July record by far. In October our residences and visitors requested emergency medical services 151 times. As the "Tri-County" area continues to grow and so will the call volume and so will we. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:00:16 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=201 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=200 Please follow the link below for an important announcement from the Chester County Department of Emergency Services. http://www.elversonems.org/content/special/DRC%20Opens%20in%20Chester%20County.pdf Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:46:30 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=200 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=199 The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Heat Warning for the area effective until July 24th, 2011. Please remember to stay cool and keep hydrated. Please be sure to check on the elderly as they are more prone to heat stroke and other heat related incidents. Temperatures are expected to reach 110 degrees. If you are experiencing dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, or blurred vision do not hesitate to contact 911. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:14:20 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=199 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=198 This afternoon around 5 pm Elverson EMS along with Twin Valley Fire Department were alerted for an accident with injuries at the intersection of Mill Rd and Route 23. Chief 69 (K. Romig) went on scene and confirmed two vehicles were involved. Chief 69 advised 89-20 (N. Spece) that there was possibly two patients to be transported to the hospital. Ambulance 89-2 was already on the street and moments later Ambulance 89-1 responded. Amb. 89-2 arrived and began assessing the patients and found there to be two to be transported. Amb. 89-1 arrived on the scene and cared for one patient while Amb. 89-2 tended to the other patient. Both EMS units transport one patient each to a local hospital Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:26:33 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=198 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=197 Today Elverson EMS attended the 100 th Anniversary Celebration for Elverson Borough. Like many of the other municipalities that we serve Elverson Borough is a huge supporter of Elverson EMS. Elverson EMS personnel set up our REHAB trailer and had an ambulance on display for the community to tour through out the day. Units were also on standby through out the day in the event there was a medical emergency. Elverson EMS also requested Medic 93 from Brandywine Hospital and Minquas EMS from Downingtown to assist during the days events. The new communications unit from the Chester County Department of Emergency services was also on hand for tours and helped with communication during the day. It was estimated that there was about 2500 people that came to the park during the event. Through out the day there was plenty of festivities for all ages including an antique car contest, pony ride, hot air balloon ride and entertainment from local music groups. The night ended with a spectacular fire works display that lasted nearly 45 minutes. In all, EMS personnel treated four patients for minor injuries and helped locate two missing children. Elverson EMS would like to thank Elverson Borough for a fun filled day and their continued support to our organization. We would also like to thank Medic 93 and Minquas EMS for their help. Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:15:09 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=197 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=196 At 8:37am, Station 73 and 89 EMS were dispatched to Fairview Road for a motor vehicle accident. Amb 89-1 arrived onscene with a one vehicle accident into a tree and were advised by 89-20 (N. Spece) that the single occupant just needed to be checked. Rescue 73's crew handle hazard control on the vehicle and provided traffic control, while EMS evaluated the patient. The driver refused treatment and transport by the ambulance and went to the hospital by private vehicle. All crews remained onscene until the State Police arrived and units went available at 9:20am. Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:28:16 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=196 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=194 Story from Tri County Record by Brenda Maguire Tri County Record Correspondent The senior class of Twin Valley High School sits in silence on the lawn by the lower parking lot watching six of their classmates after a fatal drunk driving accident. One car, with three students inside, is completely overturned while the other is right side up with one student hanging out of the windshield covered in fake blood and two standing outside of it. On Friday at 12 p.m. the Caernarvon Township Police Department assisted Twin Valley H.S. in their yearly mock DUI car accident before prom weekend. "It's a learning experience for the kids to see firsthand what could happen to them with drinking and driving," said Police Chief Paul Stolz. Before the students arrived Travis Stacey of Stacy Towing set up two cars in the lower parking lot. Police Officers Kyle Tranovich and Chad Eberly and Chief Nathan Spece of Elverson E.M.S. helped the students in the mock accident get into the cars. "We try to teach the dangers of certain things that can happen and that are what it is today. We hope that I don't get any calls over the weekend that there's an accident with any of the prom goers," said Chief Stolz. All of the student participants were seniors. Kyle Edwards and Lauren Lampe were killed in the crash. Katie Schnably, Kelsey Deighan and Kyle Kauterman were injured and Josh Kurtz was the drunk driver. "We usually try to get students that are well known among the senior class. It's usually students that we think are role models among their peers," said Sara Cipolla, an information technology teacher who helps run the program. The mock DUI started with Kurtz being questioned by Officer Eberly. Two fire trucks and two ambulances arrived shortly after. They pronounced two of the students dead and continued to rescue the remaining two out of the overturned car. The LifeLine helicopter was the last to arrive. "I really think you have to grab these kids and shake them," said Joseph O'Donnell of North Central Highway Safety Network. "You have to jolt them." During the rescue, Officer Eberly did sobriety tests on mock drunk driver Kurtz. The rescue team had to shatter the glass of the back window of the over turned car to rescue Kauterman. They had to remove both doors to retrieve Deighan who would have been taken off by helicopter. For safety reasons, the helicopter took off with a stretcher with sheets on it. "It brings more of a sense of reality. It's a visual and tangible thing they can see," said Andrew Frey, a Physical education teacher who assisted Cipolla in the planning of the mock DUI. "Having the ambulances, having the fire trucks, having the sounds and seeing all that stuff, it makes it more real." For the students, taking part in the mock crash had a higher impact on them than simply watching a video or being lectured. "There was more impact for me to actually be in the situation. Since our class is so small, I think everyone knows us so, you see your friends and it's like, 'What if this actually happened to us?'" said Deighan, a resident of Honey Brook. "So, it's more real life and it's more relatable when you see it happening to people you know." Lampe was pronounced dead early into the rescue and was dragged to off to the side with a sheet over her body so she was unable to see the rest of the efforts. "I was sitting over there and hearing everything that was going on around me but wasn't actually able to see. Knowing that they were actually in the car was frightening," she said. Following the mock DUI, seniors were taken into the auditorium to watch a video about drinking responsibly followed by a question and answer session with Officer Tranovich, Chief Spece and Deputy Fire Chief Corey Hostetler of the Twin Valley Fire Department. Tranovich addressed the seniors, "So, just remember, for Prom, this summer, when you guys have graduation parties and all that good stuff, think about it before you decide to take those keys in your hand if you've had a couple drinks." http://www.berksmontnews.com/articles/2011/05/02/tri_county_record/news/doc4dbe9363ad399239881852.txt?viewmode=fullstory Mon, 02 May 2011 14:44:20 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=194 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=193 Story from Tri County Record Earlier this month, Twin Valley High School hosted Career Day, which involved over 500 students and approximately 50 speakers. Gwen Werner and Angela Morgan, School to Career Coordinators, are always excited about coordinating an event like this as they work with willing business professionals from the community who give students an opportunity to learn more about careers in order to make solid, informed career and continuing education plans. Professionals spoke to students about what a typical day looks like in their career—including sports marketing, owning your own business, interior design, food inspection, architecture, personal trainer, information technology services, web and graphic design, civil engineering, chemistry, physical therapy, nursing, photography, judge, parole officers, state and local police, music recording, auto mechanic, pharmacist, veterinarian, forensics, broadcasting, elementary education, cosmetology, chef, construction, excavating, international business, etc. Students rated the day as worthwhile and beneficial as they learned the various requirements to transition from high school to their future careers. Many said their career perceptions were different after hearing from various speakers. Many also noted the hard work needed in order to pursue particular career areas. The day was a success for students as they strive to determine their career aspirations. The following firms were represented: Reading Phillies, Sharp Innovations, US Department of Agriculture, Abigail Joseph/Artist, JKR Partners, Corps Fitness, Blue Moon Florist, Shire Pharmaceuticals, French Creek Golf Club, Elverson EMS, Stoltzfus Enterprises, Health South/Reading Rehabilitation, Tom Sheehan Worldwide, Masthof Press and Bookstore, Caernarvon Township Sewer Authority, A Perfect View, Worley Parsons, Dr. Wallace, DDS, Country Companion, Caernarvon Local Police, Jim Scheffey/Law, Albright College/Fashion Design, Image Works Film and Video, Twin Valley Elementary Center, Echoes, Willow Street Photography, PA Game Commission, Pennsylvania State Police, Berks County Coroner, Pulse Academy, Birdsboro District Court, Berks County Parole Offices, Berks Technical Institute/Massage Therapy, Berks County Television, Risbon Excavating, RV Industries, El-Mor Chevrolet, Reading Hospital, Pilot Lori Bednarik, Rite Aid Pharmacy, and the Reading Hospital/Psychology. http://www.berksmontnews.com/articles/2011/04/28/tri_county_record/news/doc4db7321d0ba4b682492514.txt Elverson EMS would like to thank Gwen Werner, Angela Morgan and their students for their hospitality. Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:40:06 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=193 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=195 On April 16, 2011 Elverson EMS units attended the Healthy Kid's day celebration at the Elverson YMCA. Kids of all ages were able to tour the ambulances and ask the crews questions. The YMCA's Healthy Kid's day was designed to bring families together, enjoy fun activities, and promote a healthier way of living. Elverson EMS would like to thank coordinator Traci Witkowski for being a great host and for the pictures you see below. Mon, 02 May 2011 15:02:29 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=195 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=192 This afternoon Elverson EMS was dispatched to assist TVFD with a chimney fire. Deputy 69 (C. Hostetler) arrived on the scene to find and active chimney fire with no extension. TVFD Ladder 69 and Elverson EMS Ambulance 89-1 arrived on the scene at the same time. Ladder 69's crew through ladders to the roof and began to extinguish the fire while Elverson EMS personnel set up rehab for the fire fighting crews. All units cleared the incident after an hour of being on scene. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:40:39 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=192 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=191 The frigid weather continued around the area today as high only rebounded into the lower and middle 20s this afternoon. However, it felt much colder than this since gusty breeze out of the northwest gave us wind chills in the single digits and teens. It will be bitterly cold once again overnight as lows plummet to below zero in many locations under mainly clear skies. High pressure will hold on for a bit longer on Monday giving us sunny to partly cloudy skies and a light wind out of the southwest, but despite the sunshine highs will top out in the teens during the afternoon. As for the potential midweek snow, we are keeping an eye on how things will play out in our area. At this point, we expect a weak system from the northwest to slide though the area on Tuesday giving us mostly cloudy skies with a few late day snow showers or flurries. Then a coastal low to the south will ride up the east coast bringing us a chance of snow for Wednesday. Depending on the track and timing of this secondary system will determine the outcome of what we receive and how much snowfall we end up with. RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED TO TAKE PROPER PRE-CAUTIONS IN THIS FRIGIDLY COLD WEATHER COLD WEATHER EMERGENCIES Jack Frost has begun to nip at your nose. Temperatures are letting us know it is the beginning of January and winter time is here. Before you, your workers or your children step out into cold air, remember the advice that follows with the simple acronym COLD — Cover, Overexertion, Layers, Dry:? Cover. Wear a hat or other protective covering to prevent body heat from escaping from your head, face and neck. Cover your hands with mittens instead of gloves. Mittens are more effective than gloves are because mittens keep your fingers in closer contact with one another. ? Overexertion. Avoid activities that would cause you to sweat a lot. The combination of wet clothing and cold weather can give you chills and Hypothermia. ? Layers. Wear loose fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Outer clothing made of tightly woven, water-repellent material is best for wind protection. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers hold more body heat than cotton does. ? Dry. Stay as dry as possible. In the winter, pay special attention to places where snow can enter, such as in loose mittens or the top of snow boots. During cold-weather months, keep emergency supplies in your car in case you get stranded. Supplies may include several blankets, matches, candles and some foodstuffs, such as granola bars or crackers. A cell phone also can come in handy. If your car is stuck in a snow bank, be careful about leaving the engine running, because infiltration of carbon monoxide inside the car may pose a silent danger so keep the window cracked open. Make sure the tail pipe of your car is clear of snow. Cold-water cautions Water doesn't have to be extremely cold to cause hypothermia. Any water that's colder than body temperature causes heat loss. Water that's colder than 70 F can quickly begin to cause chills and hypothermia. The following tips may increase your survival time in cold water, if you should accidentally fall in: ? Wear a life jacket. If you plan to ride in a watercraft, wear a life jacket. A life jacket can help you stay alive longer in cold water by allowing you to float without using energy and providing some insulation. ? Don't panic. If you're unable to swim to safety, stay calm. Unnecessary movements require you to exert extra energy and lose body heat. ? Position your body to minimize heat loss. Use a body position known as the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP) to reduce heat loss while you wait for assistance. Hold your knees to your chest to protect the trunk of your body. If you're wearing a life jacket that turns your face down in this position, bring your legs tightly together, your arms to your sides and your head back. ? Huddle with others. If you've fallen into cold water with other people, keep warm by facing each other in a tight circle. ? Don't remove your clothing. Buckle, button and zip up your clothes. Cover your head if you have a hood. The layer of water between your clothing and your body will be warmed and help insulate you. ? Don't attempt to swim unless you're close to safety. Unless a boat, another person or a life jacket is close by, stay put. Swimming expends extra energy, lowers body temperature and can shorten survival time. Be aware, and Be safe. Always dress appropriately for temperature, wind, and activity level. Take frequent rests to drink fluids and high carbohydrate snacks. Use this wind chill chart to help when packing your gear or getting ready for your day. ? Typical cold-weather injuries include dehydration, Chilblain, immersion foot or trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. Dehydration is caused by a depletion of body fluids; symptoms include dizziness, weakness and blurred vision. First aid treatment is to replace lost water, which should be sipped, not gulped, and to seek medical treatment. Chilblain is caused by repeated exposure of bare skin for a long period of time to temperatures from 20 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the symptoms are skin that is swollen, red (or darkening of the skin in dark-skinned soldiers), tender or hot. Itching may accompany any or all of these symptoms. First-aid treatment is to warm the affected area with direct body heat. Do not massage or rub the affected area; do not wet the area or rub it with snow or ice; and do not expose the affected area to open fire, stove or any other intense heat source. Immersion foot, which is commonly known as trench foot, is caused by prolonged exposure of feet to wet conditions at temperatures of 32 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, inactivity and damp socks and boots (or tightly laced boots that weaken circulation, which speeds onset and severity). Symptoms of trench foot are cold, numb feet, which may progress to hot with shooting pains and swelling, redness and bleeding. If you suspect trench foot, get medical help immediately. Re-warm feet by exposing them to warm air, and evacuate the victim to a medical treatment facility. Do not massage, rub, moisten or expose the affected area to extreme heat. Frostbite is caused by freezing of tissue, normally due to exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Body parts that are most often affected include fingers, toes, ears and facial parts. Symptoms of frostbite are numbness; tingling; blistering; swelling or tenderness; pale, yellowish, waxy-looking skin (grayish in dark-skinned soldiers); and frozen skin that feels wooden to the touch. Frostbite is a medical emergency. Consult medical personnel immediately and evacuate the victim as soon as possible. If not treated properly, frostbite can lead to gangrene and amputation. If you suspect frostbite, you must start first aid immediately. Warm the affected area with direct body heat. Do not thaw the frozen areas if treatment will be delayed; do not massage or rub the affected areas; do not wet the area or rub it with snow or ice; and do not expose the affected area to open fire, stove or any other intense heat source. Hypothermia is caused by prolonged cold exposure and body-heat loss (Core body heat dropping to 95 degrees or lower). Hypothermia may occur at temperatures well above freezing, especially when a person is immersed in water. Symptoms include a lack of shivering, drowsiness, mental slowness and lack of coordination. This can progress to unconsciousness, irregular heartbeat and even death. Beat the cold weather temperatures this winter and stay warm by covering up, not overexerting, layering your clothes and staying dry. Information provided by National Safety Council Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:15:53 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=191 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=190 The officers and members of Elverson EMS would like to wish the community and our fellow emergency services family a safe and happy holiday season!. Season Greetings! Fri, 24 Dec 2010 22:37:20 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=190 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=189 At this months company meeting the membership had the opportunity to vote on two operations positions and three board member positions. The elected operations positions will hold office starting next week for two years. The results of the election are as follows: Chief - Nathan Spece Deputy - Joseph Carmen Battalion - Andrew Englander - Appointed by Chief and Deputy Chief Engineer - Kelly Englander - Appointed by Chief and Deputy Tom Hoesch - Board Member Andrew Englander - Board Member Christine Wambold - Board Member Elverson EMS would like to thank Mike Wilson and Matt Delong on their services on the board in the year 2010. At the first board meeting of 2011 the executive officers of the company will elect the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Congratulations to the newly elected and appointed officers Sat, 18 Dec 2010 13:09:58 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=189 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=188 This morning Elverson EMS along with Twin Valley Fire Departmentv(69), Glenmoore Fire Co. (48), and Honey Brook Fire Co. (33) were dispatched to Yoder Road in West Nantmeal Township for a woods fire that was reported to be spreading into a garage. Captain 69 (J. Brooks) arrived and confirmed a quickly moving woods fire heading towards a garage. Fire crews held the fire to the wooded area with some minor smoke damage to the garage. Elverson EMS provided medical stand by through out the duration of the incident. Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:17:27 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=188 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=187 Firetruck sirens appropriately went off just after 7 p.m. Wednesday as Fire Chief Michael Miller was being honored for his service in the borough. Some of Miller's fellow firefighters who were there to help honor the chief left before he was recognized as they responded to a call for a car crash in Caln. "Chief Miller stands before us today as one of the most decorated firefighters this town has had in the last 100 years," said Mayor Josh Maxwell, who presented Miller with a plaque on behalf of himself and Borough Council. Miller began serving in the Minquas Fire Company on Dec. 1, 1974 — exactly 36 years ago Wednesday. In the 1980s, he served as first lieutenant and moved up to captain during the 1990s, Maxwell said. He then became assistant chief and deputy chief during the late '90s and early 2000s. He served his first three-year term as chief from 2002 to 2004 and began his current stint, which ends on Dec. 31, in 2008. Maxwell said Miller is only the sixth person in the last 100 years to serve two terms as department chief. He will be replaced next year by Gregg Nelms of the Alert Fire Company. Miller, in a recent interview, said that his current term has been much more difficult than his first term. He said the current economy has made his job as chief much more difficult. "It's become harder with the budget restraints and an aging fleet," Miller said. "The economy has played a role with the volunteers. They need side jobs to help make their ends meet personally and that affects their volunteerism. But I still feel that they're some of the best trained emergency responders in the area. Downingtown and East Caln are fortunate to have them." Miller, as chief, oversees both the Minquas Fire Company and the Alert Fire Company as well as the Minquas Ambulance Company. All three companies serve both the borough and East Caln. The department responded to 3,595 calls in 2009 and logged more than 2,000 hours of service. Miller said he is most proud of having more than 14,000 individual responses to calls in 2009. Miller said he was proud that he was able to create a better relationship between the department and council during his tenure. Some unique experiences that he was thrilled to take part in included meeting President George W. Bush and President George H. W. Bush. Miller said it was also an honor to drive a firetruck around Dover Downs Motor Speedway with families of firefighters that died in the line of battle before a NASCAR race. Most recently, the Downingtown Fire Department's antique firetruck was the lone firetruck entered in the 2010 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, which Miller called "a thrill." But Miller said all of those things pale in comparison to the real reason he has been involved in firefighting for over 35 years. "None of that equals the people's faces when we arrive on location for an emergency," Miller said. "That sense that help is here when we show up ... that's the ultimate to see that." Miller said that in the future volunteer firefighters may struggle to keep up with all the technical training certifications that are required. He said that will be a major challenge moving forward. But he added that volunteer departments will remain necessary. He said in 2007, volunteer departments saved taxpayers across the state more than $6 billion and he "can't imagine" what the savings would be today. As for his personal future, Miller said he will continue to be involved with the fire company, but will not be in a leadership role. He said he has not thought about what he will do personally and has been focused on the leadership transition. Article and Video from Daily Local News: http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2010/12/02/news/srv0000010162989.txt?viewmode=default#photo1 On behalf of the officers and members of Elverson EMS, we would like to congratulate Chief Miller on all of his accomplishments to the Fire and EMS community in Chester County. Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:51:22 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=187 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=186 This past week Elverson EMS mailed out its 2011 Membership Fund Drive Fundraiser. This is a very important part of Elverson EMS's budget. Over the past years we have seen about a 33% percent return on the fund drive. To the contributor we thank you for your continued support. An increase of cost for the membership has been made this year due to lesser returns than expected. If the return percentage goes up there will be no need for further increases. In fact, if the return increases enough there may be a reduction in cost for the membership. Elverson EMS is urging community members to donate to the membership fund drive so that we can purchase valuable life saving equipment and cut the costs to the community for the fund drive. Fund drive money is used to purchase life saving equipment for the company to help serve the community better and provide a high level of care. Over the past few years there have been many innovations in technology and state law that allow Elverson EMS and surrounding EMS organizations to provide a higher level of care to our citizens. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is one of many of these innovations. CPAP uses a mask to force oxygen into a patient's lungs to help when they are having respiratory difficulty. Other innovations include a power lifting stretcher which reduces the risk of work related injuries to our providers. The last piece to the puzzle is a new ambulance. Currently Elverson EMS operates two ambulances. The new ambulance is a 2007 and the older ambulance is a 2003. In our area, ambulance replacement is usually done about every six years. Since the older ambulance is a 2003 you can see that we are past that six year replacement point. The current 2003 ambulance has around 140,000 mile on it which is high in the EMS world. This ambulance has started to become unreliable do to its age and mileage. Elverson EMS is looking to replace this ambulance this year but with out the help from the fund drive this project may be postponed for another year. Without the help from the community during our fund drive we are unable to afford to purchase these helpful tools. In closing we would like to provide you with a little back ground about Elverson EMS. We have just moved into our new station located at 4458 Main Street, Elverson, PA 19520. This is also the location of the newly formed Twin Valley Fire Department. Elverson EMS operates out of the west side of the building. We currently run one ambulance staffed by paid personnel 24/7. The second ambulance, when needed, is staffed by volunteers. If both ambulances are responding to emergencies or if there are no volunteers in the area to respond the second ambulance, the community is covered by other ambulance companies like Honey Brook EMS, Martins Corner EMS, Southern Berks EMS, and Uwchlan EMS. Advanced life support services (ALS) is generally covered by Medic 93 out of Brandywine Hospital. Medic 93 is in the process of working with both Elverson EMS and Brandywine Hospital to provided quicker ALS to our community. Medic 93 will be moving in with Elverson EMS during the daytime to provide a quicker response time to our community. Once again Elverson EMS thanks you for your continued support through out the past years. Without the support of the community and municipalities that we respond to, Elverson EMS would have to shut its doors and Emergency Medical Services would take longer to respond to your home or business. Respectfully Submitted, Members and Officers of Elverson EMS Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:43:16 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=186 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=185 This past weekend four members of Elverson EMS attended to 16th annual Eastern EMS Council Conference. The conference is held at Pocono Manor Inn in Pocono Manor, PA. The four members headed to the conference on early Friday morning. After registration and lunch the lecture began. The members attended numerous lectures to advance our skills on cardiac care, trauma care, and management of the organization. Classes continued all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Around lunch time on Saturday Deputy Chief, J. Carmen, Battalion Chief, A. Englander and EMT, M. Delong attended a BLS skills challenge. That evening at a dinner sponsored by St Luke's Hospital, the winner of the competition was announced. Elverson EMS placed second. Out of a total of 400 points, the Elverson EMS team only missed first place by less than 5 point. DeSales University QRS won the completion. The QRS company is widely recognized in the EMS community for there recent win in the national completion at the JEM's conference. Elverson EMS would like to thank the Conference Committee from Eastern EMS Council for another educational and fun year. Keep up the outstanding work! Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:48:28 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=185 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=184 Story from Daily Local News: By LAUREN MCCORMACK Staff Writer WALLACE — The call came in shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday: A four-car collision with a school bus filled with children trapped nearby. About 10 people were trapped inside the cars, and by the time firefighters and EMS finished clearing the scene, one person was flown to the hospital via helicopter and 29 were sent to the hospital. Car doors were removed using the Jaws of Life, and one car involved, a navy Subaru Outback, had its entire roof ripped off. The tense situation was a mass casualty drill for emergency responders, many of whom had smiles afterward. The end result was "fabulous," said Elverson EMS Chief Nathan Spece. "There was a lot of things we found we need to improve on but that's why we did the drill so we could improve on them when it's a real life situation," Spece said. Those involved — more than 100 emergency response officials and about 30 volunteer "patients" — were treated to pizza afterward at the parking lot behind the Glen Moore Fire Company, where the entire drill took place. "The point of the drill is to further our education as far as multiple people with injuries and large incidents," said Glen Moore Fire Company Deputy Chief Jeff Speese. The drill was coordinated following a July 26 crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in West Nantmeal involving 10 patients and the death of a 5-year-old boy, Spece said. After the crash, emergency responders critiqued the way the emergency response was handled, and the result was a series of classroom-based training sessions and Wednesday's drill, the finale of the training, Spece said. To make the drill more lifelike, firefighters and EMS responders were taken off-site so they would need to travel to the crash site. The emergency responders involved were unaware of the specifics of the situation before they were dispatched, only that it was a mass-casualty drill, said Glen Moore Fire Chief Rob Brown. In addition, each of the volunteer "patients" had a specific role to play that required firefighters and EMS responders to interact with them and determine the severity of their injuries. "EMS will determine how they're going to be sent to the hospital, what category they are, where they need to go and how they need to go," Speese said before the drill. "What we like to do is we like to be ready for any incident that could happen." A total of 31 victims were involved in the drill, and two life-sized training dummies were used as the only fatalities in the incident. The drill sent the first trauma patient to Paoli Hospital, which is preparing to open its trauma department in November, Spece said. Only a few people at Paoli knew the operation was a drill, so when the patient arrived via helicopter, most of the people there assumed it was a patient with real injuries. Three people were sent to hospitals, Spece said. One went to Paoli and the other two were sent to Brandywine Hospital, which also used the drill to test its emergency preparedness. Drill coordinators set up a fake hospital at the fire company for the remaining 26 victims to simulate a real crash, Spece said. The drill involved the Glen Moore Fire Company, Elverson EMS, Minquas Fire Company No. 2, East Brandywine Fire Company, Medic 93, Martin's Corner Ambulance, Honey Brook Ambulance, Uwchlan Ambulance, Kimberton Fire Company and Twin Valley Fire Department. Involving area fire and EMS departments allowed the drill participants to learn from each other Spece said. "Sometimes we don't get a chance to work together, so it was nice to see how they did things," Spece said. For more pictures and video from the Daily Local News visit the link below: http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2010/09/19/news/srv0000009410908.txt For more video from WFMZ 69 visit the link below: http://wfmz.img.entriq.net/htm/PopUpPlayer-v4.htm?articleID=1458268&v=b Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:33:57 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=184 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=182 Today just prior to lunch time Elverson EMS along with Ludwigs Corner Fire Co. (Station 73) and Brandywine Hospital Advanced Life Support ( Medic 93) were dispatched to Rt. 401 and Finney Rd. for an accident reported serious. This report can in serious due to the driver being reported to be unconscious. Units arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle collision. The vehicle had left the roadway and struck a tree head on. EMS crews quickly assessed the patient and placed an air medical helicopter on standby. Once ALS arrived it was confirmed that the patient needed to be flown to a trauma center and Sky Care 1 was requested to the scene. Deputy 73 took up the 401 command and Rescue 73 and Engine 73-2 established the landing zone. EMS crews loaded the patient into the ambulance and transported to the East Nantmeal Twp. building where the crews from Ludwig's Corner and Sky Care were waiting. The patient was transferred onto Sky Care's litter and moved into the aircraft. The patient was then transported to a local trauma center. Fri, 17 Sep 2010 20:29:36 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=182 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=183 Tonight we gathed to recognize two individuals. These two men and their actions are the true definition of a hero. Most people, when asked, refer to a "hero" as a firefighter, a police officer, a paramedic, or a soldier. These "heroes" endure many hours of training. One of the gentlemen we recognize tonight has had no formal training in emergency services. The other gentleman has been a long time member of Glenmoore Fire Co. and has had training. A hero is defined by Webster's dictionary as: "A man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities." This is definitely a fitting definition for the two men we honored tonight. In the early afternoon of August 6th, 2010 two Chester County residence where traveling on Rt. 82 in West Nantmeal Township when they came upon a serious vehicle accident. Joseph Logan of Pottstown and Rich Hlavacek of Elverson were the first to arrive on the scene to find a mid sized car that had struck a utility pole and rolled on its side. The vehicles engine compartment was involved in fire and was quickly spreading to the passenger compartment. The driver was attempting to get out of the vehicle, but was stuck in the front seat. With both of their lives in danger the two gentlemen jumped into action and started to try and free the driver from the burning vehicle. Both gentlemen broke the rear window of the vehicle and pulled the driver to safety. Seconds later the vehicle was fully involved with flames. Firefighters from Glenmoore Fire Co. and Twin Valley Fire Department arrived on the scene moments later and extinguished the blaze. Emergency medical services from Elverson EMS, Martins Corner EMS, and Brandywine Hospital tended to the driver and transported him to a local hospital where he was later released. Had it not been for the bravery of these two gentlemen the driver would have perished in the blaze. Richard Hlavacek and Joseph Logan are true heroes. Their quick thinking and actions with out a doubt saved a life. On behalf of West Nantmeal Twp, Glenmoore Fire Co., Twin Valley Fire Department and Elverson EMS, citations of heroism were issued to Joesph Logan and Rich Hlavacek. Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:08:38 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=183 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=174 On Friday, August 27, 2010 the Twin Valley YMCA and the American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive. The blood drive will be from 9 am to 3 pm at 51 South Pine Street in Elverson Borough. The YMCA is located behind St. Joe's Urgent Care facility. The two organizations have set a goal of collecting 750 pints of blood and with the communities help they hope to accomplish and exceed this goal. For for information please visit: www.ymcabwv.org or call 610-913-YMCA (9622). Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:25:37 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=174 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=181 Over the past few weeks the Tri-County area has been plagued with serious motor vehicle accidents which have claimed the lives of at least three individuals. The latest being on the PA Turnpike in Caernarvon Twp. Berks County. During the late afternoon TVFD along with Elverson EMS and Medic 93 were alerted to the PA Turnpike for an MVC involving entrapment. Units arrived quickly to find a total of four patients with serious injuries. Three air medical helicopters were summoned to the scene to transport three of the injured while Elverson EMS personnel transported one patient to the local trauma center. One patient, transported by an air medical helicopter passed away shorty after arriving at the trauma center. Elverson EMS urges motorist to slow down and be more cautious when driving. Elverson EMS would like to send its regrets to the family of the victims involved. http://www.wfmz.com/berksnews/24746924/detail.html Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:25:01 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=181 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=180 This afternoon Battalion Chief Andrew Englander and Chief Engineer Kelly Wunderlich started their new life together as husband and wife. Family and friends enjoyed the evening which started with the outside ceremony in the beautiful Gilbertsville Bella Vista. After the ceremony guests gathered inside for cocktails and them continued on to dinner. The officers and members of Elverson EMS would like to wish Mr. and Mrs. Englander the best as they embark on their new life together. Sun, 22 Aug 2010 15:33:06 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=180 http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=179 During the late afternoon today Ambulance 89-2 (Elverson EMS) along with Station 69 (Twin Valley) and Medic 93 (Brandywine Hospital ALS) were dispatched to the west bound PA Turnpike for a vehicle accident involving fire. Ambulance 89-2 responded and was advised by Chester County Fire Board that there was reports of a dump truck overturned and on fire. Turnpike officials arrived on the scene to confirm the report within minutes and also advised that there was one patient with burns. Assistant 69 (T. Hornberger) advised chester County fire Board that he was a mile out with heavy smoke coming from the area of the turnpike. Engine 69-2 and Chief 69 (K. Romig) responded and arrived on the scene to confirm all of the reports. Ambulance 89-2 arrived on the scene and after evaluating the patient requested that an air medical helicopter be placed on stand by. After report the injuries to Medic 93 the decision was made to fly the patient to a specialty burn center. Sky Care 1 out of Brandywine Hospital was alerted to the scene and landed on the turnpike minutes later. The patient was then transferred on Sky Cares stretcher and the patient was transported to a local burn center. Ambulance 89-2 cleared the scene shortly after Sky Care 1 departed the scene and returned to station. Do to the severity of the patients injuries there was extensive clear up of the ambulance. Crews returned to the station to clean the ambulance and make sure it was fully stocked to the next emergency. During the clean up Chief 69 requested the EMS crew to bring water and ice back to the scene. This was do to the hot and humid weather and the extensive clean up of the accident scene. Firefighters from Twin Valley remained on the scene for a while after the ambulance cleared. Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:13:18 GMT http://www.elversonems.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=179