September 1, 2009
Ten members of our department serve as First Responders in addition to all other fire department services..
We secured automatic External Defibrillators (AED) and oxygen equipment in early 2006 and have certified most firefighters in their use. These AEDs, along with oxygen equipment and backboards have been placed in both brush trucks. These trucks are normally the first units to respond in most emergencies. In addition, there is another AED and oxygen system for the north end of the ranch that is located at the Stone House. Our department protocol is for our first responders to go directly to all medical emergencies in our district by privately owned vehicles ( P.O.V). Each of these volunteers is equipped with "Drop Bags". These kits have the basic items needed to provide initial first aid. The rest of the responding firefighters report to the station to man brush trucks and then proceed to the incident with the AED, oxygen & other medical supplies. If the emergency is on Tierra Linda Ranch, one firefighter waits at the station to lead the ambulance to the incident site.
Our goal is to provide the all important "first care" until the ambulance arrives. We encourage all homeowner associations in our district to purchase AEDs and advise the department of their location. The ten volunteers that serve as first responders make this program possible. They are a unique group because each one brings different talents that mesh with the others.
Six of our department members are American Red Cross certified. Three of our members are Texas State and National Registry, EMT-Basic certified and one member is a National Registry EMT Paramedic.
Brief Biography Information :
1. Marcia Barrett - Has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross for 40 years as an Instructor, Instructor Trainer and Safety Specialist. Marcia has a Doctorate in Psychology and taught a variety of courses at UT Brownsville including Emergency Response and CPR.
2. Samuel Barrett -- Has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross for 45 years as an Instructor, Instructor Trainer, Safety Specialist, Instructor Trainer Educator and is also on the Service Council for the Southwest Region heading up Health and Safety for those 5 states. Sam has a Doctorate in Psychology and has actively trained Instructor Trainers in Emergency Response and CPR throughout the southwest (including professors for colleges).
3. Ed Whitaker -- Retired from the National Park Service where for 29 years was certified as an "Emergency Medical Technician-A" in five states and The National Registry.
4. Dr. Tommy Noonan - Texas Board of Medical Examiners 1982 to present Lic. #G2197. Certification: Board Certified Surgery. Professional Positions: Chest surgery, Vascular surgery, General surgery, Chief of Surgery, Chief of Staff. Presently retired but is the Volunteer Physician at the Health and Wellness Center for Schreiner University and teaches Lifetime Wellness and chemistry at Schreiner University.
5. Gregoria Noonan - Is an R.N. She graduated ranked first in her class from nursing school. Licensure: Texas Board of Nurse Examiners. Certification: Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Trauma Life Support. Professional Positions: Emergency Room Charge Nurse, Med Surgical Floor Charge Nurse, Recovery Room Nurse, Director of Nursing- Brady Long Term Care and Rehab Center, Endoscopy Nursing, Outpatient Surgery Nursing, and Trauma Coordinator for Heart of Texas Memorial Hospital. Currently: Semi-Retired, serving as Recovery Room Nurse at Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital.
6. Laura Emmons - Has a B.S. in Medical Technology and has worked and consulted for hospital blood banks and transfusion services for 22 years. She has also worked for the American Red Cross Blood Services (Northeast Region) for 5 years. Currently Laura is employed by Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital.
7. Erik Sleeper - is a Paramedic (EMT-P) for the San Antonio Fire Department and volunteers his free time to the TLVFD.
8. Amy Ives -- Is a Registered Nurse and EMT-Basic certified . Amy is currently employed by the City of Kerrville.
9. Bud Kersten - Has graduated from the Bulverde-Spring Branch EMS Education Center as an EMT-Basic.
10. Bob Smith -- Has graduated from medical school as an M.D. He is pursuing his training in the emergency medical field and has also been certified & licensed as an EMT-Basic. He is working on Paramedic qualifications and is working with Bulverde-Spring-Branch as an instructor.
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