THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 22, 1996 TAG: 9605210131
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 09 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 70 lines
May 19-25 is National Emergency Medical Services Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the 750,000 EMS providers nationally and 2,500 EMS providers locally.
Most people don't think about them - the men and women who are always there to help in medical emergencies. They include dispatchers, the faceless voices available throughout the Tidewater region by dialing 911. They include the emergency medical technicians, career and volunteer, ready 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to treat and transport the sick and injured. They include the emergency nurses and physicians in hospital emergency departments who advise providers in the field and stand by to take over patient care.
These busy, committed professionals sometimes face life-threatening situations, and every day they make a difference in the lives of the people they help. Their quick action and training may even save a life.
Some people may remember the days when victims of medical emergencies did not receive much assistance other than transportation to a hospital. Federal, state and local governments, as well as many individuals in communities, have put in long and arduous hours to establish the EMS system that exists today to provide the best patient care possible.
Most people cannot do what EMS providers do, but the public can help make their jobs easier. Buckle your seat belt. Place your child in the appropriate safety seat for age and weight. Don't drink and drive. Install smoke alarms and make sure they work. Learn CPR and basic first aid. Be sure your house number is visible from the street.
Remember the members of the EMS team this week and take the opportunity to educate yourself about the outstanding gift they give your community through their services.
If you would like to become part of this team, just go to your local EMS agency and say, ``I want to be part of the team for life!''
Alan W. Rose
President
Windsor Volunteer Rescue Squad Inc.
Windsor Beta Club needs help
I am writing on behalf of the Windsor High School Beta Club in reference to the upcoming National Beta Convention.
The Beta Club is an organization composed completely of students who have received high academic marks in their completed course work. Each school in the area has the opportunity to allow its Beta Club to compete in various competitions and quiz bowls at different levels. Currently, the Windsor High School Beta Club ranks first in its district, first in its region and second at the state level.
We have been invited to participate at the National Beta Convention in St. Louis in June. This would be a wonderful learning experience for our growing teenagers. They would be competing academically with the best in the nation.
Unfortunately, we do not have the funds readily available to purchase the plane tickets or pay for lodging. We are working on limited time, and most fund-raisers available to us would not allow for the appropriate funds in such a short time span.
We are calling upon our community for support. We would appreciate any donations that can be made toward our effort. The total amount needed to send six students and a sponsor ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the plane fare. The earlier the reservation, the cheaper the rate
Please send donations to the address below by May 31:
Windsor High School
Attention: Patricia Cox, Beta Sponsor
24 Church St.
Windsor, Va. 23487.
Patricia Cox
Windsor High School by CNB