Truck 24 recently obtained a new level of rescue accreditation through the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Within the past month Truck 24 became one of three units in Lancaster County to meet the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition (VRSR) Program qualification for the Advanced Response Level. The East Petersburg Fire Company (Station 23) became the first in Lancaster County to obtain this accreditation.
Truck 24
The voluntary program provides a way for Eden Volunteers to demonstrate their level of readiness in rescue services to Manheim Township and our surrounding communities. According to the PA DOH the Advanced Response Level provides for the following:
"Identifies basic tools, equipment (hand and basic power tools), manpower and training requirements that personnel trained to advanced levels can use to undertake basic through complex rescue operations. This equipment may be carried on a heavy rescue squad or other specialized rescue unit."
VRSR Certification Seal
The Eden Fire Company had to apply for the program through the PA DOH. The process required months of work by the officers and members. This included the application, documentation of training and certifications for all department members, evoc rosters, scene control policy, mutual aid rescue agreement, DOT Inspection documents as well as checklists for all equipment carried on Truck 24.
Man pinned in a front-end loader (Winter 2004)
In addition to required equipment, Eden Volunteers must meet minimum personnel training requirements for rescue responses. At the advanced level the department must provide two Basic Vehicle Rescue Technicians, at a minimum two Emergency Responders(can be crossed trained with the other required personnel certs) as well as two Basic Rescue Practices crew. Currently about 90% of our members at Eden are certified at the EMT-Basic level. In addition Truck 24 is a licensed Quick Response Unit (QRS) with the PA DOH.
Vehicle accident with entrapment
The VRSR Certification is good for 3 years. At this time the vehicle will need to be inspected once again to ensure proper compliance with all requirements for the Advanced Response Level. As far as we our aware Truck 24 is the only aerial unit (ladder truck) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to meet this standard on a single piece of fire apparatus. Please refer Apparatus News "Truck 24-a closer look" article for a basic list of equipment and services provided by Truck 24.
Eden Volunteers after extrication drill
The members of the Eden Fire Company are very proud to meet the requirements to participate in the VRSR Program. The Volunteers will continue to strive to provide the best possible rescue services to the community we protect.
Plate where the seal will be placed
Truck 24's first extrication- Rt 222 vehicle overturned
