Summer Water safety
 
By President Chris Schoon
July 5, 2023
 

Congratulations to our members who recently graduated from the County Volunteer EMT class:
Natalie Alfaro, Charles Clemmer, and Jacob Marsh. Stafford County Fire Rescue held a
graduation ceremony for the year’s 3 EMT classes and the Fire academy on May 23 rd . Our
January graduates joined in the ceremony: Justin Carrasquillo, Crystal Davis and Lilianna Nugent.
Our EMTs have completed over 150 hours of combined classroom, practical testing, hospital
clinicals, and ride-along time to complete the course. This is just the beginning of their EMS
experience. They will go through a probationary period at the station to practice and hone the
skills they learned in class. They will have to pass a protocol test to be released as an Attendant
in Charge (AIC). Best of luck to all!

July means hot weather and time in the pool, on the boat or maybe the beach. It is a time to
think about water safety. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 according
to the World Health Organization, and the second-leading cause for children 5-14 after motor
vehicle crashes.
Water Safety Tips:
1. Supervise children; always watch children in or neat water. Never leave unattended
2. Learn to swim; teach children at an early age
3. Teach children to stay away from drains.  Children’s hair, limbs, jewelry or bathing
suits can get stuck in a drain or suction opening.
4. On the boat- floatation devices for all onboard
5. Have barriers, covers and alarms for the pool.
6. Learn CPR
The squad has volunteered over 6400 hours so far this year to EMS operations in Stafford
County. That’s right. They do not get paid, saving your taxpayer dollars.

Squad members has a wonderful time at the Aquia Harbour Parade on July 4th.
It is always a pleasure to get out and met the residents.

As always thank you for your support.