Members Continue Education as Medical Caregivers

Earlier this spring, the GFD was completing a training program known as the EMT-Refresher Course. As certified EMT-Basics, the members of our department are responsible for an extensive array of both knowledge and skills. This is based upon a foundation of initially learned material, which has then been built upon by new information from growth emergency medical care. In order to maintain current and continuing proficiency, we as EMT’s are required to regularly participate in these educational programs.

Throughout the course of this program, our members will complete several modules including cardiology, care for the trauma patient, pediatric and geriatric issues, OBGYN care, and medical emergencies. Members will learn the material from a resource pool of several methods, such as audio/visual presentations, scenario assessment and critical thinking, and hands-on skills stations. This program not only reviews the critical components of the national standards, but also provides exposure to recently developed knowledge and skills resulting from advances in emergency medical care. As always, we look forward to providing our community with the highest level of emergency medical care attainable.

Andrew Caster named 2009 GFD Firefighter of the Year

Chief Tony Spaeth presented the 2009 Firefighter of the Year award to Andrew Caster at the department’s Annual Meeting held last month at Molloys on the Green. In presenting the award, Chief Spaeth commented, “Since Andy joined the department three and a half years ago, I have enjoyed witnessing his growth in our organization. Andy is dedicated and competent. During the last year Andy has trained harder than anyone to obtain the rank of Engineer/ATO. He took the training seriously and went over and above the call of duty in the amount of hours he spent training at driving, operating the aerial ladder, and pumping water. This investment in time has really paid off, as when I tested him he did an outstanding job”. Chief Spaeth continued, “Andy is also a competent firefighter. He is always prepared, has all of his equipment, and does his job on the fire ground. He looks out for himself and his fellow firefighters. Andy attended at least two additional live burn training sessions this year to keep his firefighting skills sharp. He excels on the EMS side as well, and is an excellent EMT. Not only that, Andy runs more than his fair share of weekend shifts and never complains."

"He is someone we all can count on when we need him. I am also impressed with the pride Andy has being on the Greenhills Fire Department. He is constantly checking tools and equipment on the trucks and squads. I see him cleaning tools and making sure all of the equipment is ready to go. Andy will not put something away without first making sure it is clean and in the proper working order. This is something that he takes seriously. Andy participates in nearly all of our activities and he is always raising his hand to help out." He concluded his remarks by saying, “Andy exemplifies what a Greenhills Volunteer Firefighter should be. I am truly proud of Andy and congratulate him on his accomplishments on our team thus far.” Each year’s recipient receive a plaque to take home and his or her name is added to a plaque on display in the firehouse with the names of previous recipients on it as well.

Posted with permission of Greenhills Journal.