Thousand Islands Rescue

 News Archive

NEW 43-9-3 DEDICATED AND IN SERVICE  (June, 2010)

Dedicated to the memory of Mark Davis, a TIERS EMT and volunteer who was killed in the line of duty on January 30, 2009, the new ambulance was purchased though a USDA Rural Development grant and loan. Pictured above from left to right are Justin Taylor, Town of Clayton Supervisor, TIERS Director Rolly Churchill, Donna Chatterton Town of Orleans Supervisor, Brad Eves TIERS Treasurer, TIERS Board Secretary and Medical Director Dr. Harriet Burris, Polly Jobson, TIERS Board member, Dale Kenyon TIERS Board Chairman, Jean Heady, TIERS Board Vice-Chair, and TIERS Board members John Timmerman, Terry Valin and Larry Girard.

TIERS Adds Lifepak 15® Defibrillator  

 

TIERS has recently put our new Physio-Control Lifepak 15® cardiac monitor into service. This highly advanced unit provides carbon monoxide monitoring and CPR guidance from a built-in metronome, a brighter LCD screen and the latest battery technology.

See a video demo of the Lifepak 15® HERE!

COUNTY MODIFIES VEHICLE NUMBERS

The Office Of Emergency Management has changed the system for identifying fire and EMS apparatus to a modified version of the "old" system. TIERS ambulances are 43-9-1, 43-9-2 and 43-9-3. The Fly Car is 43-6-1. These designations have been posted in each ambulance. There is a complete list on the bulletin boards.  A printable version of all department numbers, special units, police codes and scanner frequencies is posted here.

MARK JOINS OFFICIAL HERO LIST

Under a solemn overcast, people from New York State's government, Health Department, and from EMS and fire departments from the far north, far west and lower Hudson Valley gathered at Albany's Empire State Plaza to forever honor three men who died while helping others who needed EMS.

Cape Vincent/TIERS/Guilfoyle EMT Mark Davis, felled by a rifle shot on January 30, 2009, died January 31, 2009

Richard F. Quigley of Hudson Valley Paramedic Service (right) who died of a heart attack at an auto accident scene on January 10, 2009,  and Louis J. Flury of Union Fire Company, who saved one occupant trapped in a submerged car, but drowned trying to rescue a second person on July 26, 1987, became names 37, 38 and 39 on the state's EMS Memorial. Thanks to TIERS' Joe and Samantha Burke and Larry Girard, Gary Horowitz of Hudson Valley Paramedic Service and Guilfoyle Ambulance's Joe Bova for these pictures:

Click on thumbnails for larger image

                                                  

         Click here for information on the memorial

 

THEY'RE BA-A-A-A-A-CK

By now, most of you have seen the  letter from Harriet Burris, MD, TIERS' Medical Director and Secretary of the Board Of Directors, which details TIERS' busy 2009 providing services to our patients, neighboring EMS providers, the River Communities and to local events and groups.

We have had great response to our LifeSaver mailings, but please ask returning seasonal residents to make a donation to TIERS as well. Our area population and our call volumes are already growing as thousands of our summer neighbors move in. TIERS needs their help as well as yours.

Ambulance and rescue agencies across the state were forced to suspend "subscription membership" programs like the former SafeGuard program (click here ) which eliminated an important source of funds. Other factors including "delays in payments...and less reimbursement" by insurance companies, Medicaid and other government health-care agencies, and increasing costs of operations have led to TIERS' LifeSaver direct mail campaign "to keep TIERS a viable state of the art" service, says Dr. Burris, a physician at River Hospital in Alexandria Bay and a TIERS EMT.

 

You can show your support for TIERS and get a top-quality T-shirt to boot! Contact the TIERS office at 686-2058 to get yours for ONLY $20

 

 

 

EMT CLASS "PUFFS AND PUMPS"

EMT students at TIERS Training Academy just went through their initial CPR training night, with one more night for review, practice and final testing to go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

few moments before midnight on January 30, 2009, Mark Davis was torn from his life as a son, brother, uncle, jovial friend, promising student, hard-working employee and dedicated volunteer firefighter and EMT.  The reason for his death--so random, so senseless--still not explained to us. "We all miss Mark and what he contributed to our organization.  I will always be proud of his service and the team at TIERS will never forget him," says Rolly Churchill, TIERS Director. 

Mark's not a guy easily forgotten, but his fellow students in the Paramedic Program at Jefferson Community College have worked all year to make sure that his legacy is represented by a memorial scholarship already endowed at $12,433. A second-year paramedic student will receive the scholarship every year in Mark's honor. 

The slaying of the 25-year-old made national and world news, and messages and e-mails poured in from as far away as Puerto Rico. Hundreds of men and women from two nations came to a frigid, windswept home town to salute a man they never knew for his willingness to help a person that he never knew. Dozens of others traveled to cover local EMS calls so that Mark's friends could say goodbye. 

 

To all those people, and to those who spent hundreds of hours planning and coordinating Mark's massive memorial service, we again thank you on behalf of TIERS, the Cape Vincent Fire Department and Guilfoyle Ambulance Service. 

Mark would have said: "Game on!"

 

TIERS  Christmas Party Remembers Mark's Friends

 

 

 

 

A new TIERS award was unveiled and presented at this year's gathering at the LaFargeville Klock Smith American Legion Post.

Recognizing the professionalism during the stressful moments following the January 30 fatal shooting of friend and fellow TIERS member Mark Davis, Director Rolly Churchill presented the Valor Award to Cape Vincent Fire Department's Doug Putnam--who tackled and held the shooter for police--Paramedic Chancy Law, Ryan Lafex, Tracie Mason and Jerimiah Stevens. These crew members valiantly carried out lifesaving measures during the transport to Samaritan Medical Center.

 

Rolly recounted the horrible days of Mark's death and funeral and the healing and continued progress since then. "We've got the very best crew," he said, "That's how we've kept the good ship TIERS sailing full ahead."

In addition to several TIERS Board Of Directors members, guests included Clayton Mayor Norma Zimmer, Town of Orleans Fire Commissioners Bob Kelsey, Pete Wilson, Jerry Wood, First Assistant Chief Mike Solar of the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department, Cape Vincent Volunteer Fire Department's Bill Gould, and Jefferson County Deputy Fire Zone Coordinator Joe Gould.

TIERS RESPONDS TO SUNDAY FATAL MVA

By Jessica Cain

Story Published: Jun 28, 2009 at 10:27 PM EDT Story Updated: Jun 29, 2009 at 6:03 PM EDT

One person is dead and three people are hurt after a serious accident in the Town of Clayton.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department says an S.U.V. and pickup truck collided at the intersection of Depauville Rd. and Morris Tract Rd.

The Sheriff's Department says Robert Burkard, 47, Chaumont, 27347 Mill Street, and formerly of Springfield, VA was pronounced dead at the scene.

The two people in the car with Burkard were taken to Samaritan Medical Center.

Leo Coleman, 28, 31643 County Route 179, Chaumont, was the driver of the second vehicle, and was taken to Samaritan Medical Center, and then University Hospital, to be treated for his injuries.

Coleman is reportedly in good condition.

Sheriff's deputies are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Click Link For Video:  http://tinyurl.com/msmpab

THANKS to WWNY-TV7 For Use Of Their Coverage

State Police Identify Man, Woman Killed in Orleans Crash

May 21, 2009

LAFARGEVILLE, N.Y. —   State Police in Alexandria Bay are investigating a two-vehicle double fatal collision that occurred at the intersection of State Route 180 and County Route 3 in the town of Orleans. 

At approximately 2:41 p.m. Thursday, a 1992 Plymouth Caravan, operated by Albert L. Jackson, 58, Dexter, was west bound on CR3 while a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo, operated by Peter B. Orvis, 50, LaFargeville, was north bound on ST-180. 

Mr. Jackson failed to stop at the intersection and entered the path of the 2001 Isuzu. The Isuzu struck the Plymouth in the center of the drivers side. Both vehicles came to rest off the north west shoulder of the intersection, police said.

Albert Jackson and his passenger,of 17311 Evans Rd., Dexter, were pronounced as deceased at the scene. 

Mr. Orvis was transported to Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, for his injuries which were not life-threatening. 

State police were assisted at the scene by the Clayton and LaFargeville fire departments and TIERS ambulance. 

State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and will be conducting a full investigation into this collision. 

No charges are pending at this time.

Golf Tournament A Success In Spite Of The Weather!

Everyone at TIERS would like to thank all the players who braved the rain for our 2009 Annual Golf Tournament last Sunday. Mother Nature did not cooperate, but 13 hearty teams joined us at Clayton's C-Way Golf Club.

A huge Thank You to the businesses who donated the winners' prizes. It means more this year than ever:

Clipper Inn

White’s Lumber

C-Way Golf Club and Natali’s Restaurant

LA Corner Deli

Clayton Subway

Fox’y Restaurant

The 2009 Tournament Champions are:

Mens – Lance Peterson, Lance Peterson Jr.,
 Mark Reff, Ricky Becker

Co-Ed – Steve Cooley, Gina Cooley,
Chris Denesha, Amber Brown

3rd Place – Ogdensburg Rescue with Ken Gardner,
Laura Irvine, Mike Paige and Bob Bromley

Youth Team – Garret Cole, Cody Black,
Cameron Black, Tyler Alguire

Nearest Pin – Pete Davis

Thanks to everyone who participated and to all of the volunteers who made it a successful day!

TIERS to get free broadband

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009
ARTICLE OPTIONS

 

 

CLAYTON — The Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service has become a member of the Community Connect Program of RidgeviewTel and will receive free wireless broadband service.

"Within each of our networks, we are keenly aware of community needs," Vince Jordan, RidgeviewTel chief executive officer, said in a press release. "TIERS is dedicated to serving others and it is something we are happy to do for them," he said.

Roland G. "Rolly" Churchill, director of the rescue squad, expressed appreciation to the company, saying, "It is important we are connected as we depend on the Internet for updates from various organizations and use that information to help keep our residents and visitors safe."

RidgeviewTel is based in Longmont, Colo., provides wireless broadband to communities in Colorado, Illinois and New York.

 

ARE YOU FLU SAFE?

 

     Everyone knows that cases of Swine influenza A (H1N1), have been reported in several nations and across the US with the New York City area having the most cases.

     At this point, health officials don't know how many people will ultimately be affected by current flu outbreak, but the World Health Organization has raised its alert level to 5 out of a possible 6.

     Every winter, Northern New Yorkers go through flu season, and all of the things you are urged to do then to lessen the risk to you and your family are the same things you are urged to do now:

  1. Wash your hands often to protect you from germs. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are good; hot water and lots of soap suds is much better, especially if using shared computers, phones, or after handling money.

  2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

  3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

     Below are links to specific information from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. WE WILL UPDATE LOCAL INFORMATION AS NEEDED.  If you have questions, please call TIERS at 686-2058--we'll try to help you.  If you or anyone in your home experiences fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, vomiting and/or diarrhea, CALL YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR, or go to a clinic or emergency room.

CDC MAIN INDEX       Swine Flu Facts       What If Someone Gets Sick?

 

NYS EMT Practical Exams Now Recognized for National Registry

EMS providers who have recently (and successfully), completed their New York EMS certification exams can apply for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians written test, but no longer have to take a NREMT practical skills exam.

NREMT now gives applicants credit for passing the state skills exam for their certification level. The computerized knowledge tests are given in Watertown.

Go to http://www.nremt.org/Content/NREMT_Home.nremt for complete information.

 

Mark Davis Memorial Page
 Funeral Pictures
Rolly Churchill Eulogy For Mark
 Click here for complete procession unit roster 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuICVVAmFxk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYdUebfXtNE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BVlfW-m5FM&feature=related

 

 

"Spread the word--guys from out of town were treated very well, and your neighbors in Chaumont did an outstanding job of taking care of weary travelers.  We were fed, interviewed, briefed and sent on our way to the lineup--and treated like brothers everywhere we went.  Please be sure to let the organizers know that we appreciated their hard work; we understood that it was a task everyone would rather not have had, but they performed admirably."
Eric Pierce
Captain, Cooperstown Emergency Squad

TIERS VOLUNTEER MARK DAVIS SHOT, KILLED IN CAPE VINCENT

ALEXANDRIA BAY, N.Y. —  The New York State Police at Alexandria Bay are investigating a homicide that occurred at approximately 11:58 p.m., January 30, at 114 South Esseltyne Street in Cape Vincent.  

The victim, Mark B. Davis, 25 of 172 James St., Cape Vincent, was serving as a volunteer EMT for the Cape Vincent Volunteer Fire Department, when they responded to the address for a medical emergency.   The victim and two other EMTs were at the residence treating Christopher G. Burke, age 25, formerly of Sherrill, N.Y., who now resides at the Esseltyne Street address.  

Mr. Burke became agitated and retrieved a high powered rifle from the bedroom of the residence, police said. As the EMT’s were retreating from the residence, it is alleged that Burke fired two rounds, one at the victim striking and killing him, they said.   The suspect then ran from the residence and was tackled and held down by another EMT who was also at the residence.  

Clayton Police Department Officer Robin Pearce was first on the scene and took the suspect into custody with the assistance of Alexandria Bay Officer Jerry Delosh.  

EMTs at the scene fervently attempted life saving measures, and continued these efforts during the ambulance transport to the Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, NY where he was pronounced deceased.

After consultation with District Attorney Cindy F. Intschert and Chief Assistant District Attorney Kristyna Mills, the suspect is being arraigned this morning on charges of second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  

In addition to Clayton and Alexandria Bay Police Departments, Clayton Volunteer Fire Department, Guilfoyle Ambulance Service and Tiers Ambulance Service assisted at the scene, and Cape Vincent Police Department is assisting in the ensuing investigation.

http://connect.jems.com/forum/topics/new-york-volunteer-emt-shot

http://www.newswatch50.com/news/local/story/Slain-EMS-worker-made-the-ultimate-sacrifice/08bs5so0QU2kGEpreHAKlg.cspx

http://www.jeffcowebboard.com/smf/index.php?topic=12138.0

 

CAPE VINCENT — The funeral for Mark B. Davis, 25, South James Street, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Thousand Islands High School auditorium, Sand Bay, with the Rev. Mark L. Pierce, pastor of the Lake and River Parish of the United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the spring.

Mr. Davis died Saturday morning in the emergency room of Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, of a gunshot wound he suffered while answering an ambulance call in the village just before midnight Friday.

Calling hours will be from noon to 9 p.m. Friday at Cape Vincent United Methodist Church. Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown.

Mr. Davis was employed by the Guilfoyle and Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service ambulance squads and was a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for the Cape Vincent Volunteer Fire Department.

Born Jan. 15, 1984, in Orlando, Fla., son of Marsha Davis, he was home schooled in New York state, received his diploma and attended Stetson University, DeLand, Fla. He returned to the north country and was attending classes at Jefferson Community College, Watertown, in the paramedic program.

He was an instructor in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, was certified in hazardous materials and mass casualty and received national accreditation as a 911 dispatcher. He was a member of the EMS Club at JCC and the French Festival committee.

Surviving are his mother and stepfather, Marsha and Laurence Dickinson, Cape Vincent; a brother, Michael Brandon Dickinson, Cape Vincent; a sister, Maricia Dickinson, Cape Vincent; his maternal grandparents, Marshall and Leona Davis, Orlando, and aunts, uncles and cousins.

Donations may be made to the Mark Davis Memorial Fund, in care of Citizens Bank of Cape Vincent, P.O. Box 277, Cape Vincent, N.Y. 13618.

 

THOUSAND ISLANDS EMERGENCY RESCUE SERVICE NAMED "EMS AGENCY OF THE YEAR"

 

20 volunteer and paid members and staff after the naming of TIERS as New York State EMS Agency Of The Year.           PLEASE CLICK TO  READ  MORE

 

Thousand Islands Rescue Receives $10,000 Grant

Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS) has been awarded a grant from the E.J. Noble Foundation, New York City.  A member of the E.J. Noble family with ties to the St. Lawrence River area attended a TIERS fundraiser in August, 2008 at the Clayton Opera House and was instrumental in seeing that TIERS received the grant.

The $10,000 grant will be utilized for new capnography devices that are required for all Advanced Life Support (ALS), ambulances in New York State. The grant was awarded on December 5; the deadline for ALS services to have capnography devices is December 31.     PLEASE CLICK TO  READ  MORE

LEARN MORE:  http://www.capnography.com/new/

 

And If You Think This LOOKS Scary...

Driver Keith Anderson said "it felt like an amusement park ride" to be on the swaying, bouncing Thousand Islands Bridge main span last Sunday morning when storm-force wind gusts flipped two vehicles on their sides. No serious injuries resulted, but the bridge was closed shortly thereafter. Thanks to Newzjunky .com and Abay.com for the pic and link to a video report with TIERS 1 in several shots.

TIERS Heads Response to Can-Am Speedway Accident

What looked like a horrific accident at LaFargeville's Can-Am Speedway during regular Saturday night stock car racing  turned out to be more scare than injury. The TIERS crew standing by at the speedway acted immediately to assess and treat any injuries and called for three additional ambulances to respond to the scene after a speeding car flipped over the wall and partially into the crowd.

Three BLS providers at the TIERS station immediately responded to the speedway, with ambulances from Dexter and Theresa also called. Dexter was cancelled prior to arrival to the scene and Theresa was cancelled on-scene as there were only three minor injuries with nobody wanting to be transported to the hospital. For more information please see WWNY TV 7's web report.

Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service Adds New Communications Capabilities

The Thousands Island Emergency Rescue Service recently made some significant changes in their radio communications system. The new system  will allow crew members to talk on their portable radios but also from their portable to the ambulance mobile radio that can “repeat” the message to the Jefferson County 911 Dispatch Center.    During an emergency ambulance call it is important that the crew can talk to each other and also be able to easily contact the dispatch center to relay vital information during a call. Prior to this radio system the only alternative was to walk to the ambulance to relay the information from the mobile radio in the ambulance.  “I have always considered it a safety issue for a crew to be able to contact the dispatch center during a call and our old system did not allow this capability,” says TIERS Director Rolly Churchill. “We were able to budget for this system during 2008 and we will now be able to have multiple ways of communications with crews, ambulances, other repeater towers in the area and we also be able to build onto the system later.”

 

Evans Mills Man Drowns After Jumping from Cliff

July 1, 2008

State Police are investigating an apparent drowning that occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on Millsite Lake in the town of Theresa.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that several youths were swimming at a location locally known as "Big Rock" and is frequented by young people in the summer. The victim was swinging from a rope where he struck his head on the rock ledge and fell into the water, an investigator said.  

State Police were assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Squad (TIERS), Jefferson County STAR Team, and members of the Redwood, Alexandria Bay and Theresa fire departments. 

TIERS STANDS BY AT TOWN of THERESA BARN COLLAPSE

Firemen from Theresa, Philadelphia, Redwood and LaFargeville worked for over six hours to remove more than 1,400 bales of hay that was stored in the mow and also to brace the structure. Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service was on hand in case of any injuries. Theresa Fire Police assisted by Redwood Fire Police controlled traffic.

 

TIERS Golf Tournament a Huge Success!

The second annual Golf Tournament for Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS) was held on Sunday June 8, 2008 at the C-Way Golf Course. Twenty-five foursomes participated, setting a record!

The tournament winners were as follows:

Men's Division: Bob Switzer Sr.

Women's Division: Vickie Peck

Co-Ed: James Brown

Youth: Taylor Robbins

The nearest to the 9th pin was Derek Peck. Skins were won by Dave Coles co-ed team for the 9th hole birdie and Taylor Robbins mixed youth team for the 1st hole.

TIERS wishes to thank the following merchants who donated prizes:

Hyde's Greenhouse Cerow Agency, Inc. Bach & Company
Reinman's Department Store Thousand Islands Bait Store LaFargeville Agway
Citizen's Bank of Cape Vincent and LaFargeville LaFargeville Central School Class of 2011 Clayton Harbour Gourmet Food & Wine
DeLuke's' Greenscapes Fred's QuickLube Gilco Trucking
Natalie's Restaurant Depauville Village Market LA Cafe
Clipper Inn Phinney's Chevrolet Carleton Restaurant
Kinney Drugs (Clayton) Clayton Big M TI NAPA
Walldroff Associated Harvest Clayton Wine and Spirits Subway (Clayton)
Reinman's Decorating Foxy's Restaurant Gray's Wholesale
Jobby's Pizzeria Critter Haven Rogers Construction
PJ's Clayton Marina Pepsi Co. (Watertown)
C-Way Golf Course TIERS

 

TIERS Begins Staff Leasing Agreement with Evans Mills Ambulance

Thousand Islands Emergency Rescues Service has secured an agreement with Evans Mills Volunteer Ambulance Squad to lease Paramedics and AEMT-CC’s effective June 12, 2008. The agreement has been taking shape since the time the Board of Directors from TIERS met with the Evans Mills Ambulance Board of Directors in April of this year. Both volunteer-based independent non-profit agencies felt a common need to assist each other, especially when daytime volunteers are getting ever more scarce.

TIERS Paramedic’s or AEMT-CC’s will begin 10 hour shifts from 0800 to 1800 Monday through Friday at Evans Mills Volunteer Ambulance Squad. “I feel this is the beginning of a good relationship for both services.” says TIERS Director Rolly Churchill. “Both agencies share so much in common that it makes perfect sense to share staff in a beneficial means to assist both services.” Churchill says. TIERS personnel will assume the role of patient care provider and Evans Mills will provide an EMT or driver to man their ambulance.

Current coverage for TIERS primary operating territory in the towns of Orleans and Clayton will not be affected. 

Website: Evans Mills Ambulance

TIERS AIDS THE MILLS

An Evans Mills' Ambulance had mechanical difficulties during a call and  had to be taken out of service for maintenance. Michael Siptrott, the Director of Operations at Evans Mills, contacted TIERS concerning the use of an ambulance since they would be out of service to respond to their community.

Arrangements were made to have Evans Mills staff pick up TIERS A-3 to use. "This is just the right thing to do. Our squads are very similar and a portion of Evans Mills district borders ours. I know they would assist us if we were in a pinch." says TIERS Director Rolly Churchill.

Earlier this year, Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service also came to the aid of South Jefferson Rescue Squad by lending them an ambulance after theirs was involved in an accident.

Paramedic Flycar Fundraising Campaign

The Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service Inc. (TIERS) has begun a fundraising campaign to purchase a Paramedic Response Vehicle. The first fundraiser will begin with a dance at the Klock-Smith American Legion in LaFargeville featuring Fred & The Ed’s Saturday April 5, 2008 at 8:00 PM.  

“The Paramedic Response Vehicle will take some of the burden off our ambulances responding to other districts,” says TIERS Director Rolly Churchill.  “Mutual aid responses to areas outside our coverage area are a significant part of our call volume and most often it necessitates utilizing two ambulances going to the hospital with one patient. This is not cost effective and it takes two ambulances out of the service area. The Paramedic Response Vehicle will be able to respond to aid other ambulances with a Paramedic and the necessary advanced life support supplies and keep our ambulance within our jurisdiction,” says Churchill.

Other fundraisers will include a letter appeal to our area public and a dance at the Clayton Opera House on Saturday August 16, 2008. Persons interested in contributing to the purchase of the vehicle can send a tax deductable donation check to TIERS Inc. PO Box 524 Clayton NY 13601.

Thousand Islands Rescue

Benefit Dance

Featuring

Fred & the ED’s

Saturday April 5th 8:00-11:00 P.M. 

LaFargeville American Legion

Benefit TIERS EMS FLY CAR Fund

Slideshow:  Ice Rescue Training in Clayton

REMSCO Positions Announced

TIERS Board of Directors member Lawrence Girard, of Depauville, and TIERS Director Rolly Churchill, of Watertown, were selected for participation on the Regional Emergency Medical Council for the Tri-County region through the Jefferson County Fire and EMS Advisory Board.

The Regional Emergency Medical Council, referred to as REMSCO, is a part of the New York State Department of Health System of organization and oversees policies and procedures for ambulance services and fire companies that have medical personnel. The north county REMSCO region includes Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties and represents over eighty- five agencies and hundreds of emergency care providers.

Mr. Girard is a member of the Depauville Fire Department and is a NYS Emergency Medical Technician Critical Care who responds to emergency patients calls through Depauville Fire Department's EMS and as a member of Thousand Islands Rescue. Mr. Churchill is currently certified as a NYS Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic, has been teaching Emergency Medical Technician classes for Jefferson County for over twenty five years and currently works as the Director of Thousand Islands Rescue.

Construction Continues at TIERS

Gene Kring and Bob Kring (pictured above) of G&B Enterprises, Redwood, are preparing duct work for the installation of the new furnace at TIERS headquarters. The TIERS construction project that began in September of 2007 has been slow.  

The anticipated work is getting competed by contractors and our volunteer staff. The exterior wall and overhead doors at the new garage bays 3 and 4 is nearly complete. This area will be a more cold storage area but certainly will be above the freezing point. Bud and Polly Baril are pictured below working on the wall between bays 2 and 3 that will separate the actual ambulance areas that will be heated to a comfortable temperature. 

We look forward to the completion of this project and thank the volunteers who have dedicated time to the construction and everyone for being patient with this project.  The completion more than likely will be early spring and will give us a more functional facility for some time to come.

South Jeff Says Thank You

South Jefferson Rescue Squad presented a plaque to Rolly Churchill at their monthly meeting Sunday January 27, 2008 in appreciation of the use of one of TIERS ambulances for two weeks while a rental ambulance became available. South Jefferson had an accident with their ambulance. Pictured Left to right, are Bill Mabe Vice President, Rolly Churchill, TIERS Director, and Debbie Mabe, President. The plaque and a $500.00 check was present to TIERS. The check was returned with TIERS Board of Directors approval the very next day.

Thousand Islands Rescue Loans South Jefferson Rescue Squad an Ambulance

 

On Saturday January 5, 2008 South Jefferson Rescue Squad’s ambulance was involved in an accident enroute to Samaritan Medical Center.  The ambulance was able to be driven but could not be used for emergencies. Under unwritten agreements and a bond between independent services, Thousand Islands Rescue and South Jefferson Rescue have been exchanging policies, manpower assistance and equipment needs for several years.

After the accident Thousands Islands Rescue agreed to provide a fully stocked ambulance for South Jefferson to use while they await a “loaner” substitute vehicle through their insurance company. Currently Thousand Islands Rescue runs three Advanced Level Care ambulances. During the winter months the call volume is significantly slower than during the busy summer months along the St. Lawrence River.

“We are just glad to be able to help South Jeff says Director Rolly Churchill” “I know they would return the favor in a heartbeat.” South Jefferson Rescue sent manpower to aid Thousand Islands Rescue during the busy period when the Vietnam Moving Wall visited Clayton in 2007.  Thousand Islands Rescue also sent manpower to South Jefferson in the winter of 2006 when South Jefferson was inundated with a record-breaking snowfall with multiple emergency calls.

TIERS Offers EMT Training Program

CLAYTON, N.Y., Dec. 23  —  The Thousand Islands Emergency Medical Service Training Academy will offer a 3-year-long New York State Continuing Education Recertification Program beginning Jan. 10, 2008, at the Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service facility. Classes will be held twice a month.

The recertification program allows volunteer and career Emergency Medical Technicians to keep current their certification. Through continuing classes and by being active in Emergency Medical Service calls with TIERS, technicians can retain their credentials from the New York State Department of Health.  EMTs who complete the program may not have to take NYS EMT recertification practical and written exams.

“This is an excellent program for recruitment and retention of our volunteers,” says Rolly Churchill, director of TIERS, “It will also be an opportunity for EMS educators to deliver courses relevant to our region to providers.”  

Churchill added, “Often class instruction through the NYS EMS Bureau curriculum paints with a broad brush when dealing with certain aspects of medical training. We can focus on emergencies that affect us locally, such as diving emergencies, boating and water emergencies, cold water rescue, ATV and snowmobiling incidents, stock car injuries, tourism based emergencies, and large scale incidents that could take place on the St. Lawrence.”

NYS Continuing Education Recertification Programs are agency-based and require active membership in TIERS, current EMT, AEMT-CC or Paramedic Certification, and various hours of training in a three year period based on certification level.

For further information, contact Rolly Churchill at 686-2058.

TIERS Explorers go to Water Safari and Camping Trip

Off-shore Homes Need Better Emergency Response Plan
(From News 10 Now)

Although TIERS was not specifically mentioned in this story, I thought it would be of interest due to the vast majority of those Fire Boat calls being medical.

 


 

Congratulations TO:

Steve Coughlin for getting his Paramedic certification!

Liza Orvis (left), and Holly Hoffert for becoming brand new Critical Care (Level 3), Advanced EMT's!

TIERS Board of Directors member and Depauville Fire Chief Larry Girard for recertifying as an AEMT-CC (maybe one of the world's first...)

 

 

Below is the TIERS EMS Training Academy Class of '07, with new EMT's who are TIERS members highlighted in red:

Front Row (l to r): Steve Jarvis, Tom Cotter, Nick Pickett, Deb Davis, Deb Baumgardner, Tiffany Lowe, Harriet Burris, MD, TIERS Medical Director, Paulina Littlefield, Mike Angona Back Row: Terry Valin, TIERS Board Of Directors member, Mike Bennett, Jason Kilmer, Mark Davis, Fred Jackson, Kyle Flath, Ray and Theresa Bove, Ben Shiro, Steve Cornell.

Click here for larger  photo.     Click here for the unofficial class photo.

Also, long-time TIERS member Linda Cooper is a brand new EMT!

WELL DONE, ALL OF YOU!

NEW EMS DISPATCH PROTOCOL PUTTING  PRESSURE ON PROVIDERS


Jefferson County Dispatch's new dispatch protocol went into effect on May 26, and if you listen to your scanner or pager, you've heard more calls for TIERS, South Jeff, Carthage and Guilfoyle fly cars.

The new protocol--intended to speed the dispatching of EMS care when some departments may not be able to assemble an ambulance crew, especially during the work day--dispatches the appropriate level of care based on EMD or the dispatchers' information, and redispatches the call as needed if there is no response to the initial alarm.

BLS and STANDBY CALLS: No response after 4 minutes from primary EMS agency (Agency Having Jurisdiction=Certificate Of Need holder for that area), primary EMS agency is activated again, plus the next closest EMS agency--including Basic Life Support First Responder (BLSFR) agency--and closest staffed ambulance agency. The dispatcher may, at their discretion and based on information from the field (from EMS, fire, law enforcement or bystanders) initiate an ALS response if they believe the illness / injury warrants such response.

 

 

ALS INCIDENTS or NO EMD* AVAILABLE
 
Primary EMS agency is dispatched and the caller is forwarded to GEMS for EMD* If EMD determines the call to require ALS treatment, then the closest ALS agency in service is also dispatched.
If 4 minutes have elapsed without response:  The nearest staffed ALS ambulance is dispatched (if no response from primary agency, closest EMS agency, including BLSFRs also dispatched, as above)

Because TIERS is a staffed ALS ambulance, this is going to bring many extra calls to our service and also may bring many cancellations, but our concern is how much more often our primary crew will be dispatched and out of service. It is more important than ever that people can serve in second- and third-call capacity, especially during the very busy Summer months.

PLEASE review your schedule and volunteer for SECOND AND THIRD CALL whenever you can, especially nights, weekends and holidays.

*CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EMD.

TEMPORARY TIERS AMBULANCE 1 IN SERVICE

This rental unit will be serving the TIERS response area for approximately five weeks while the permanent Ambulance 1 is undergoing repairs. Note the divided stripe and different box graphics.

Official Statement Regarding TIERS Ambulance Accident

 

On Monday, May 21, 2007 at 1443 hours, TIERS Ambulance 1 with the crew of Driver/EMT Jim Traufler and Paramedic Jodie Speaks was involved in a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Clinton and Holcomb Streets in Watertown. The crew was transporting a 79-year-old patient to Samaritan Medical Center in non-emergency mode. Watertown City Police investigated and no citations were given. The ambulance struck a utility pole at the intersection; there were no other vehicles involved. There were no injuries. Immediately following the accident, the patient and Paramedic Speaks were transported to the hospital by Guilfoyle Ambulance to complete the original TIERS call. The New York State Emergency Services Bureau was immediately notified of the accident, which will be under investigation by TIERS’ insurance carrier and management staff in conjunction with the state EMS Bureau.

 

 

What If A Tornado Could Be Trained..? 

We'd probably want the old salt sales building to be hit--lo, after these many years of proud and faithful service. Well, from the clouds it might have looked like a mobile home...

 

TIERS Celebrates  EMS WEEK 2007

 

Clayton Mayor Dale A Kenyon and three TIERS Board of Directors members joined Rolly and others on Thursday for the annual EMS Week Celebration and chili tasting. TIERS volunteers were recognized for over 15,400 hours donated to the community as was Rolly Churchill for the continual advances underway at TIERS. Click on photo for more.

Congratulations To TIERS EMS Training Academy EMT-B Class Of '07

Front Row (l to r): Steve Jarvis, Tom Cotter, Nick Pickett, Deb Davis, Deb Baumgardner, Tiffany Lowe, Harriet Burris, MD, TIERS Medical Director, Paulina Littlefield, Mike Angona Back Row: Terry Valin, TIERS Board Of Directors member, Mike Bennett, Jason Kilmer, Mark Davis, Fred Jackson, Kyle Flath, Ray and Theresa Bove, Ben Shiro, Steve Cornell.

Click here for larger  photo.     Click here for the unofficial class photo.

 

 

TIERS Celebrates  EMS WEEK 2007

Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS), is joining the rest of the EMS (Emergency Medical Services), community in recognizing paid and volunteer EMS workers during National EMS Week, May 20-26.

TIERS invites everyone to stop at the TIERS building at 100 Union Street, Clayton any day during

 

normal business hours to look at our facilities and equipment, ask some questions, and see how your EMS workers prepare to help you when illness or injury strikes, and how you can join TIERS. Free refreshments will be provided.

Thursday evening at 7 pm, the public is also invited to join us for our annual celebration with TIERS Board Of Directors members, officials from the towns of Clayton and Orleans and career and volunteer EMS providers. There will be food and beverages provided and reflect on past, present, and future goals for TIERS.

 

 2007 Spring Fling

Every year, the North County REMAC/REMSCO in Canton sponsors Spring Fling in Alexandria Bay as a way for EMS providers to meet each other, network, socialize, swap information and hear some of the most prominent experts in New York's EMS field talk about important EMS issues. Five TIERS members attended this year. In the coming weeks, we will use this space to provide to you some of the information presented.

► click here for PCR DATA for New York State 2002-2004   

► click here for North Country EMS PCR DATA for 2004

 
 

TIERS JOINS STATEWIDE EMS GROUP

Thousand Islands Rescue is one of the newest members of the New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association, a long-standing not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote and assist the interests of the state’s community volunteer and nonprofit EMS sector. There is a link to their website http://nysvara.org/ on our Links page, and they have a link to ours.

Based on suburban Long Island, NYSVARA has scholarships, government affairs liason with other volunteer, EMS and fire groups in New York and neighboring states, technical assistance--including a lending library--conferences including the yearly Pulsecheck conference, a newsletter and is a legislative presence in Albany and elsewhere to speak as a voice for emergency responders in the empire state.

Rolly recently attended his first meeting as a member and said there was great information shared among the 12 attendees--including a tour of the TIERS website and information on our rescue trailer/ATV combo as a lower-cost alternative to a Gator or other expensive off-road rescue vehicle. The current director for our NYSVARA district is Alan Gaines of Black River Ambulance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATV FUND DRIVE SUCCESSFUL!

 

Now that the TIERS markings are on, Rolly finally let us publish some pictures of "TIERS Utility Two"!  (Click on the thumbnails for larger pictures). Thanks go out to the Rivergate Wheelers ATV Club, The Lodge ATV Club, the TIERS Fundraising Committee and all of you who helped support the purchase of this important addition to our fleet, and the Town of Clayton mechanics for installing some of the equipment. THANK YOU!

 

TIERS FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE STRIKES AGAIN!!

 

A lively crowd turned out at the American Legion post in LaFargeville on Saturday, March 3 to listen and dance to the north country's favorite band, Fred and The Eds, thanks to the TIERS Fundraising Committee, led by Donna Chatterton, Deanna Henry, Polly Jobson and Norm Wagner. Thanks to everyone who attended, and a HUGE thanks to Fred and The Eds who DONATED their time and talents!   More photos!
 CHARTER TIERS MEMBER BILL TAYLOR DIES

 

Bill Taylor, a constant and important part of TIERS entire history, died of cancer at the Gouverneur home of family on Thursday, February 1. A  retired farmer, crane operator and United States Air Force veteran, he leaves a son, six daughters, numerous other relatives, longtime companion Mary Bishop, hundreds of memories, and a proud legacy of volunteering to serve others through TIERS, DePauville Fire Department and Jefferson County Fire Police Association. He was also past President of D.A.D. Post 80 Gouverneur and past president of the Riverview Apartments Tenant's Association before moving to DePauville. Click photo for more.

 

TIERS CREW GIVES SJR A BREAK

 

 

A three-person ALS crew from TIERS spent Wednesday night at South Jefferson Rescue Squad headquarters in Adams to give tired SJRS crews a night to recover during the latest in a week of lake-effect snow squalls that have hammered the southern part of Jefferson County. "We've been so lucky this week in our coverage area, but the snow is measuring four feet or more in some parts of South Jeff's townships, plus the wind and sub-zero temeratures," said Rolly Churchill of TIERS, who made the offer to the SJRS board during a phone call Wednesday. Steve Coughlin, AEMT-CC, Holly Hoffert, EMT-B and driver Mike Angona worked the 8pm to 8am shift, using SJRS equipment, which includes four-wheel drive ambulances for the area's severe conditions and rural roads.

 

ROUTE 12E SERIOUS MVA

 

 

A driver lost control of this minivan on Rt. 12E and slammed into the utility pole at right. TIERS Paramedic Glenn Morrison, EMTs Dan Lowe and Holly Hoffert and Explorer DJ Hoffert responded with Clayton and LaFargeville fire departments to extricate, treat and transport her to SMC.

 

TIERS UTILITY 2 IS HERE!!

 

 

As of Thursday, January 4, the long job of getting an ATV to pull our rescue trailer is over with the delivery of a Kawasaki Brute Force™ 650. With 1,250 pounds of towing capacity, the Aztec Red 4-cycle V-twin has all the get-up-and-go we need to be up and gone! CLICK HERE to get more info!

 

EMT CLASS STARTS AT TIERS

 

 

The Jefferson County-sponsored EMT class has begun at  TIERS Training Academy  with a record 29 students. The class meets Monday and Wednesday nights Rolly Churchill, AEMT-P is the instructor.

 

CHRISTMAS PARTY '06!

 

 

TIERS staff, volunteers, board members, friends, family and guests gathered at the LaFargeville American Legion for the annual Christmas dinner and TIERS Membership Award ceremony.

Linda Cooper beams in more ways than one (bottom right), as she models the highly-reflective Blauer coats awarded to her, Ron Mayer, Jim Traufler and Liza Orvis for 2,000 volunteer hours and 3 years of service to TIERS.

Mike Angona and George Martin were awarded their 500 Hour pins, while Mike also received recognition for 1,000 hours along with Polly and Bud Baril and Steve Abel. Many others received gas cards based on their hours of service.

 

TIERS EXPANDS TRAINING CAPABILITIES

 

 

Thousand Islands EMS Training Academy is now a Certified Designated Educational Center through the Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI), and will be able to offer courses for TIERS personnel and the community such as CPR, use of the Automated External Defibrilator (AED), Basic and Advanced First Aid, as well as specialty medical classes for rescue personnel, advanced medical field providers and hospital personnel. Among other things, EMT's can now become CPR instructors more easily.

Want to be an ECSI Instructor? Contact Rolly  to find out how.

 
The Amish that have moved into the TIERS coverage area, joining Amish in St. Lawrence and Lewis counties, are as different from us as they can be. Click on the picture for an article that explains who they are and why they do what they do.  

 

 

Thousand Island Foundation Presents Grant To TIERS
 

 

Gananoque – Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS) received a grant from the Thousand Islands Association on Saturday July 19, 2006 at the associations annual breakfast held at the Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque.Jean Heady, TIERS Chairperson of the TIERS Board of Directors, and Board member Paul Moore accepted the first check from Trisia Tague, Vice President of the Thousand Islands Association. 

 

 

 
Seven TIERS volunteers responded to the Broome County Emergency Operations Center  in June of '06 to help Binghampton-area ambulance crews--many of whom had been stranded or lost property to the worst floods there since the 1930s --get some much needed rest. Click on the photo at left for the entire story and more pictures.

 

TIERS at Antique Boat Museum Event
Saturday, June 10th, Clayton's Antique Boat Museum had free admission from noon to 4 pm for Family Miracle Day, part of the Children's Miracle Network celebration. TIERS was be at the event with 43-REHAB-1, explaining the purpose of the MSU and showing off and explaining the items furnished to us by the Children's Miracle Network--the Broselow Peds bags and the Pediatric Extrication Boards.

 

Sending The 3-71 A Touch Of Home!
Lei Smith, wife of 3-71 SSG. Jay Smith, models the T-shirt that will be sent to Afghanistan. Lei helped get as many 3-71 wives as possible to sign the shirts so they could be sent overseas. She and her children joined us for the Family Fun Day at the Antique Boat Museum.

 

AIR HELPS BOOST EMS LIFTING POWER
Joe Bishop, President of Tactical, Inc. at TIERS on June 9 demonstrating the Tactical PT750 SCBA-powered self-lifting stretcher. www.mytactical.com The president of Tactical, Inc. made a stop in Clayton last Friday to demonstrate the new Tactical PT750 Air Cot, which uses compressed air from an on-board self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), bottle to raise and lower the wheels in as little as 2 seconds,  lifting a 350 to 400 pound load unassisted using a full SCBA. The ambulance crew provides some lifting assistance for loads over 400 pounds up to 750 pounds.  

 

 

TIERS at Antique Boat Museum Event
  Saturday, June 10th, Clayton's Antique Boat Museum had free admission from noon to 4 pm for Family Miracle Day, part of the Children's Miracle Network celebration. TIERS was be at the event with 43-REHAB-1, explaining the purpose of the MSU and showing off and explaining the items furnished to us by the Children's Miracle Network--the Broselow Peds bags and the Pediatric Extrication Boards.

 

Salmon Run Mall Display

 

 

As part of EMS Recognition Week, TIERS volunteers made  reflective address signs on the spot and answered shoppers' questions about what we do and how we do it. Pictured l. to r. are Larry Girard, Board Member and AEMT-CC, TIERS Director Rolly Churchill, AEMT-P, Steve Coughlin, AEMT-I, and Steve Abel, EMT-B.   

 

EMS WEEK CHILLY CHILI SALUTE
 

 

Despite a cold drizzle, Rolly cooked up his famous chili  to salute TIERS volunteers. We were also honored to be joined by, and thanked by, Clayton Mayor Dale Kenyon and Trustee Norma Zimmer.

 

Poker Run Fundraiser Boosts Fund

 

 

TIERS volunteers served food and drink to hungry ATV riders as the Clayton stop on the Lodge ATV Club Poker Run on Saturday, May 13. The threat of rain (never happened. Thanks, weather- people), kept registration to about 280, but the TIERS ATV Fund grew by $238.00 after expenses. Thanks to all the volunteers, especially Vicky Churchill for getting much of the food donated. This is an important fundraiser and a fun time. See you in the Fall?

 

Thank You!
 

 

On  Saturday, May 6, TIERS sold out of our first ever pulled pork dinner to benefit our ATV Fund Drive. Thanks to all of our volunteer cooks and servers, add to everyone who supported us!  

 Click here for more pictures!

 

Thanks, ATV'ers!
 

TIERS Director Rolly Churchill accepts a check from Rhonda Kilmer, Secretary of the Lodge ATV Club of Clayton for $250 to go toward the purchase of our ATV for the Rescue Trailer. Also pictured is LATVC Vice President Fran Haas and President Diana Hamson. TIERS will be serving food and drink as a stop on the LATVC Poker Run on May 13, with proceeds also going to the ATV fund.

Jim Traufler Honored by New York State Elks, Jefferson County

Long-time TIERS volunteer Jim Traufler, EMT-B Class of '05, was honored at the Watertown Elks Club's first Volunteer Recognition Dinner Saturday night, February 25.

Elks Exalted Ruler Dave Bonney contacted TIERS Director Rolly Churchill about selecting a recipient for the award and "it only took about one second for us to pick an individual to be recognized from our organization. Jim certainly meets the criteria for  recognition even if he feels he is not deserving," said Churchill.

A retired U.S. Army military policeman, Jim has volunteered thousands of hours as a TIERS driver, Certified First Responder and Emergency Medical Technician--all the time while undergoing  kidney dialysis. He and his wife Chong live just outside Clayton; son William is a college student, and both joined Jim, Rolly, Vicki and Carley Churchill and Pat Patchen at the dinner.

Click here for complete story, more photos, and Rolly's tribute

< Jim with New York State Elks President Tim Kelly and Jefferson County Fire and Emergency Director Greg Brunelle, who also presented a Certificate of Appreciation from Jefferson County Sheriff John Burns.
 

Army Battlefield Medics Trained At Thousand Islands EMS Training Academy

PFC Moises E Cerezo of Fort Drum's 371st Calvary, Charlie Company, practices inserting an endotracheal airway in a training mannequin at TIERS' Thousand Islands EMS Training Academy. TIERS Paramedic Duane Petrie works with Pvt. Cerezo on IV administration.

Cerezo’s Medical Unit trained at TIERS as a part of the Jefferson Community College National Registry EMT-Intermediate class.

Because Army battlefield medics are trained in advanced procedures like inserting chest tubes, doing cricothyrotomies and  administering drugs, their training falls most closely to the National Registry Intermediate certifica- tion, which also allows their certificatations to travel with them within the U.S. as soldiers move to new assignments.

 The  371st Calvary deployed to Afghanistan in February and has been adopted by TIERS through the Adopt-A-Unit program.

 
 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
TIERS staff and volunteers, TIERS board members, representatives from area fire departments, village and town officials and guests joined to celebrate the holidays and another year of growth for TIERS at the LaFargeville American Legion on Saturday, December 3rd. Service Awards were presented to several members who had accumulated over 500 volunteer hours and provided other service to TIERS

 
 

TIERS AWARDED NEW AED

Jennifer Jordan, AEMT-P, North Country Emergency Medical Services Program Agency Clinical Coordinator, Canton, presents Rolly Churchill, Director of Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Service with a HeartStart Automatic External Defibrillator on November 9, 2005.

TIERS received the defibrillator through a grant with NYS Department of Health. The EMS Program Agency administered the grant for the Department of Health.

“The defibrillator will be placed on one of our ambulances for our Basic Life Support providers” said Churchill. "This is a excellent state-of-the-art piece of equipment for our Emergency Medical Technicians. It will also be an integral part of our training programs.”

 

New 43-9-2 Dedicated For Service
The Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS), took delivery of a new 2005 McCoy Miller ambulance purchased through Eastern Response Vehicles, East Syracuse NY. It was placed in service on October 19, 2005 by (from left) Paul Moore, TIERS Board of Directors member, Kathy LaClair, Jefferson County Legislator, Bob Cantwell, Town of Clayton Supervisor, Debbie Sephton, Village of Clayton Mayor, Donna Chatterton, Town of Orleans Supervisor and Rolly Churchill, TIERS Operations Director. The new ambulance replaces a 12-year-old ambulance that developed engine problems.

TIERS, LVFD and Crowley Personnel Train For Emergency Rescues

 

LAFARGEVILLE - Thousands Island Emergency Rescue Service, LaFargeville Volunteer Fire Department and Crowley Foods employees participated in a training exercise in Confined Space Rescue at Crowley’s on Thursday October 20, 2005.

“On a yearly basis we have training and an exercise with TIERS and the LaFargeville Fire Department.,” said John Timmerman, Crowley’s Safety Officer. “These drills ensure our employees and rescue teams are continually familiar with procedures, equipment, and potential hazards in the event of an emergency.” 

A simulated victim was placed in a large tank and extricated by the rescue team, using confined space procedures and safeguards while stabilizing the patient and preventing aggravation of injuries.

The exercise is designed to simulate the conditions and the type of emergencies possible in the Crowley facility.

 

Thousand Islands EMS Training Academy Has New Affiliation
The Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS) has established a training affiliation with the Emergency Care and Safety Institute located in Sudbury, Massachusetts. The Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI) is a national Training Center accredited by the American Academy of Emergency Care and Safety Institute LogoOrthopedic Surgeons and the American College of Emergency Physicians. Thousand Islands EMS Training Academy, within TIERS, is now a certified training site for ECSI and will be able to offer courses for the community such as CPR and Advanced First Aid, and other specialty medical classes for rescue personnel, advanced medical field providers and hospital personnel.

"This is a great boost for our training capabilities in the North Country." says Rolly Churchill the Director of TIERS. "The ability to bring this caliber of classes to our region can be beneficial to the general public and to our allied medical professionals. Our goal will be to certify TIERS EMT’s and Paramedics as ECSI instructors and offer the classes as soon as possible." Says Churchill.

TIERS is also a regional training site for the National Safety Council and holds NYS Emergency Medical Technician and Certified First Responder classes through Jefferson County EMS.
 

TIERS a stop on the Lodge ATV Club Poker Run
Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS) was a stop on the Lodge ATV Club Poker Run Saturday September 24, 2005. TIERS donated two first aid kits to the Lodge ATV Club that will be gifts for a few winners in the run. Over 250 riders participated in the day long ride that started in Clayton went to Theresa and returned to Clayton. TIERS did a fundraiser at the same time by serving coffee, doughnuts, hamburgers and hotdogs to the riders. All of the donations and funds will go for the purchase of an ATV for TIERS.

 

Deed Signed for New Station Property

Signing the Deed Jean Heady, Chairperson of Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service, Inc (TIERS), looks on as Henry LaClair, Town of Clayton Zoning Officer, and wife Kathy LaClair, Jefferson County Legislator, sign the deed to the property they have donated to TIERS for the construction of a new station. The property is situated on the corner of County Route 181 and County Route 10 in the Town of Clayton.

EMT Class Completed

Class of 2005 Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services sponsored an Emergency Medical Technician class that began January 10, 2005. The EMT class was held at TIERS EMS Training Academy and was instructed by Rolly Churchill, Director of Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service. The class composed of various fire departments and EMS agencies tested May 19, 2005 and will become NYS certified in June of 2005.

Medical Support Unit Placed In Service

MSU TIERS has placed its Medical Support Unit (MSU), radio ID 43-7-1, into service as of June 1, 2005. The MSU has equipment on board for mass casualty incidents (MCIs), firefighter and EMS rehab operations, and EMS command capabilities. The MSU was an older ambulance that was gifted to TIERS from the LaFargeville Fire Department in 2002.

Town, Village Highway Personnel Train at TIERS

HazMat Class Town and Village of Clayton roads crews attended a forty-hour Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response Course held at the newly refurbished TIERS EMS Training Academy at 100 Union St. in Clayton.
Steve Campbell of Lu Engineering, Pennville NY, was the instructor of the OSHA required program. Personnel received certification on completion of the class.

Rescue Trailer Donated

Rescue Trailer The Rivergate Wheelers ATV Club of Clayton purchased an ATV/snowmobile rescue trailer and donated it to the Clayton Fire Department and TIERS. The rescue trailer was provided by Nichols Trailers of Farmington, ME. The president of Nichols Trailers personally delivered the rescue trailer to the Clayton Fire Department where it was demonstrated to representatives of area fire departments and rescue services.

Gill Reed, president of Nichols Trailers, described the capabilities of the trailer to an crowd of onlookers at the Clayton Fire Department. The rescue trailer is all steel construction, and triple painted to prevent corrosion. The chassis carries a 10-year warranty. There is an integral steel splash shield to protect the patient during transport. High speed hubs are mated to twin axles using four tires and quad leaf springs for a smooth ride off road. It is sized to be towed by either an ATV or snowmobile down groomed trails.

The Rescue Trailer is designed primarily for use on ATV and snowmobile trails that criss-cross the area, but can also be used for rescues on remote areas of farms, on cross-country ski trails, or of hunters would may be injured in deep woods. The Rescue Trailer would be towed by a car or truck to a staging area, then hooked to either an ATV or a snowmobile, transported to the incident scene with medical personnel on board, then transport the patient to a waiting ambulance.

The Rescue Trailer carries a complement of emergency medical equipment, extrication equipment, emergency oxygen, a cardiac monitor/defibrillator, and a full-size padded patient stretcher. There is also room on board for more equipment to be taken from the responding ambulance.

The secondary use of the Rescue Trailer is for an outside event with a large crowd, like Clayton's fireworks display, Cape Vincent’s French Festival or the Alexandria Bay Pirates Weekend. The trailer has also been used at the Jefferson County Fair. Here the rescue trailer would be towed by an ATV --on lawns or on sidewalks if needed--to reach a downed person much more quickly than a full-sized vehicle could be safely moved through a crowded street. The patient is stabilized, then loaded onto a stretcher and taken to a waiting ambulance for further treatment and transport to a hospital.

The trailer can also be used for emergency medical response in case of a major blizzard or other weather disaster where roads may be impassable, especially rural roads.

Rescue Trailer Interior

TIERS Acquires New Home

TIERS Station TIERS is currently working out of the former Wingraths Lumber at 100 Union Street, Clayton, NY. The squad moved into the building in November, 2003. The building required extensive work to turn it into a usable facility. Volunteers created offices, living and kitchen areas, and a classroom in less than one month.



Crowley Donates Bikes to TIERS

The Crowley Foods plant in LaFargeville has donated two bicycles to form the core of the new TIERS EMS Bike Team. “We are now adding a bike team for large events in our coverage area, to readily move in crowds. We still have an ambulance standby at these large events. Our first bike patrol was during the fireworks in Clayton on July 5. We then assisted Cape Vincent during the French Festival. During these events our members used their own bikes.”
     “Crowley Foods is always eager to help the community. When TIERS decided to obtain its own bikes, I called and asked if they would be interested in donating mountain bikes. The next day John Timmerman, who is head of the Employee Team Group, called back and said they would donate two bikes. A third bike was donated by Linda and Jim Cantwell. Linda had won the bike as an employee of Crowley’s.”
     “It’s things like this which show the importance of local businesses such as Crowley. They are always willing to help with programs for the children in the community, benefits, church events, and school events. These gestures are greatly appreciated by everyone. On behalf of TIERS, we would like to thank Milt Cutway, division manager; Tony Wahl, plant manager; and John Timmerman, head of the employee team”, says Chatterton

EMS Bike Team Formed

 TIERS Bike TeamThousand Island Emergency Rescue Service established an EMS Bike Team to respond to any emergencies during the fireworks in Clayton on the evening of July 5th.

     “In crowded conditions such as State and County Fairs, festivals, rock concerts or other public gatherings which makes egress to an injury or illness by an ambulance a slower process, the bike team can quickly ride to the scene and begin treatment while an ambulance is enroute.” states TIERS Director Rolly Churchill. “The concept of bike teams has been used in other areas for many years. Vital first aid and first line medical equipment is mounted on the bikes and the patient is stabilized as the ambulance is responding.” says Churchill.

     “The Clayton event was a great practice run for us. We have plans to assist in Cape Vincent during the French Festival and during the Antique Boat Show on the first weekend of August. I am proud of the participation of our volunteer Medics and the Explorer Post with the Bike Team. This is great for our organization and for our communities to have services like this available” states Churchill.

Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Service’s July 5th Bike Team consisted of (left to right) Explorer Carley Churchill, AEMT-CC Larry Girard, and Explorer Sarah Thompson.
 

TIERS Offers Training Academy to Agencies, Public

Clayton – Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Service announces several training courses to be held for medical professionals and the public. TIERS Director Rolly Churchill has already taught a Community CPR and AED program to residents on Murray Island. “The Murray Island CPR/AED class was the first class which established our TIERS Training Academy. Emergency medical training is an everyday event with our membership orientation process,” states Churchill. “We now can begin bringing similar classes to the public, businesses, medical professionals, or local fire departments on a regularly-scheduled basis.”
     As an affiliate with American Heart Association, National Safety Council, Jefferson County EMS, and Jefferson Community College, Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Service can bring more safety, wellness, and emergency-related training to the River and outlying communities.

Training at Clayton Pool TIERS Paramedic Joe Bova demonstrates spinal
immobilization techniques at Clayton
Recreation Park Pool to Lifeguards
and TIERS personnel.

The TIERS Training Academy will hold classes at the TIERS station at 100 Union Street or at other locations accordingly. Classes will be posted and announced well in advance. Participants are required to pre-register for all courses at least 10 days prior. Costs vary from course to course depending on content and the training level. All CPR courses will include a textbook and a protective pocket mask.


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