Cana Volunteer Rescue Squad would like to congratulate Kayla Hawks and Renee Easter on their successful completion of Surry Community College's Emergency Medical Paramedic Program.  This is an extensive year-long course that entails many hours of lecture, practicals, and clinicals. Over 1000 hours are dedicated to learning and gaining advanced life support skills. The Paramedic program is one of North Carolina's finest and had a 100% pass rate, not only in the program, but also, on the NC State Paramedic exam. Kayla and Renee will now move on to take 'The National Registry' practical and computer (CAT) exams. This is what the state of VA  uses to aknowledge competence and certification on the Intermediate and Paramedic levels.

Also, during 2009, member; Shawn Berrier completed Rowan's Emergency Medical Paramedic Program. This is, also, another of NC's excellent Paramedic programs.  He successfully completed the National Registry exams and runs as a Volunteer Paramedic with Cana Rescue. Shawn is employed, part-time with Galax - Grayson EMS as a NREMT-P. Jill Busick completed, tested, and certified as an EMT-Enhanced EMS provider during 2009, also. Congrats!, to all of our new ALS providers. Great job!!!

Roger Horton, NREMT-P, who is a volunteer member with Cana Rescue Squad and a partner won the North Carolina State Paramedic Competition. He and partner, Barry McMillian, EMT-P continued on to the National Competition along with, Robert Coulson, EMT-P. Capturing the National title as well, these guys will compete at the JEMS competition in Maryland in March, 2010.  Roger, Barry, and Robert are all employed as Paramedics with Surry County EMS in Surry County, NC. Hats off and Kudos to these men. Great job, guys!!!

This has, definitely, been a year of growth for Cana Rescue Squad. Alex Easter and Renee Easter completed the American Heart BLS (CPR) Instructor Course. And, Renee Easter, along with Jason Busick have started out 2010 completing and gaining their Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Instructor certification. They will, also, be sitting for the Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor Course in February, 2010. Way to go, guys!

There is always change and advancement in the care, the quality of care, and treatment in the Pre-hospital setting. With this, Cana Volunteer Rescue Squad and it's members aknowledge the need to learn and grow for the betterment of Cana's community.  At this time, three (3) of Cana Rescue's members are enrolled in and taking the Surry Community College Emergency Medical Paramedic 2010 Program. We, as a squad, want to continue to support, encourage, and challenge these guys to gain knowledge, skill, and confidence throughout this year. Keep up the hard work; Shane Carson, Alex Easter, and Mitchell Kemp.

Along with change and growth, there comes losses. This year Cana Rescue lost one it's finest, Bill McCraw. Captain McCraw, Cana 400, was a dedicated man who had a desire to help his fellow man. The love that he had for his community may not have been freely spoken, but, was shown through his perseverance, dedication, determination, hardwork, and pure grit to see Cana Volunteer Rescue Squad, INC become an organization that was respected and could be depended on, no matter what time of day. Mr. McCraw expected professionalism of the Squad's members and in turn, asked nothing for himself. Many days, Bill would close his store so that someone would have a way to the Dr's office or a hospital. Many changes occurred over the years, once only a 'load & go' service to an Advanced Life Support service, all because one man had a dream, gave freely of his time and self so that others might not suffer so badly.  How many of us have given  or would have given as much? No, no one will ever replace Bill McCraw. He has left a legacy that Cana should be proud of.  Hats off to Bill McCraw, you will always be in our hearts, here at Cana Volunteer Rescue Squad, INC.

One of our goals is to make the community of Cana, VA as safe as possible. This next year, we plan to educate and encourage safety in our community, schools, homes, and sports. When in need of quick help, during illnesses or emergencies, we want our public to know what is needed or how to start caring for their family or friends in need. By educating people, we can know that there may be something that can be done before a squad member arrives on scene that could help or even save someone's life.

Volunteers often give more of themselves than is, truly, available. Their time is taken up on classes, studying, clinicals, practicals, squad duties, call times,  coordinating training, teaching, and more. All of this is done on the volunteer's own time, through their own efforts, and dedication to their community so they will f eel safer and know that someone is out there they can call on, at any time. If it were not for the quality and compassion of these people, then, who would you have to help you? Who could you depend on? Who would come out to your house at 3:00am to check on you or take you or your family member to the hospital? Take the time this year to say;;"Thank you."; to an EMS professional. Paid or volunteer, Police, Fire, or Rescue; just say "Thanks!"

It would astound most to know what Police, Fire, and Rescue/ EMS personnel see or face on a daily basis. Danger and violence is always out there. But, this doesn't stop the dedicated ones. These are the ones you can depend on. If you would like more infomation on volunteering, becoming a volunteer member, or how you can help; please contact Cana Volunteer Rescue Squad by email or call 276-755-4908. You, too, could be on the forefront of change in the pre-hospital care with dedication and service to Cana, VA.

Kayla Hawks Repelling in Paramedic class 2009

Alex feels a little sting as Kayla starts on IV in class practicals

Renee..."This way?"...Confined Space Rescue class in Paramedic class 2009

Renee showing off her skills in Packaging with Knots class in Paramedic class 2009

Kenneth Carico, Renee Easter, Kayla Hawks, Andrew 'Doc' Cooke...all dressed up to repell

As Renee steps off the side; "Who is in control of the ropes???"