By Christi Budy

On May 19, Virginia Beach EMS received the American Heart Association 2017 Mission: Lifeline GOLD EMS Recognition Award at the Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC) state meeting in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Congratulations to the following individuals who were recognized at the 2017 EMS Awards in May:

Outstanding “Specialist/Support” Member of the Year: Tonya Baker

Certificates of Commendation: Travis Smith, Jack Kirschner

BLS Patient Care Provider of the Year: Amanda Stuffel

ALS Patient Care Provider of the Year: Christie Cifelli

Medal of Merit: Cathileen Watson

Congratulations to the following graduates of BLS Academy #19, who were recognized in a ceremony at the training center on June 8, 2017.

Sergio Adams

Caitlyn Allen

Emily Baynes

Rachel Berman

Rachel Bohs

The deadline to apply for a 2018 Foundation Grant is Oct. 2, 2017. The program, which financially assists the City’s volunteer rescue squad entities with operational improvements, distributed more than $100,000 in grant funds last year to five entities. To learn more and apply, click on “Grants & Scholarships” above.

During the month of June, 5 of all proceeds at Wasserhund Brewing were set aside for the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad. EMS volunteers were onsite throughout the month with ambulances and other displays and also hosted a variety of Saturday evening events. It was a fun way to raise more than $3,200 for VBVRS!

Congratulations! Between April 18 and July 6, 2017, the individuals below advanced to the following EMT certification level:

Senior

Cromwell, James

Flack, Rick

Ford, Ray

Lewis, Scott

Congratulations to the graduates of BLS Academy #18, who were recognized in a ceremony at the training center on April 5, 2017.

(listed alphabetically)

Alexis Atkinson

Daniel Billowitz

Taylor Branscomb

Janeza Calderon

Christopher Denfeld

Lacey Duke

Benjamin Hansen

Honey Hartleb

Alexis Harvey

James Horst

Carmen Jordan

Lena Kessler

Kristen Mabine

Kiana Noer

Mikayla Plansker

Kiel Powell

Elizabeth Rogers

Melissa Toupin

William Trembley

Kyle Valentine

Travon Whitehurst

Virginia Beach resident Traci Wagner was pregnant with her third child. Her first two children, both boys, had been delivered by induction and C-section, so she and her husband Nick were patiently awaiting another C-section scheduled for the following week… but this baby had different plans.

Twenty-seven year old Dr. Grace Coronel is from Guayaquil, Ecuador. She works on a cruise ship called the Silversea Galapagos as medical officer in charge, and she often vacations in Virginia Beach visiting her boyfriend and his family.

On a recent trip to our city, she wanted to further her experience in the field, and VBEMS gladly set her up on an observer ride with EMT Lynette Dimitry and Paramedic Susan Palmer.

On March 5th, the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad celebrated its 41st Annual Oyster Roast and Craft Beer Festival. More than 800 people turned out to support the squad at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, and a great time was had by all.