Welcome to Waterville Valley Emergency Medical Services
 Department News

H1N1 Virus or "Swine Flu" In the News

05/01/09
Unless you have been living in a vacuum for the last few days, you have probably heard something about a potential pandemic related to the Swine Flu.  There are reported potential isolated cases here in NH as of today, it is also possible to come into contact with someone who has been to Mexico on Spring break or another part of the country when there have been reported cases.

Very simply Swine Flu is a type of Influenza that is spread from infected Swine to humans.  Humans then spread the disease person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. The flu vaccine that you may have received this fall, will not protect you from this strain of influenza. It is safe to eat pork products.

What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

What Can You do to Stay Healthy?
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue   away immediately.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.  Use hand sanitizer!
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs will spread this way.
4. If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home!
5. If your children are sick with flu-like symptoms keep them home or out of child care.  Your child’s school or day care will appreciate you doing this.

If you have any further questions, Visit www.CDC.gov for more information.

Snowboarders Spend Night in National Forest After Leaving Trail

01/07/2008
Two snowboarders spend the night in the National Forest on January 7th. Rescuers from Waterville Valley and the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department said 17-year-old Dave Connolly and fellow snowboarder, 19-year-old Michael Nergargarian of Shrewsbury snowboarded off a trail to bushwhack through the woods Sunday afternoon.

Both snowboarders were quickly overcome by the deep snow, the steep slope and were unable to climb back up. Conservation officer, Jeremy Hawkes had cell phone contact with the teens throughout their ordeal and were guided by the sound of the Waterville Valley fire engine. By late last night, the two teens were exhausted from maneuvering through the deep snow, so they hunkered down and built a fire. 

Searchers were able to meet with the two teens after 9:30 am the next morning. Wet, hungry and tired, both boys were met by anxious family members. Conservation Officer Suttmeier said the two were very fortunate that it was a warm night. He says the outcome might have been very different in last week's below-zero temperatures. 

The Department of Public Safety Has Five New EMT-Intermediates

04/24/2007
Fire Captain, Jeff Dropkin graduated 10 students from his first EMT-Intermediate course. Of those, five were WVDPS Officers. Director Chris Hodges, Chief David Noyes, Officer Andrew Vermeersch, Officer Robert Diehm and Officer Greg Bavis completed the four-month long course in March. All 10 students were required to take and pass the class and National Registry written and practical stations. 

EMT-Intermediates possess both basic skills and key advanced-care skills, including advanced patient assessment skills, advance airway adjuncts, intravenous therapy, monitor and interpret basic cardiac dysrhythmias as well as administer some medications. 

With most of the DPS personnel having these advanced care skills, it will only enhance the service to the residents and visitors. Interested  in becoming an EMT? Call your local fire department/ambulance service and learn how. Waterville Valley is always looking for interested people willing to train to be call EMT's. Contact Fire Captain Jeff Dropkin for information on joining the Waterville Valley team. 
 

E911 Enhancements Have Ben Made. What Do You Need To Do?

09/01/2006
E911 has been updated for the Town of Waterville Valley. What does this mean? Well, you may now have a new address. There have been over a dozen new road names added and some existing roads have been renamed. This change also updates the street numbering system. This change will allow emergency services to quickly respond to the correct location of the emergency. Due to the conflagration of condominium units in town, responding to these places has sometimes been confusing and time consuming. In an emergency, time is of the essence.  

Residents and business have been notified of their new addresses by Verizon and the town. If you are a property or business owner you are responsible for making sure that your building number is correct and displayed properly on the outside of your building. Numbers shall be a minimum of 6- inches in height for commercial buildings and 3-inches in height for residential.  

They may be routed in, painted on or of pressed vinyl, but must be of a reflective paint/material so as to be visible at night. All numbers shall be display ed in Arabic form (0,1,2,3,4, etc.}  Suggested number styles are Helvetica, Souvenir, or Palatino. (In accordance to WV Town Ordinance #19)

Owners that have residential or commercial alarms for fire and intrusion need to update their information with their alarm company. All owners are also urged to notify the Department of Public Safety if there is any change to their alarm system and contact information. 

We appreciate your assistance and understanding while this update takes effect. Any questions or comments about this process please feel free to call the office at 603-236-8809.

E.M.S. Department Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Hospital Does Waterville Valley Ambulance Transport To? 
The Waterville Valley Ambulance transports to Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth, NH. The ride takes approximately twenty-minutes, dependant on road conditions. 

 

For serious trauma cases, Waterville Valley EMS often utilize the Dartmouth Hitchcock Air Rescue Transport (DHART) of Dartmouth Hospital in Lebanon, NH and/or Maine Med Flight out of Portland, Maine. Dartmouth is the closest Trauma 1 hospital for the area.