Thousand Islands Rescue
News Archive
KING AIRWAYS
READY FOR USE AT TIERS THANKS TO RIVER HOSPITAL'S GIFT
A grant
to River Hospital from the New York State Department of Health to
sponsor area providers in current trauma specialties is resulting in
TIERS receiving King Airways to be utilized by our ALS personnel
beginning in mid-February.
The River
Hospital gift totals about $1600.00 worth of equipment for TIERS;
North County EMS has advocated a secondary airway to be placed on
ambulances since 2007, but the cost of implementation has been issue
for TIERS.
What
is the King Airway? Click
Here
For Complete Information
Initially, only Paramedics will be able to use the King Airway to be
followed soon by Critical Care (also called AEMT-CC or Level 3),
personnel after required training is completed. TIERS Executive
Director Rolly Churchill is hopeful that Intermediate, then Basic EMTs
will be allowed to utilize the King Airway as well. "Larger agencies
with advanced providers have many more options for airway management,
but if basic EMTs are able to use something beyond an OPA, there are
many lives that can be saved in places like the Adirondacks where
advanced help may be impossible to get, especially in winter weather,"
he said.
Cynthia Nelson, River Hospital Administrative
Specialist,
presents King
Airway equipment worth $1,600 to TIERS Executive Director Rolly
Churchill while Dana Stenhouse, Pam Jones, Chancy Law and TIERS
Director of Operations Glenn Morrison look on.
The
hospital also presented the Alexandria Bay Volunteer Rescue Squad with
an Extremity Vacuum Splint Kit, which is a new standard of care and
highly effective in patient injury immobilization.
Second Annual
Training Day
The Rural Hospital Flexibility Program grant also
allowed River Hospital to
host a
second annual training day last September 29 at the Fort Drum
Simulation Center. Attendees from TIERS and other area agencies used
the opportunity to interact with each other and with military medics
and practice a variety of skill training, hands-on practical
applications and demonstrations of care under fire, tactical field
care, and casualty evacuation in the simulation labs provided by Fort
Drum’s MSTC trainers and staff.
Simulation Lab: Nicole Goodale, Pam Jones, Sarah Lehman and Ryan
Robinson practice casualty evacuation through a waterway.
Complete Training Day Information
Here
SNOW OR NO SNOW...
The TIERS Annual holiday party and awards presentation party at
O'Brien's went flawlessly due to the planning of Polly Jobson and
Donna Chatterton (who is retiring as Orleans Town Supervisor but
will keep on working for TIERS), and the O'Brien's staff.
Operations
Director Glenn Morrison announced that our yearly call volume was
approaching an all-time level and yet TIERS only failed to respond
to one call throughout the year. Special note
was made of two August calls: the early-morning Reese Road one-car
accident which sent one patient to Syracuse by helicopter, and the
TIERS response to a boat crash with six patients in the pitch-dark
St. Lawrence River.
A moment of silence was observed for longtime TIERS Board Of
Directors member and local EMS pioneer Brad Eves who passed away
in September.
Awards this year went to Bob Oliver for accruing 500 hours of
service (much of it doing carpentry work for this year's
renovations), Jerimiah Stevens for 3,000 hours, and Ron Mayer for
working an astonishing 7,000 hours for TIERS (that's 175 40-hour
weeks!), and for Five Year's Service: Deb Oliver, Mike Bennett,
Keith Anderson, Chancy Law and Glenn Morrison. Ryan Robinson,
NREMT, was recognized at 2011's Rookie of the Year for his
numerous contributions to TIERS.
Special Above and Beyond awards were presented by Executive
Director Rolly Churchill to Mike Bennett, Pam Jones and Board of
Directors member and carpenter Bob Oliver (pictured above, in
order). Paramedics Glenn Morrison and Chancy Law were awarded
TIERS' EMS Excellence Awards for cardiac arrest saves and spoke
about what it meant to them to directly and immediately save two
lives.
This year's TIERS coats were awarded to TIERS members Derrick
Kolb, Stephanie Rho, Rod Kester, Keith Anderson and Mary Elizabeth
Lopresti.
A Christmas Message
Wow--what a year we have had! Operationally, we have once again
broken call volume records each and every month compared to last
year and set all time records for responses in July and August of
2011. You have endured, persevered, and have without question
saved lives. For those of you who have healed - you are to be
commended.
It is very important for me to acknowledge to our Board of
Directors, our staff and volunteers that I am extremely proud of
each and every one of you. The communities within Orleans and
Clayton can rest assured that their local ambulance service is
working very hard, day and night, at being the best it can be and
that we are up to the task time and time again.
ALL OF YOU are responsible for making TIERS a great organization
and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year!
Rolly
BALD ROCK ROAD
CRASH INJURES 5
Crews from TIERS, Guilfoyle Ambulance, Clayton and Depauville fire
departments, MercyFlight and Onondaga County Air 1 helicopters had
their hands full just before 2 am with a one-car accident on Bald
Rock Road near Clayton.
THANK YOU NEWZJUNKY FOR USE OF THIS MATERIAL
LUCAS,
The CPR "Robot" Of Tomorrow Is Here Today
Frank Pirino of Physio-Control
visited TIERS on Sept. 29 to demonstrate the LUCAS Chest
Compression System. In use since 2003 and in the U.S. since 2008,
the LUCAS device does 100 controlled-depth compressions per minute
and ensures full chest recoil by actually lifting the chest
surface by a built-in vacuum. The LUCAS can be set to either 30
compressions--then a pause for two respirations--or for continuous
operation with an advanced airway in place.
Unbelievably simple to apply
and operate, the system will work for up to 45 minutes on battery
power, continues to work during patient moves and lets providers
concentrate on treatments while keeping them safely seated during
transport. It can also be powered by inverter or wall-plug power
with the included adapter/charger. South Jefferson Rescue Squad is
the first Jefferson County EMS agency to purchase LUCAS.
Follow this link for more
information: More info here
TIERS BOARD MEMBER BRAD EVES DIES
Long Active in Local Fire, EMS; Helped Begin
STAR Team
CAPE VINCENT, N.Y.
—
Braden Wells Eves, 62, Route 12E, died Thursday, Sept. 22, at his home
under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.
Born
July 7, 1949, in Watertown, a son of William Braden Eves and Thelma Mattis Eves,
he graduated from Copenhagen Central School. He received a degree in Respiratory
Therapy from Onondaga Community College.
He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged.
Brad was a manager of Respiratory Care at Mercy Hospital, Samaritan Medical
Center, and Lincare. He most recently held the position of COPD coordinator with
the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization.
After 10 years together, he married Judy Hunter on July 3, 2003.
He was active in Respiratory Care, serving on both chapter and state boards. He
was very proud of the work he did to help achieve the passage of licensure for
New York State. Brad was also an active volunteer in Fire and EMS. He was an
active member of Felts Mills Fire Department and Black River Ambulance Squad and
was an EMS instructor at both the local and state level. He most recently served
on the Board of Directors of Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Squad (TIERS).
Brad was also one of the founding members of the Jefferson County Special
Tactics and Rescue (STAR) Team.
Brad enjoyed any activity that involved the outdoors including hunting, boating,
motorcycling, and camping, all of which included spending time with family and
friends.
Surviving are his wife Judy, Cape Vincent; a son, Mark B. Eves, Blacksburg Va.;
a daughter, Pamela L. Eves, Watertown; a stepdaughter, Amanda M. Keller,
Watertown; a stepson Kevin R. Keller, Watertown; a sister Rena L. Eves,
Watertown; 4 grandsons and an extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Both of his parents and a brother, William Dexter Eves, all died before him.
The funeral will be 7 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 27, at
Frederick Bros. Funeral Home in Theresa with Rev. William H. Otis officiating.
Calling hours are from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday prior to the funeral.
Burial will take place next spring at the Omar Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Thousand Island Emergency
Rescue Squad, PO Box 524, 100 Union St, Clayton, NY 13624.
TIERS RESPONDS TO RIVER BOAT CRASH IN DARKNESS
A
spokesperson for the New York State Parks Police said six people
were injured early Sunday morning when their pleasure craft struck
a shoal north of Governors Island in the St. Lawrence River. Peter
Brancato said the 23-foot boat was traveling between 25 and 35
miles per hour when the accident occurred at approximately 12:30
a.m.
He said the male
operator of the boat suffered neck and internal injuries, was rushed
to Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown and then transported by
ambulance to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse while a female
passenger with similar injuries was flown to Upstate, two other people
were taken to SMC for non-life threatening injuries and another two
passengers suffered minor injuries, Brancato said.
Glenn Morrison,
Director of Operations for the Thousand Islands Rescue Squad, said
paramedics responded to the accident, but initially had difficulty
finding the scene. He said they arrived after spotting a flare.
(TIERS counts on the Clayton Volunteer Fire
Department for water transportation; follow this
link) (This
link is about training for
water rescues)
"There were six
victims out there - some of the them, to be honest with you, piled on
top of each other so it really takes a few minutes to sort out what
you have, what type of injuries you have," said Morrison.
He said three
people suffered spinal fractures and another had cuts, bruises and
possibly a broken bone.
"When you realize
that there are three patients involved with spinal fractures, you have
to realize that the mechanism of injury, the impact, had to be
significant and severe," said Morrison.
He said two other
passengers refused treatment.
OUR THANKS TO
WWNY-TV7 FOR OUR USE OF THIS STORY
HERE'S
SOMETHING
YOU DON'T SEE EVERYDAY...
Amish drywall finishers are hard at work finishing
up the new living quarters for our JCC Paramedic Scholarship
winner (see story below). They get to work just like most of us
do, just with a different type of "horsepower".
WHEELED COACH #2
IS IN CLAYTON...
...and
we'll post new pictures with TIERS markings soon as we can!
OUT OF THE
BLUE!
With the paint
barely dry on our first Type I ambulance, very suddenly TIERS
is home to another one! On the heavier Dodge 4500 chassis, this Wheeled Coach rig has air rear suspension which can
lower the back end for much easier patient loading and gives a
softer ride for patients and crew. Click on these pics for
larger versions.
TIERS, SJR, FDRHPO START JCC PARAMEDIC
STUDENT “BUNK-IN”
PROGRAM
To help address the
shortage of trained emergency workers in Northern NY, the Fort Drum
Regional Health Planning Organization, TIERS and South Jefferson
Rescue Squad, Inc. are investing in Jefferson Community College
Paramedic Program students with the establishment of a “bunk-in”
program which will offer JCC student paramedics a scholarship and free
room and board for working on-call ambulance hours each week.
The students will have designated preceptors at each agency who will
be involved in their college studies to help them through graduation.
TIERS and SJR each
received $10,000 in grant funding as a result of a year-long planning
partnership between the FDRHPO EMS Committee and Recruitment,
Retention and Education Project. “Our region’s ambulance squads are
there to provide care when we need it and, as a region, we need to
ensure they have the resources to continue and grow”, stated Denise
Young, FDRHPO Executive Director.
The program was fashioned
after programs that let career firefighter students live rent-free at
fire stations in return for their service to the department and is
believed to be the second ambulance bunk-in program in upstate New
York. The student will become a volunteer member of TIERS and the
program would last eighteen months. During the program duration, the
student will be working with, and benefiting from, on-the-job
experience and training by TIERS career Paramedics and administrative
staff as well as other members of the organization.
A portion of the grant
money was used to build and furnish a bedroom and updated living
facilities at TIERS. The student who enters the program will get
a dorm-style room with a bed, dresser, desk, refrigerator and free
laptop computer, access to kitchen facilities and the amenities that
other members of TIERS currently receive. In lieu of paying rent, he
or she will be required to commit to a minimal amount of on-call
duty each week.
“Having students live right
in the emergency medical services environment will make their college
studies much more meaningful and their professional development easier
and more complete” said TIERS Executive Director Roland (Rolly)
Churchill, who added that getting students working in north country
emergency services will increase the chances of them staying here
after graduation."
http://www.fdrhpo.org/
"Mark's Law"
Would Make First Responder Killings Murder 1 in New York State
A bill introduced in the state legislature by Senator
Patty Ritchie would elevate the murder of an on-duty medical or
fire first responder to Murder in the First Degree with
mandatory life sentence.
Named after Mark Davis, the TIERS volunteer EMT who was shot to death while responding with Cape Vincent Fire
Department's ambulance in 2009, the new law would make convictions
of people who murder first responders and firefighters the same as for
anyone who kills a police, corrections or
peace officer or court official.
Sen. Ritchie has an online petition
on her website (http://www.ritchie.nysenate.gov/)
for people to help her get the bill passed.
BUSY MEDIA DAY AT TIERS:
During the heat wave, we were visited by both local TV stations
and a Watertown Daily Times photographer in one
afternoon.
TIERS
STARTING WHEELCHAIR VAN SERVICE
The wheelchair van formerly used by River Hospital to
transport patients to and from their homes to attend River’s
elderly day care program was donated to TIERS and--after final
state certification--will begin transporting persons to and
from medical appointments
in August.
“This is a vital service for the residents in the River
District and it fits perfectly into our mission to provide
medical transportation, but now we can help non-emergency
medical patients as well,” said Rolly Churchill, TIERS
Executive Director. “We certainly thank River Hospital for
this generous gift.”
TIERS also has a separate telephone number specifically to arrange
wheelchair van service: 686-4333.
Hiring Drivers: Click
here for info
|
Glenn:
Please pass along to your crews
who responded to Stone Mills yesterday a big thank you from my dad
and our family. He spoke very highly of those who cared for him
including you even though you did use the "big old old square
needles". He was released late afternoon with only a couple
cracked ribs and some bruises. He said today he feels like he got
run over with a Mack truck and I told him it wasn't a truck, just
a big old horse drawn wagon. According to a witness who did see
the incident, he was run over by the wagon across the shoulder and
was not stomped on by the horse. A couple inches more he would
have been killed.
Again, please pass along our sincere thank you and gratitude for
the professional treatment given my dad.
Dave |
This was from a call at Stone Mills.
Three patients were injured. All three were transported to SMC.
Two of our rigs transported ALS patients. I had the fly car and
arrived on scene first and began treatment on Mr. Xxxxx as the
Priority patient, (hence the "square needles"; 16 gauge needles
are rather large). Guilfoyle transported the BLS patient for us.
Glenn
Regional EMS awards honor
life-saving measures
By CRAIG FOX
TIMES STAFF WRITER
JULY 12, 2011
For the first time, ambulance
crews, firefighters and others in Jefferson County are getting
regional recognition for their heroics in saving lives.
Click
here for the rest of the story
Our thanks to the
Watertown Daily
Times for letting us post this article.
Congratulations to TIERS Paramedic Chancy
Law, brand-new Paramedic Tracie Mason, and TIERS "alumni"
Nicholas Pickett, Eric Hoffert, Holly Hoffert, and Jake
Hollis, and all of the other Excellence In Services
award honorees!
TIERS RESPONDS TO
AIRPLANE CRASH AND FIRE
May 11--A report of an airplane crash and fire resulted in enough uncertainty about the nature of the call
to scramble all three TIERS ambulances and the Medical Support
Unit. The twin-engine private plane apparently caught fire after a
hard landing at a private airstrip about 4 miles south of
Clayton. Clayton firemen were concerned about the plane's 100
gallons of high-octane aviation fuel, but the fire was quickly put
out with only one minor injury to the pilot. The last airplane crash in TIERS' area--an emergency landing gone wrong
near DeFerno Road--also resulted in only minor injuries.
3
STORIES STRAIGHT DOWN
WHY
IS THAT IMPORTANT?
12
FLOORS?
GET
IT YET?
NO?
TIERS JUNIOR PROGRAM SETS THE BAR FOR OTHERS NATIONWIDE
Executive Director Rolly Churchill has created a ready-to-use
resource for starting "junior EMS" member programs across the
country. Based on "junior firefighter" programs, the Junior
EMS Tool Kit shares material from the National Volunteer
Fire Council (juniors.nvfc.org) and from TIERS' eight years of
experience bringing young adults into EMS as a career choice.
"It’s
vital to attract people into the emergency services while they are
young so that they form lifelong connections, whether as active
responders or as active community supporters," the Tool Kit
states. "Junior EMS programs provide an opportunity to learn about EMS
and EMS agencies in a safe, controlled, educational, fun and exciting
way while providing agencies with an excellent recruitment
mechanism..."
In addition to NVCF's help, the North Country Regional EMS Council
(REMSCO), actively supported the creation of the tool kit and will
post it on its website (www.canton.edu/ncems/REMSCO.REMAC.htm), to
help other departments in the region. "This is an opportunity for
other non-profits to use our Junior Membership Program to replicate
our success," Churchill said.
The Junior EMS Tool Kit will also be
permanently available on the TIERS website in both
Word and
PDF
formats. "It's free for anyone to use and change names where needed
and print away," said Churchill, who added that agencies can call him
with any questions or for advice.
TIERS
AMBULANCES GROW LONGER?
No--but ongoing construction has made the garage shorter as
improvements to our personal spaces have progressed. An enlarged
laundry space, a new, nicer shower facility and additional
sleeping space have expanded all across the back of the two
vehicle bays.
43-9-3 Co-Stars In
TV Ads
People and
equipment from TIERS and several other Jefferson County EMS agencies
appear in two public service ads that are sponsored by the Fort Drum
Regional Health Planning Organization as part of an effort to increase
volunteerism.
As
part of FDRHPO's mission of helping strengthen local health care, it's
EMS Committee identified the difficulties in getting, training and
retaining EMS volunteers. The two ads airing on local stations urge
viewers to "Join The Tradition" of EMS. When you click on the
picture above to see the ads, take some time to read about the mission
and activities of the FDRHPO.
Scheduling times of emergencies has never
been an available option, and one busy weekend certainly proves
that. Starting Thursday evening, the calls for service began to
come in. At one point Friday evening, all three TIERS rigs
were on runs and all three were staffed at Paramedic Level.
This is a proud accomplishment for Thousands Islands Rescue, and
all the crews need to be commended for a job well done over the
weekend.
Also, I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to the
Clayton Fire
Department, who is always there at the drop of the
tones to provide us with lifting assistance and a driver whenever
we call. They stepped up to the plate once again to
help us through the peak rush. Thanks, folks, for the help--the
partnership is ever-growing and strong between the agencies. Hats
off to all!!!!!!!!!!
Glenn
TRAGIC FIRE STRIKES
TIERS FAMILY
Debbie, husband Dan, son Travis and Cassidy Davis
are all in our thoughts
after a fire devastated their huge dairy barn east of LaFargeville,
killing over 140 cattle. Deb and Cassidy are frequently seen at TIERS
and are important contributors to our mission, Deb as a long-time
volunteer and trusted employee and Cassidy as first a Junior Member
and now a full volunteer. The family has owned
their farm for 11 years.
Severe Weather Planning Tips
TIERS GOES
BLUE
FOR
SAFETY
Tradition is a big part of emergency
services, so native New Yorkers were surprised when rear-facing blue
emergency lights began appearing on police, then fire, then EMS
vehicles over the last few years. Different light colors show up
better under specific light and weather conditions (see
here
and
here), with blue having more nighttime and fog/snow visibility.
“Blue travels farther—it's better seen almost five-fold over any other
color”, says TIERS Executive Director Rolly
Churchill. Blue is also different from the colors commonly used on
motor vehicles.
TIERS' recent addition of one blue light on
the rear of our ambulances gives us the best four best warning colors
on each vehicle: red, white, amber and blue. And,
the newly-enacted Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act mandates a
hefty fine and driver's license points for failing to slow down and/or
move over when a
pproaching and passing a parked police, fire or EMS
vehicle with flashing emergency lights (on multiple-lane roads such as interstates and controlled-access highways, drivers also must move out of the lane immediately next to the emergency vehicle unless traffic or hazards prevent them from doing so safely).
Regulations that mandate emergency responders' use of bright,
reflective safety vests when working on roadways (click
here), add yet another layer of safety
to one of the most dangerous parts of our job.
January 31, 2009
Mark's
Memorial Pages Here "GAME ON!"
NEW LAW MAKES US SAFER ON CALLS
As of New Year’s Day 2011, drivers in New York State could be fined up to $275, plus surcharges, and get two points on their driver’s licenses if they fail to reduce speed or move over on roadways on which an authorized emergency vehicle is parked, stopped or standing with its emergency lights turned on.
On multiple-lane roads such as parkways, interstates and controlled-access highways, drivers also must move out of the lane immediately next to the emergency vehicle unless traffic or hazards prevent them from doing so safely.
The
Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act is named for New York State Trooper Robert Ambrose and Onondaga County Deputy Sheriff Deputy Glenn Searles, who both died when their patrol vehicles were struck by motorists while parked on the side of highways. Nationwide, over 150 EMS, fire and police officers have been struck and killed by vehicles since 2000.
Don't Create Another
Carbon Monoxide Victim
Alarms Are Inexpensive and Required By Law
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION
VERY Pretty! But
What Is The Address????
Can emergency crews find your house at 2 am????
Are the numbers large and thick? Do they stand out from the background color? Are they easy to find? Are they or the background
reflective? Can they be seen from BOTH directions on the roadway? Are they high enough to be seen when there are snowbanks?
1. Click
HERE to find out more about the importance of your address'
visibility.
2. Click
HERE to see common problems with
addresses.
3. Then click
HERE to order your reflective address sign from TIERS!
Changing Of The Guard
TIERS' 2010 Annual Christmas Banquet was especially notable for two things: it was held at O'Brien's Restaurant in Clayton, and as the new Director of Operations, the job of leading the program fell to Glenn Morrison. Now-Executive Director Rolly Churchill did help hand out the annual awards and recognitions,introduce guests and went through the last year's challenges and successes including acquiring a new ambulance, a Lifepak 15 cardiac monitor, and EMSCharts electronic medical records system.
Glenn began the evening with a tribute to TIERS' first volunteer driver, Jim Traufler, who died earlier this year. Awards were handed out for the following: 500 Hours of Volunteer Service: Derrick Kolb, Jim Russell, Heather Jackson; 1,000 Hours: Tom Cotter, Ryan Lafex; 2,000 Hours: Jerimiah Stevens, Bud and Polly Baril, Steve Abel; 4,000 Hours: Ron Mayer and Pat Patchen; Five Years' Membership: George
Martin; Rookie of the Year: Rod Kester.
Outgoing Medical Director and Board of Directors member Dr. Harriet Burris, M.D, was presented the Service Excellence Award. In brief remarks, she said that she was still a strong TIERS supporter and needed more time to devote to her duties at River Hospital.
Guests were welcomed from area fire departments, South Jefferson Rescue Squad and the Jefferson County Office of Fire and Emergency Management.
SMC's NEW E.D.
Click here for a map, photos and more
It isn’t very often that a NASCAR driving
legend leans on your ambulance at the local race track and says hello. Well that is exactly what happened on August 15 at Chapman’s Can Am Speedway in
LaFargeville. Thousand Islands Rescue's Director and Paramedic Rolly Churchill and driver Kyle Rust got a few words with Tony and wished him luck in the upcoming race. "Smoke"
came in third.
RIVER HOSPITAL HELPS 3 AREA EMS AGENCIES
River Hospital, through a New York State Department of Health grant,
presented TIERS with a SKEDCO Basic Rescue System, designed for rescues in confined spaces and high angles with patient protection and security in mind. “This gift will allow TIERS
rescuers to do more training in technical and confined space rescues--like we might face at Crowley’s in LaFargeville--or silo extrications, or on Seaway ships--even if a victim has
to be lifted straight up,” said TIERS Director Rolly Churchill. The SKED kit will be stored on TIERS’ Medical Support Unit. (Please click HERE to see complete story, more photos, and a SKED in action)
Click To Go To Video Page!
LaFargeville
Central School's 8th graders learned that there's no better way to salute their
local firefighters and EMS workers than with a great supper! About 40 people
attended The Annual Emergency Services Appreciation Dinner hosted by the classes
of Miss
Bennett and Mrs. Baughn, complete
with original artwork presented to LVFD and TIERS. Superintendent Susan Whitney
and Principal Travis Hoover then led a tour of the new construction with
these
students being the first to get an official sneak peak of the new gym,
athletic training facilities and new auditorium.
THANK YOU all for a Great
Evening!
(Click HERE
for full-size pictures)
IS YOUR ADDRESS VISIBLE? Are the numbers
large and thick? Do they stand out from the background color? Are they
easy to find? Are they or the background reflective? Can they be seen from BOTH
directions on the roadway? Are they high enough to be seen when there are snowbanks?
1. Click
HERE to find out more about the importance of
your address' visibility.
2.
Click HERE to see common problems with addresses.
3.
Then click HERE to order
your reflective address sign from TIERS!
CFD
and TIERS Invite You To A River
Cruise On Thor's Hammer
Clayton
Fire Department and TIERS will host a hands–on training session designed for
Jefferson County fire departments and rescue squads who may be called on for
emergencies on large vessels navigating the St. Lawrence Seaway.
The drill will be held on Saturday November 6,
2010 at RJ Marine, 690 Riverside Drive in Clayton, and will begin at 8 am and
will end at approximately 4 pm. Lunch will be provided by Clayton Fire
Department.
The training
drill will be held on Thor’s Hammer, a 160-foot former U.S. Army landing
craft owned and operated by RJ Marine as a heavy transport and utility vessel
serving island homes and shoreline construction projects. Training will include
learning about marine vessel construction, below-deck mechanical systems, and
safety standards common on large vessels.
Scenarios
include extricating patients from the deep interior of the vessel and onto
awaiting fireboats and confined-space and high-angle rescue techniques
using the new SKED extrication
device that we just
received from
River Hospital (see article below).
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, 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 here for
information on the memorial
Click on thumbnails for larger image
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
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:
-
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.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or
mouth.
-
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
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) |
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... )
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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!
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NEW EMS DISPATCH PROTOCOL PUTTING
PRESSURE ON PROVIDERS
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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...
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TIERS Celebrates EMS WEEK 2007
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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|
 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
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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://www.NYSVARA.org on our Links page, and
they have a link to ours.
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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.
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ATV FUND DRIVE SUCCESSFUL!
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!
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CHARTER TIERS
MEMBER BILL TAYLOR DIES
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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.
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TIERS CREW GIVES SJR A
BREAK
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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.
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ROUTE 12E SERIOUS MVA
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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.
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TIERS
UTILITY 2 IS HERE!!
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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!
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EMT CLASS STARTS AT TIERS
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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.
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CHRISTMAS
PARTY
'06!
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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.
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TIERS EXPANDS TRAINING
CAPABILITIES
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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.
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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.
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Thousand Island
Foundation Presents Grant To TIERS
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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.
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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
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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!
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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
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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.
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TIERS at Antique Boat
Museum Event
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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
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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.
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EMS WEEK CHILLY CHILI SALUTE
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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.
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Poker Run
Fundraiser Boosts Fund
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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?
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Thank You!
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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!
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Thanks, ATV'ers!
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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
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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. |
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Army Battlefield Medics Trained At
Thousand Islands EMS Training Academy
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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.
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HAPPY
HOLIDAYS!!
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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 |
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TIERS AWARDED NEW AED
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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.”
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New 43-9-2
Dedicated For Service
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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
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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.
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Thousand Islands EMS Training Academy
Has New Affiliation
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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
Orthopedic
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.
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Deed Signed for New Station Property |
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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
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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 |
 |
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 |
 |
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
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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.
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TIERS Acquires New Home
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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
Thousand 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.
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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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