Download Cadet Information Package 01.15

Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
Mechanicsville
Volunteer
Rescue
Squad
Cadet
Program
01/15
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
Welcome to the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad Cadet Program. We are excited you are
showing interest in joining us. Please take a moment to read over the enclosed rules and regulations with
your parent or guardian. If you have any questions, phone numbers to your cadet coordinators are listed in
the paper work. Any one of us will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Our goal in the Mechanicville Volunteer Rescue Squad Cadet Program is to familiarize our cadets with
the 911/emergency ambulance service. Our cadets will participate in company drills, as well as drills
specifically for our cadets. Cadets will be CPR certified and taught basic first aid. They will become familiar
with the location of items on the ambulances. We want to give our cadets a head start when it comes time for
them to take their classes and testing for their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). They are able to sign up
once they reach their 16th birthday.
We invite our cadets to participate in squad activities with us. Our morale committee plans dinners,
movie nights as well as many other activities throughout the year. Mechanicsville Rescue Squad participates
in parades and other community activities that our cadets will also be invited to attend.
The cadets will have opportunities to take trips to different areas in our county. They will also be able
to work with the firehouse cadets on occasion. Cadet suggestions and thoughts will be happily discussed
during our cadet meetings.
Our Auxiliary is an important part of our organization. A good portion of our funds come from these
fund-raisers and they are always in need of our help. Part of a cadet’s duties will be to help our auxiliary with
any squad fund-raiser or activity they have throughout the year.
We look forward to seeing you at our next cadet meeting!!
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
Cadet Coordinators, Chief, Officers
and all of our Members
01/15
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
Cadet Program Rules and Regulations
I.
General
A. Cadets must be between 14 and 16 years of age. A copy of the cadet’s birth certificate must
be provided within one month of joining. If by the end of one month the copy has not been
turned into the cadet coordinator for the cadet’s file, the cadet will be suspended from the
program until such time as the copy is turned in. If after four months (from the time of the
suspension) the copy has not been received from the cadet, the cadet will be removed from
the Cadet program. The cadet will be able to re-apply once the copy of the birth certificate
is produced.
B. Cadets are not allowed to leave school to attend any Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue
Squad or Auxiliary activity. Cadets will also not be permitted at the Rescue Squad or Station
22 during regular school days and/or school hours.
C. Cadets are expected to respect each other, as well as other members and our company
officers. Cadets will not use abusive language. If a Cadet feels he/she is being asked to do
something unreasonable, or are subjected to offensive behavior/language, then the cadet
should notify one of the cadet coordinators immediately for resolution of the situation.
D. Cadets, while representing the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, will ensure they do
not exhibit any behavior or use of language that would discredit the department. This
includes at squad or auxiliary functions/events, while on any squad based trip, or in public
while wearing company shirts, hats, or any Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad logo.
E. Cadets will not use drugs, tobacco products, or alcoholic beverages during any
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad activity. Violation of this rule will result in
immediate suspension and/or dismissal from the program upon recommendation of the
Chief and cadet coordinators.
F. Cadets will also be expected to stay in compliance with all By-Laws and other SOG’s
(Standard Operating Guidelines) as set forth by the squad.
01/15
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
G. All Cadets will be given a quiz within two months of joining the program. This is not a pass
or fail quiz. It is given to ensure that the Cadet knows the officers of the company as well as
pertinent rules and regulations.
H. A cadet wishing to become a probationary member when reaching the age of 16 must meet
with the Orientation Committee within three (3) months of his/her 16th birthday.
II.
Uniforms
A. The cadet uniform will consist of a light blue work shirt (same as other members), navy blue
work pants and black shoes or work boots.
B. All cadets will be issued a PAT (Personal Accountability Tag). This tag will have the cadet’s
picture as well as any medical history and medications. This tag is to be with the cadet any
time they are at the rescue squad or any rescue squad or auxiliary function/event.
C. Cadets will be issued a t-shirt. This shirt is to be worn at all functions/events where the blue
work shirt is not necessary. This shirt is also to be worn with the navy blue work pants and
black shoes or work boots unless otherwise indicated by the cadet coordinator.
D. Dress code will be enforced per event/drill.
III.
Equipment/Apparatus
A. Cadets are not permitted to operate any motorized rescue squad apparatus (excluding the
stretcher) at any time.
B. Cadets will not be permitted to ride any rescue squad apparatus to any emergency call.
Cadets may, however, be permitted to ride to a Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
activity with permission of the Chief, Assistant Chief or Captain.
01/15
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
IV.
In Station
A. Cadets are not allowed in the Rescue Squad after 2100 hours (9:00 pm) unless the cadet is
accompanied by his/her parent or guardian if that parent is a member of Mechanicsville
Volunteer Rescue Squad. Exceptions may be made by the chief or cadet coordinators for
squad functions that may run late.
B. Cadets may not stay in the bunkrooms. Cadets will not be allowed in the bunkrooms for
any reason. Exceptions may be made if parent is a member of the Mechanicsville Volunteer
Rescue Squad in certain circumstances such as severe weather, etc.
C. Cadets will not be permitted to operate any radio equipment.
D. Cadets are not permitted in the rescue squad unless supervised by a cadet coordinator(s),
or if a senior member or line officer is willing to take responsibility for the cadet. At such
time the person responsible for the cadet leaves the station, the cadet must also leave.
The exception to this rule is when an emergency call occurs while the cadet(s) are at the
station. (A senior member is defined as one who is of active, honorary, lifetime, driver only,
administrative status in the company, a probationary member of any age is not considered
a senior member.)
E. If the person responsible for the cadet(s) must leave on the ambulance for an emergency
call, the cadets are to report to the lounge and remain there until a cadet coordinator,
senior member or line officer arrives to supervise.
V.
Training/Drills
A. Cadets are not allowed to work on any emergency scene.
B. While training, on drills, the cadet is under the direct supervision of the cadet
coordinator(s). If a cadet coordinator is not available, the cadet will be given the name of a
line officer or senior member who will then provide supervision.
C. Cadets will participate in Fire Prevention/EMS Awareness activities. This will include, but
not be limited to, making oral presentations to groups of children and adults.
01/15
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
VI.
Active Participation
A. Cadets are required to attend a minimum of 5 out of 12 company business meetings.
B. Cadets are required to attend a minimum of 6 out of 12 cadet meetings.
C. Cadets must attend at least 6 training drills.
D. Cadets must help the Auxiliary with at least 4 activities.
E. Cadets will receive credit through the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad toward their
yearly LOSAP (Length of Service Award Programs) for all Auxiliary and Rescue Squad
function and training they attend and assist with.
F. Cadets must maintain a 2.0 GPA while in school. A copy of the cadet’s report card will be
given to the cadet coordinator(s) or chief within one week of receiving them. Failure to
provide a copy of the report card will result in an automatic suspension until such time as a
copy is provided. Failure to maintain a 2.0 GPA will result in suspension until such time as
the cadet brings his/her grades up to meet the department requirement. A cadet will be
given two marking periods (as defined by the St. Mary’s County Board of Education) to bring
his/her grades up to meet the requirement. If at the end of the second marking period the
cadet still does not meet the GPA requirement, said cadet will automatically be removed
from the membership. At such time the cadet brings his/her grades up to meet the
requirements, they may re-apply for cadet membership. If the cadet does not meet the
GPA requirement for the 4th marking period, he/she will be limited in their participation
during summer vacation. A cadet not meeting the GPA requirement for the 4 th grading
period will only be allowed to attend meetings and training drills within the station. They
will not be allowed in the station at any other time, until such time that they meet the GPA
requirements set forth in these guidelines.
G. Cadets must complete their CPR training within six (6) months of becoming a cadet
member.
H. Cadets must have parent/guardian written permission to attend trips and/or participate in
any squad activities outside of the rescue squad.
01/15
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
VII.
Discipline Policy
The public holds emergency services to a standard higher than the average citizen and Cadets
are also expected to abide by this standard. It is the policy of the Mechanicsville Volunteer
Rescue Squad Cadet Program to insist that high standards of personal conduct be consistently
followed by Cadets at all times including but not limited to attendance at drills, in school, on
rescue squad property, or when representing the Cadet Program. The intent of discipline is to
assure observation of the rules and regulations, policies and procedures, and customs of the
Cadet Program, Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, and the school in which a student
normally attends.
Specific disciplinary actions shall be as follows, listed in order of severity. Violations listed
under each level are examples, but should not be considered all-inclusive. It is the right of the
Cadet coordinator(s), Chief and Assistant Chief to determine when an action warrants discipline
and at what level.
A. Level I – A Level I violation would include minor offenses such as failure to follow a specific
rule or regulation, profanity, minor safety violations, littering, etc. Discipline would include
an oral reprimand and an appropriate physical reinforcement such as job related physical
tasks. The Cadet coordinator(s) will handle Level I violations.
B. Level II - A Level II violation would include a continued failure to follow a specific rule or
regulation, repeated safety violations, cadet-to-cadet harassment, or similar
actions/activities. Discipline will include having the cadet develop a written plan (including
restitution and consequences), conducting a parent conference (to include cadet
coordinator(s), parent, cadet, and if necessary the Chief or Assistant Chief), and community
service activities. The Chief and Assistant Chief shall be notified of any Level II discipline.
C. Level III - A Level III violation would include severe safety violations, severe or continued
harassment, use/possession/sale of tobacco/alcohol/drugs, insubordination, possession of
weapons, or failure to follow written plan as outlined in Level II, participation in any illegal
activity, or any action taken with malicious intent. Discipline will include expulsion from the
Cadet Program for the remainder of the calendar year. Expulsion will occur only after the
Chief and/or Assistant Chief have reviewed all facts associated with the violation(s) and
discussed the matter with the cadet, their parent/guardian and the Cadet coordinator.
01/15
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
If a Cadet is expelled from the program, they may re-apply at the beginning of the next calendar year.
** Final discipline rulings at all levels are the responsibility and right of the Chief and/or Assistant Chief. **
01/15
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
Cadet Requirements
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Must be 14-16 years of age. (a copy of birth certificate is required within one month of joining)
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Must attend a minimum of 5 company business meetings. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of
the month except in November where it is the second Wednesday at 1900 (7:00 pm).
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Must attend a minimum of 6 training/drills. Times will be announced with each training/drill
information announcement.
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Must assist with a minimum of 4 Auxiliary functions.
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Must maintain a 2.0 GPA. (a copy of all report cards are required within one week of receiving it)
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Must have parent/guardian written permission to join the cadet program. This is due immediately!
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Must turn in Cadet information form within one month of joining the Cadet program.
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Must have parent/guardian written permission for all trips/activities outside of the rescue squad.
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Must take quiz within two months of joining the Cadet program.
01/15
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
Cadet Study Sheet - 2013
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Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad is also known as MVRS or Company 29.
The Chief of MVRS is Jessica Vallandingham – The Chief’s role is to oversee and make final decisions on
our daily operations. The Chief also attends county meetings and represents the squad while making
operational decisions.
The Assistant Chief of MVRS is Faith Roache – The role of the Assistant Chief is to fill in for the chief in
their absence. They also perform all other tasks assigned by the chief.
The Captain of MVRS is Amanda Ferguson. The Captain fills in for the Assistant Chief in their absence
and performs all other tasks as assigned.
Company 29’s Lieutenants are:
1st Lieutenant – Heather Russell
2nd Lieutenant – Catie Bonner
3rd Lieutenant – Andy Fretwell
The Lieutenants take on the responsibilities of the chief and assistant chief in their absences. They also
are responsible for all tasks as assigned by the chief.
President – Jimmy Breeden – The president’s role is to oversee the executive officers of the rescue
squad, the president also presides over business meetings as well as many other tasks laid out in the
company’s by-laws.
Vice President – Allen Bryant – The vice president takes the place of the president if the president is
absent. The vice president also performs tasks assigned by the president as well as any taks laid out in
the by-laws.
Secretary – Diane Mangel – The role of the secretary is to keep the minutes of all meetings, roll call at
the meetings, keep track of all paperwork within the squad as well as any and all other assigned tasks.
Auxiliary President – Sue Wood
MVRS was founded in 1959.
Our Fire Department is Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, also known as MVFD or Company 2.
The St. Mary’s County Medic Unit main headquarters in located in Leonardtown.
Trooper 7 is a state police helicopter used by us to fly critical patients to specialty hospitals. Trooper 7
is located in the Hollywood/California area at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport.
Communications or Fireboard receives and dispatches our calls. Fireboard is located in Leonardtown.
We have one hospital in our county. That is MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital located in Leonardtown.
We also occasionally transport to two other regional hospitals. Charles Regional Medical Center located in
LaPlata in Charles County and Calvert Memorial Hospital located in Prince Frederick in Calvert County.
01/15
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
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We have 4 ambulances. Their numbers all start with our company number, 29. Their numbers are
296, 297, 298 and 299.
Our “first due” is what we call our running area. It covers any area where our rescue squad is closer
than any other in our county.
Our training officer is Mark Murdock. He is who we talk to in order to be signed up for classes.
Common acronyms:
EMS – Emergency Medical Services
EMT – Emergency Medical Technician
IVT – IV Technician
FD – Fire Department
EMT – P – Paramedic
PT – Patient
01/15
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
Quiz A
1. Who is our Chief?
________________________________
2. What is our company number?
_______________________
3. Where is our communication department located?
_________________________________________
4. What is our running area where we are the closest rescue squad called?
___________________________________
5. Who is our Assistant Chief?
______________________________
6. Name two of our three Lieutenants.
______________________________
______________________________
7. What is the purpose of Trooper 7?
_____________________________________________________________________________
8. Besides St. Mary’s Hospital, what is one of the other two regional hospitals we occasionally transport
patients to?
________________________________
9. Who does roll call at all meetings?
______________________________
10. In order to remain a cadet I must maintain a GPA of _______________________.
01/15
Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 15
Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659
Non-Emergency 301.884.2900/Emergency 911
www.Co29.org
Quiz B
1. Besides St. Mary’s Hospital, what is one of the other two regional hospitals we occasionally transport
patients to?
___________________________________________
2. Who is our Assistant Chief?
___________________________________________
3. Where is Trooper 7 located?
___________________________________________
4. Name two of the three Lieutenants.
____________________________________
____________________________________
5. What does PT stand for?
___________________________________
6. Where is the St. Mary’s County Medic Unit located?
______________________________________
7. If I want to sign up for a class I would talk to?
__________________________________________
8. What is our company number?
_____________________
9. Who is our President?
____________________________________________
10. What is our running area where we are the closest rescue squad called?
_______________________________________
01/15