Naemsp West Virginia

23/10/2024

My continued tour of WV EMS agencies took me to Boone County yesterday. What a wonderful visit! I had the opportunity to visit with duty crews and work along side Chandler and Zach, two of the counties providers who are completing their Paramedic training. Bridge Valley’s program has provided them with an excellent education and prepared them well. They are both ready to go, I cannot wait to watch their new careers evolve.
My best to all with BCAA and their 911
Center. Thanks for your hospitality and kindness. It has been a long day, just getting home at 03:00 AM, but oh so worth it! They may not realize it, but as with all my visits thus far, I have learned so much from them, much more that I could possibly have taught them. Lessons that will help me make future improvements. My deepest respect to all and thank you for helping me continue to make progress! ❤️

07/09/2024

My deepest condolences to Cathy Sawyer-Shields, all of Dave’s family, and the many friends and colleagues Dave has touched through his decades of service. He was a skilled Paramedic, communicator, mentor, and friend to so many. Our thoughts are with his family and those who worked with and learned from him at WVU MEDCOM, Taylor County Emergency Squad, Valley VFD, and formerly Marion County Rescue Squad. The impact of Dave’s years of service to WV EMS and the communities he served is immeasurable. We at the WVU Division of Prehospital Medicine and the WV Office of Emergency Medical Service salute John David Shields, thank you and may you find the peace and rest that you have more than earned. Your contributions will be felt for years to come. Rest easy, my Friend. 😔

29/08/2024

Yesterday my West Virginia travels brought me back “HOME”! ❤️ The EMS gods were kind to me (just a few minor things) so I had a wonderful visit with the dedicated providers of Tucker County and some friends. ❤️❤️. Perhaps the most exciting part of the day was the folks at TCEMS showing me their new “BLS drug box”. I am so proud of what we have been able to do for such rural counties that predominantly run basic life support (BLS). Expanding their skills allowing them to better care for patients experiencing more serious conditions can truly be life saving. To the rural EMS providers of WV, thanks for all that you do!!

22/08/2024

My travels around the State continue with a visit to Morgan County, West Virginia. I had the honor of attending their first orientation session for their new Hamilton T1 ventilators. An amazing investment for their community! I truly appreciate their invitation to participate. Great work and commitment to your community, Morgan County EMS!!

11/02/2024

This week my travels across the State of WV continued with a wonderful visit to Cabell County. Admittedly, Region 2 is the part of the State that I know the least about, since I grew up on the opposite side of WV. Aside from flying into Huntington’s hospitals , I had never been there by ground.
I have to thank Gordon Merry for his amazing tour and orientation to the Cabell County EMS program. I also need the thank Julia Zeto and all at CCEMS, for the amazing work they have done, becoming WV’s first EMS agency carrying whole blood. Their program has immerged as a leader guiding the implementation of such services all across the State.
I must also recognize a special program that CCEMS has developed and contunues to support. I thank Gordon, Connie Priddy, Larrecsa Cox, and their entire team referred to as CCEMS’s QRT (Quick Response Team) Referral Services. An absolutely awesome program that has emeged due to the opioid crisis in that region. The program assists overdose patients, encountered by CCEMS, helping them secure treatment options and recovery services. Over the years they have expanded the program to assist with many social issues experienced by their patients, including detox, primary care, transportation to treatment, treatment center placement (inpatient and outpatient), HIV/hepatitis testing/treatment, clothing, food, and many more resources. The QRT team is an exceptional multi disciplinary team consisting of members from EMS, social work, community health-related represtatives, members of pastoral services, and off-duty plain-clothed Police officers. I am truly impressed at how members from these varied disciplines are working together, demonstrating an ultimate commitment and dedication to their community. I would love to see this program expand statewide!! ❤️
As with every encounter so far, I have learned so much from you and cannot thank you enough for the opportunity. Each visit gives me vital inspiration and experience to utilize as WVOEMS works to move WV EMS, into the future.
THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU DO, FOLKS!!

27/01/2024

On January 23 and 24 Drs. Shukis, Scheidler, and I had the privilege of providing an annual education update to the great EMS/First responder providers of our National Park Service. An amazing group that does an incredible job keeping us safe when we enjoy the many wonders of our country. Our special thanks to Melanie Lloyd for coordinating from the NPS and Nick Cooper/Jennifer Landis/Christina Koontz for coordinating the simulation trucks. I also cannot thank my partners, Jimmy Scheidler and Michael Shukis enough, for helping me make this NAEMSPWV effort possible. My deepest appreciation for you all!! The event was held at the NPS training/education center outside of Shepherdstown, WV. What an incredible facility!

19/01/2024

A wonderful and productive week at the annual NAEMSP conference, Austin, TX. WV’s best showing yet! Some great ideas and concepts to bring back from some excellent networking. Happy 40th NAEMSP!

10/08/2021

23/05/2021

A beautiful morning at Centennial Park overlook, Tucker County. An intense weekend with excellent outcomes, great work by Tucker 911, Tucker County EMS, all the Tucker County VFD Companies 10, 20, 30, and 40, as well as the appreciated assistance of the WV State Police. Thanks for all of your help, stellar work by all!!