Bensley Unveils Innovative Paramedic Scholarships
CHESTER, Virginia – June 15, 2007 – The Bensley-Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad today announced the formation of the Patrick Gary Mason Memorial ALS Scholarship. Beginning in 2007, the Squad will designate from among its' members up to four scholars annually who will receive full funding to an accredited advanced life support training center.
"Pat Mason, a devoted Squad member who died in the line of duty in 1981, was committed to advancing his education to help the community," said Gary Frame, President of BBVRS. "We feel it is important to link his memory to today's members who are working to advance themselves in support of the community, and to help them undertake the financial burden of that education."
Patrick Gary Mason died in the line of duty on November 8, 1981, while serving on the crash truck, what today the Squad calls its' technical rescue team. Mason was struck by a vehicle along Jefferson Davis Highway while on the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Mason, a Virginia certified EMT at the time of his death, was planning to enroll in ALS training beginning that following spring.
Advanced life support, or ALS, is an industry term used to describe sophisticated lifesaving methods and knowledge, including electrocardiogram monitoring and interpretation of heart rhythms, advanced airway management, vascular access for medication administration and fluid resuscitation, and administration of some fifty medications carried in the ambulance. The cost and time commitment to complete training at the ALS level is considerable, costing as much as $5,000 and taking up 1,800 hours.
"Bensley is committed to recruiting and training our personnel to the highest levels of certification available, and to working to show ourselves as a leader in the retention of pre-hospital emergency care providers," added Frame. BBVRS is always seeking community-minded individuals to join our team. Visit http://www.bbvrs.org for details and an application.
A photograph of Patrick Mason may be found by following this link. All photos are public domain.
About Bensley-Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit entity, Bensley-Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. (BBVRS) delivers 24 hour free emergency ambulance and technical rescue services to the Chesterfield County community and the surrounding Richmond area. Operating out of three stations along the busy Jefferson Davis Highway/Interstate Route 95 corridor, BBVRS responds to nearly 5,000 calls for service annually. BBVRS also offers training and education, among its members and throughout the community, in methods of safety and first aid. For more information visit www.bbvrs.org.
SOURCE: Bensley-Bermuda Vol. Rescue Squad, Inc.
Bensley-Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc.
Contact: Public Relations Officer, 804-748-6122, info@bbvrs.org