The first event is scheduled for Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. at the 1st Baptist Church of Capitol Heights. The church is located at #6 Capitol Heights Boulevard and we will be hosted by Pastor Harold Dugger. This event will focus on the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses and keeping our children safe during the spring and summer months. Topics will include leaving children in automobiles, window / screen safety and so much more.
» Read: Protecting Our Smallest Citizens: Preventing “Forgotten Child” Deaths and Falls from Windows
The second event is scheduled for Friday, May 21, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gateway Village, located at 505 Suffolk Avenue. Gateway Village is a senior citizen housing complex. During this event personnel will conduct blood pressure screening and will discuss safety in the home, as it relates to older adults.
The Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department is committed to the safety of our citizens and strives to provide the best possible to service. Through our “Citizen CPR Program,” the department has trained numerous citizens how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at community events, local schools and places of worship. We will continue to provide this service, as early intervention provides the best possible chance of survival during a heart attack.
In addition to providing the community with information about health and safety, National EMS Week gives us an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of some of our EMT’s. While we are proud of the service provided by all of our membership, it is appropriate to recognize two individuals during the 2010 National EMS Week.
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During this past year, Robert E. McClelland, Sr. celebrated 60 years of service to the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department. During his tenure he has served in many capacities, including Assistant Chief and President. It is through his leadership and others like him, that the membership planned for and placed the first ambulance in service for the Town of Capitol Heights. Robert McClelland, Sr. responded as part of the crew on the department’s first ambulance call in September 1954. We recognize Robert E. McClelland, Sr. for being part of this historical event. A plaque will be presented to Robert E. McClelland, Sr., commemorating this historic event and his participation on the department’s first ambulance run. The presentation will take place at the company business meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010.
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During this past year, FF/EMT Imran Faruqi, one of our newer members, graduated as a pre-medicine student from George Washington University. In February 2009, he was featured in a news article in the GW Hatchet . The article told how he was a member of EMeRG, a student run ambulance at the GW campus, and how he came to be a member of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department.
» Read: A Burning Passion
» Read: Imran Down Under
Imran is now a studying to be a doctor at the University of Brisbane in Australia. He says his experience as an EMT-B has placed him head and shoulders above his fellow medical students, who have never spoken to a patient or taken a patient history. This Fall, Imran was scheduled do his clinical training with the Royal Australian Flying Doctors, who fly into remote areas of the outback to provide medical care. Instead, Imran will now return to the area for three months to witness the birth of his sister’s first child. He will do his clinical training providing patient care as an EMT-B at the Capitol Heights fire station.
To recognize Imran Faruqi’s accomplishments, he is awarded CHVFD EMT of the Year. This award will be formally presented in October 2010, when Imran returns home.
Related:
» Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department Celebrates National EMS Week
» Protecting Our Smallest Citizens: Preventing “Forgotten Child” Deaths & Falls
» Protecting the Community’s Treasures: Safety Tips and Limited Health Screening for Older Adults