Captain/Paramedic Matt and Life Member/Paramedic Al visited the residents of Ashby Ponds to share insights about the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad (SVRS) and important health information.
Captain Matt provided an overview of SVRS’s organizational structure and the dedicated volunteers who form the backbone of the squad. He emphasized the team’s professionalism, rigorous training, and unwavering commitment to service—responding to more than 9,000 calls each year.
As Loudoun County’s Assistant Medical Director, Al highlighted the close coordination between SVRS and the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System, underscoring the strong partnerships that ensure rapid, effective emergency care for the community. He also delivered a vital stroke awareness presentation, using the BE FAST method to help recognize the warning signs:
- B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
- E – Eyes: Sudden blurred or double vision.
- F – Face: One side of the face droops or feels numb—ask the person to smile and check if both sides move equally.
- A – Arms: Weakness or drift in one arm.
- S – Speech: Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or inability to repeat a simple phrase such as “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
- T – Time: If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately.
For more information about strokes, visit the American Stroke Association.
If your organization would like to host SVRS for a presentation or community event, contact us at [email protected].