Annual Child Safety Seat Inspection to be Held

    ​On May 19, 2021, in celebration of Emergency Medical Services for Children's Day, Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps will hold a free child safety seat inspection. The aim of the event is to ensure all parents and caregivers understand how to choose an appropriate seat for the child’s age and size and how to install the seat correctly. Caregivers will be educated on how to select a child restraint that will fit their child, fit their vehicle, and be used correctly every time.

    Getting safety information and car seat instructions to parents and caregivers are crucial to saving young lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers in passenger vehicles. Car and booster seats are one of the most important safety devices children use on a daily basis. According to the NHTSA, car fatalities are the leading cause of death for children 1 to 13 years old. Checked often, car and booster seats save lives.

    The event will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps Station, 135 Park Road in Dingmans Ferry. The station is located at the intersection of Park Road & Myck Road in Delaware Township. No appointments are necessary. Participants may arrive anytime during the scheduled hours. All adults are asked to wear a face covering. During the event, Child Passenger Safety Technicians from the Pike County Highway Traffic Safety Program and Delaware Valley Emergency Services, will be on-site to help answer any questions. 

    Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps (DTVAC) is accredited at the Expert-level under the state’s Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program, which recognizes emergency medical services agencies who provide a high level of care to pediatric patients. Events such as the child seat inspection are one of the ways DTVAC maintains this prestigious accreditation. If you are unable to attend this event and wish to have a car seat inspected you can make an appointment by calling DTVAC’s Passenger Safety Technician at (570) 828-2345 ext. 808.

DTVAC Receives Grant for CPR Devices

 DINGMANS FERRY, PA — Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps (DTVAC) has announced it has received a grant award in the amount of $8,993.20 to help offset the cost of a chest compression device to help patients who suffer from cardiac arrest.  The device, called a LUCAS 3, is a mechanical CPR device used to help patients who suffer from a cardiac arrest, a severe medical condition which requires CPR. 

Mechanical CPR, provided by the LUCAS, has been implemented by many hospitals and emergency response agencies because it ensures perfect CPR is constantly being performed in accordance with the American Heart Association guidelines. The device with its accessories, costing almost $16 thousand dollars, allows EMTs to keep CPR going while a patient is being moved, even up or down stairs. It is also a safer way to do CPR when transporting a patient because EMTs can now be seat belted in the ambulance even if they have to transport a patient who requires CPR. Recently, the Department of Defense COVID-19 Practice Management Guide identified the LUCAS chest compression system as the best practice for managing patients in cardiac arrest to reduce the risk of exposure to care providers. In addition, the LUCAS also puts less of a physical strain on ambulance volunteers.  This is DTVAC’s second LUCAS device. Since 2017, DTVAC has used LUCAS devices on patients throughout the County including in Westfall, Blooming Grove, Shohola, and Dingman Townships. The new device, placed in service late last year has already been used to help save the life of a victim in a private community in Delaware Township. 

The grant funding was obtained through the Fire Company & Emergency Medical Services Grant Program administered by the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner. DTVAC is always looking for volunteers to help respond to emergencies, fundraise, and help with administrative tasks. For more information about volunteer opportunities with DTVAC, contact (570) 828-2345 or email info@dtvac.org.

DTVAC Continues to Excel at Pediatric Care

HARRISBURG, PA — Every year, over 100,000 children are transported by ambulances in Pennsylvania. This means that almost every seven minutes, a child is being taken to the hospital with a potentially life-threatening medical condition. In order to ensure that EMS agencies within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are prepared for pediatrics, the Pennsylvania Emergency Medical Services for Children program, in partnership with the Department of Health, Bureau of EMS, and the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council, created the Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program to recognize EMS agencies that are willing to go above and beyond current requirements to deliver excellence in emergency medical care to children within the Commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program has recognized over 200 EMS agencies across the state, including Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps, located in Dingmans Ferry, PA.  The program consists of five levels that include pediatric equipment standards, ChildLine background checks, pediatric-related continuing education courses, community outreach programs, and car seat check programs. In 2017, after 18 months of preparation, Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps was recognized at the Master Level, meaning the EMS agency had additional pediatric-specific medical equipment on their ambulances, required EMS providers to complete ChildLine child abuse background clearances, required EMS providers to complete four hours of pediatric-specific continuing education per year, and was actively involved in multiple community outreach programs. 

Since 2017, when Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps was originally recognized under this program, Delaware Valley Emergency Services has provided free FBI background checks and pediatric training to Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps, freeing up funds to allow Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps to purchase thousands of dollars in upgraded pediatric response equipment. Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps has continued its commitment in care to pediatrics, and this month Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps was recognized at the highest level under this program, the Expert level. 

In upgrading from the Master to the Expert level, DTVAC now has a dedicated Child Passenger Safety Technician available to assist in car seat checks at their ambulance station and has a designated Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator who assists with continuing education, skill verification, and equipment purchases relating to pediatrics. Since Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps was originally recognized under this program, Delaware Valley Emergency Services has provided free FBI background checks and pediatric training to DTVAC freeing up funds to allow DTVAC to purchase thousands of dollars in upgraded pediatric response equipment.

By participating in this program, Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps is demonstrating that they are truly prepared for pediatric patients and are ready to respond to any and all emergency situations involving Pennsylvania’s youngest citizens. Duane Spencer, Emergency Medical Services for Children Program Manager at the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Service Council, said, “Congratulations to the Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps on their upgrade to the Expert level and continued support of the Pennsylvania Pediatric Voluntary Readiness Program.  Their efforts demonstrate a commitment to readiness, clinical excellence, and patient safety while caring for the pediatric population in your area.”

Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps is the only ambulance service in Pike County and only one of fifteen in the EMS of Northeastern Pennsylvania EMS Region to be recognized under this program. The EMS of Northeastern Pennsylvania EMS Region is the designated regional EMS council that serves Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties. Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps is the primary ambulance provider for Delaware Township. Additionally, the ambulance service provides mutual aid coverage to municipalities surrounding Delaware Township. They provide both basic and advanced life support ambulance services in eastern Pike County. For more information or for volunteer opportunities with Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps, contact (570) 828-2345 or email info@dtvac.org.  

DTVAC Announces Annual Subscription Drive

 DINGMANS FERRY PA — ​It’s that time of year again for Delaware Township residents. Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corp (DTVAC) needs your help! By contributing to our annual subscription drive, you will help offset our operating costs for another year. Subscription donations are used to purchase emergency equipment, medical supplies, medications and to provide training to our volunteers. 

Our organization is on the front-line of fighting COVID-19.  The virus has taken a serious toll on our organization. Our cost of medical supplies including personal protective equipment has tripled. We have had to adopt new costly new treatments for our patients, as well as new PPE protocols to keep our personnel safe. Our organization has expended over $50,000.00 additional just to respond to this public health crisis. And because of this emergency, we have had to cancel almost all of our normal fundraisers, putting an additional strain on our organization.

Although we are a primarily volunteer organization, we must bill for our services. An ambulance trip to the hospital can cost more than $2,000. Most insurance providers, including Medicare, do not cover the entire portion of the ambulance bill. You can help both yourself and our organization by participating in our subscription drive. As a subscription member, you will not be billed for balances owed on services that are partly covered by your insurance carrier including insurance copays and deductibles, except for deductibles as mandated by Federal Law. On non-covered services such as non-emergency transports, and patient assessments (patient is not transported) you will receive a 50% discounted rate. 2018-2019 Subscription plans are valid from the date of payment received through December 10, 2019. There is no “proration” for those who wait to subscribe, so the sooner you sign up, the greater the benefit. Review the full subscription letter for subscription membership details. Subscription membership fees are only $35 for an individual, $55 for a couple, or $80 for a household (up to eight persons).

Subscription Drive letters have already been mailed, however, they are only mailed to property owners (on file with the Pike County Tax Claim Bureau). Renters/others will need to obtain a subscription form in one of the following ways: To download a copy of our subscription drive form visit the website, http://www.dtvac.org/subscription-program.html. You can also request a physical copy of the form by calling us at (570) 828-2345 or email us at info@dtvac.org. Physical copies of the subscription form are available in the vestibule of the Delaware Township Municipal Building, 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA. The Township Building is open Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00 pm.

Your contribution is more important than ever, as the cost of medical supplies, personnel, and training continue to increase. DTVAC does not receive any direct tax money from local, state or federal sources. DTVAC is a non-profit organization, established in 1975, that subsists primarily on voluntary contributions and billing income to provide such superb service to our community. DTVAC is dedicated to providing basic and advanced life support ambulance services to the residents and visitors of Delaware Township, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania. In addition, DTVAC provides advanced life support (ALS), the highest ground-based 911 ambulance service available, and mutual aid basic life support services to Delaware Township, Dingman Township, Milford Borough, Milford Township, Westfall Township, Blooming Grove Township, and Shohola Township.  

DTVAC is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services as an Advanced Life Support Ambulance Service, the highest ground-based 911 ambulance service available. DTVAC has been accredited by the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council’s Emergency Medical Services for Children Program. DTVAC has been certified through this program at the Master Level, which means that DTVAC has additional pediatric-specific medical equipment on its ambulances, requires EMS providers to complete ChildLine child abuse background clearances, requires EMS providers complete four hours of pediatric-specific continuing education per year, and is actively involved in multiple community outreach programs. DTVAC is the only ambulance service in Pike County with this accreditation. Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexuality, age, sex, disability, or gender identification. For more information about the subscription program or DTVAC call (570) 828-2345 or email info@dtvac.org. 

Child Safety Seat Inspection to be Held

 PIKE COUNTY, PA — ​On Saturday, September 12, 2020, several agencies will come together to offer a free Child Safety Seat Inspection to all area residents. Car seat inspection events aim to ensure all parents and caregivers understand how to choose an appropriate seat for the child’s age and size and how to install the seat correctly. Caregivers will be educated on how to select a child restraint that will fit their child, fit their vehicle, and be used correctly every time.

Getting safety information and car seat instructions to parents and caregivers are crucial to saving young lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers in passenger vehicles. Car and booster seats are one of the most important safety devices children use on a daily basis. According to the NHTSA, car fatalities are the leading cause of death for children 1 to 13 years old. Checked often, car and booster seats save lives.

The event will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps Station, 135 Park Road in Dingmans Ferry. The station is located at the intersection of Park Road & Myck Road in Delaware Township. No appointments are necessary. Participants may arrive anytime during the scheduled hours. All adults are asked to wear a face covering. During the event, Child Passenger Safety Technicians from Emergency Medical Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware Valley Emergency Servies, and the Pike County Highway Safety Program will be on-site to help answer any questions. 

Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps (DTVAC) is currently the only agency in Pike County accredited under the state’s Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program, which recognizes emergency medical services agencies who provide a high level of care to pediatric patients. Events such as the child seat inspection are one of the ways DTVAC maintains this prestigious accreditation. If you are unable to attend this event and wish to have a car seat inspected you can make an appointment by calling Delaware Valley Emergency Services’s Passenger Safety Technician at (866) 491-3837 ext. 815.

New Treatment Protocols Announced for COVID-19 Response

 

PIKE COUNTY — Pike County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies have implement-ed new treatment protocols amid the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. These new protocols were put in place so the EMS providers could better assist the individuals needing help, and stay safer while doing it. Many COVID-19 patients treated by EMS experience respiratory difficulties and the treatment changes have centered on treating the breathing problems of the patient. On the Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances’ they will now be providing meter-dosed inhalers rather than using a nebulizer. With this change, came creating a new makeshift nebulizer spacer that was designed by Montgomery County Hospital District EMS in Texas and applied here in Pike County.

 

Kyle Wright, Captain of Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps (DTVAC) and Incident Commander of the COVI9-19 response stated, “These spacers will allow for the providers to administer Albuterol Sulfate to patients in respiratory distress with-out fear of any aerosolization of the virus.” Albuterol Sulfate is a bronchodilator used to treat or prevent bronchospasms. Wright has made these spacers available to other EMS agencies in the tri-state area and has already distributed many.

 

At the Advanced Life Support (ALS) level of EMS, DTVAC paramedics, under the guidance of Medical Director, Dr. John McCarthy, can now administer subcutaneous injections of Terbutaline to patents who are expressing respiratory distress. Wright said, Terbutaline is a drug that was used a long time ago before albuterol became the front-line medication for bronchospasm. It is exceptionally safe and effective and can help significantly improve the patient’s respiratory symptoms” DTVAC provides ALS service on an as-needed basis to and the townships of Dingman, Delaware, Milford, Shohola, Blooming Groove, and Milford Borough.

Keyfood Marketplace Donates to Local EMS Agencies

MILFORD, PA— On April, 9 2020 Junior Dabashi, owner of KeyFood Milford, donated many necessary supplies to Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Milford Fire Department Ambulance. Some of these supplies included; paper bags, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, cases of water, along with many other things. Of special note, Dabashi was able to donate multiple rolls of duct tape that will be used to seal PPE to make them airtight around the wrists and ankles. 

Keeping with their mission during this public health emergency, DTVAC took a portion of these donated supplies and gave them to other eastern Pike County EMS agencies that are responding to suspected COVID-19 calls.

Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps is a non-profit organization that provides basic life support (BLS) service to Delaware Township. The Corps also provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) service to Delaware Township and surrounding areas. We are always looking for volunteers! If you are someone you know is interested in volunteering please call us at (570)-828-2345. Any press inquires should be directed to cwill@dtvac.org.