EDUCATION

A burn ban in the state of West Virginia is critical in preventing forest fires. This is not a recomendaion it is the law! If you break the burn ban and it causes serious damage you can face jail time or a $1,000.00 fine. The times for the burn ban are March 1st-May 31st (5:00 PM - 7:00 AM) and October 1st - December 31st (5:00 PM - 7:00 AM). So you may not burn from 7 AM until 5:00 pm along with this the fire MUST be attended. Following this the area must be cleared down to mineral soil for a minimum distance of 10 feet around what is being burned. If your fire escapes, you are liable for the cost of fighting the fire and any damage the fire may cause to others.

Smoke detectos should be an essential part of your home. It is a proven fact that smoke detectors raise your chance of survival by 50 percent (Source).  Some smoke detectors have an audiable "cherp" when their battery is running low, however it is good practice to replace them on New Years every year. Smoke detector placement should be up high examples of reccomended places are in the hallways outside of your room(s) in the kitchen. It is important to ensure you have the correct amount of smoke detectors for the house you are currently in. Carbon monoxide detectors are just as important as it is an odor-less gas that can go without detection until it is to late. These should be placed at lower levels as it does not rise like smoke does. These batteries should be replaced when you go to replace your smoke detector battery.  Both of these devieces save lives so why not invest in some or upgrading your current ones?

A fire extinguisher can stop a small probem before it becomes a big problem. Most fire extinguishers are ABC dry chemical which mean they can put out most fires BUT NOT ALL. A "K" fire extinguisher is best to keep in your kitchen to put out grease fires. When using a fire extinguisher remember the phrase PASS which stand for Pull (the pin) Aim (Aim the hose to the base of the fire) Squeeze (squeeze the top handle) Sweep (sweep the base of the fire in a left to right direction). 

Informed Consent

What It Means:
Informed consent happens when a person who is alert and able to make decisions agrees to medical treatment after understanding what it involves.

What You Should Know:

• Our providers will explain the nature of the treatment or transport.

• We will discuss risks, benefits, and possible alternatives.

• You will have the opportunity to ask questions.

• If you agree, your permission will be documented.

Example:
You are experiencing chest pain. EMS explains the need for transport to the hospital and the risks of staying home. You agree to go. That is informed consent.

Implied Consent

What It Means:
If you are unconscious, confused, or unable to respond, we may proceed with necessary care under implied consent.

Why It Matters:
In life-threatening situations, delaying care while waiting for formal permission could result in harm. The law allows EMS providers to act in your best interest when you're not able to speak for yourself.

Example:
You are found unresponsive after a car crash. EMS begins life-saving treatment and transports you to the hospital without verbal consent.

Express Consent

What It Means:
Express consent is when you clearly say or indicate that you agree to treatment or transport.

How It Happens:

• Verbally: Saying "yes" or nodding when asked.

• In writing: Signing a form or giving a signature for care.

Example:
You tell the crew, “Yes, please check my blood pressure,” or sign a transport form.

Emergency Consent

What It Means:
In critical emergencies where a person cannot consent and immediate care is needed to prevent death or serious injury, EMS may proceed with treatment.

This Applies When:

• The patient is unconscious

• There is no family or guardian on scene

• Waiting could put the patient at greater risk

Consent for Minors

What It Means:
Children under 18 usually require a parent or legal guardian to give consent for medical care.

Exceptions Include:

• A true emergency where a guardian is not present

• Certain situations under state law (such as emancipated minors)

Example:
A child is injured at school, and no parent is present. EMS will provide immediate care and transport under implied consent.

Right to Refuse Care

What It Means:
A competent adult has the right to refuse medical treatment or transportation, even if it is not recommended by EMS.

Important Considerations:

• We will explain the risks of refusing care.

• The person must be alert, oriented, and capable of making informed decisions.

• A refusal form may be signed to acknowledge the decision.

Example:
After an evaluation, you decide not to go to the hospital. EMS explains the risks, and you sign a refusal-of-transport form.

Why Consent Matters

Understanding consent helps you make informed choices about your health and safety. For Fire and EMS providers, it is a critical part of ethical, legal, and respectful patient care.

By knowing your rights and how consent works in emergency situations, you help us serve you better.

Have questions about EMS care or services?
Fill out the form below, if you have questions and we will contact you answering your question(s)!

This term is very well known in the Fire Service. This is the act of taking your eyes off the road while driving a motor vehicle to see what is going on at an emergancy scene. This is human nature so dont beat yourself up to much over it however it can be dangerous and even fatal . It has became so popular to do it and can even cause what is now known as a secondary acident. It may seem harmless to take your eyes off the road for a quick second to see what is going on. However, on an emergancy scene first responders can be walking anywhere for any reason so you may not even realize it and cause harm to the same very people just trying to help. Some people even go so extreme to the point of taking their phone out to record what we are doing. This can cause a lot of issues for a lot of diffrent reasons. The first one being  you are now driving distracted which is illegal under WV state code §17C-14-15 and you can then cause a secondary acident. The other issue that arises with this is graphic pictures and videos of someones loved one being posted on a public platform; keep in mind that no one wants to see their loved one at their worst. The last issue is our first responders in our area may have specific driving instructions for you to navigate the scene/acident so you may not see the hand signal they are giving you or stop for them to tell you their instructions.

But whats the fix?

Well we have taken an active part in preventing this issue. Our facebook will have a, "Critical Incident Update" or a, "Press Release" announcement shortly after or during the acident. Along with this we will post information relating to the incident and photos if we had the time to take any or are allowed to release them (per commands approval on pictures). Let us do the heavy work and you focus on getting to your destination safley!