Pendleton County Emergency Rescue

05/01/2026

The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) is proud to announce a major public health initiative to become a Stroke Smart State, a designation that reflects a strong commitment to increasing awareness, improving early recognition, and ensuring rapid response to stroke symptoms.

Stroke Smart West Virginia officially launches on May 1, 2026, in alignment with Stroke Awareness Month. This statewide initiative focuses on implementing early adoption and comprehensive public awareness campaigns. Through strategic alliances with health systems across the state, the program underscores West Virginia’s commitment to improving stroke recognition and patient outcomes.

“This is an incredible collaborative effort that can help bring awareness to stroke and, hopefully, save lives,” shared Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh. “West Virginia faces elevated stroke risk due to high rates of hypertension, diabetes, to***co use, obesity, atrial fibrillation, and rural barriers to timely emergency care. Delays in stroke recognition and EMS activation remain primary drivers of poor outcomes. States implementing coordinated stroke awareness initiatives demonstrate measurable improvements in public recognition of stroke symptoms, reduced pre-hospital delays, and improved treatment times.”

Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the United States, but outcomes can be dramatically improved when warning signs are recognized early and treated immediately. Central to this initiative is educating the public about the BEFAST acronym, a simple and effective tool that helps identify the most common signs of stroke:

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
F – Face: Facial drooping, uneven smile or sudden severe headache
A – Arms: Sudden weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

“Every second counts when it comes to stroke,” said Acting State Health Officer Dr. Mark McDaniel. “By teaching people to BEFAST, we empower communities to act quickly, which can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability, or even life and death.”

The Stroke Smart West Virginia initiative focuses on public education campaigns, partnerships with healthcare providers, and community engagement to ensure that residents understand the urgency of stroke symptoms and the importance of calling emergency services without delay.

In addition to statewide efforts, counties across West Virginia are encouraged to join the movement and proclaim themselves as Stroke Smart Counties, recognizing their commitment to stroke awareness and education. This local-level engagement ensures that lifesaving information reaches communities of all sizes.

For more information on how to become a Stroke Smart County or to access educational resources, visit https://health.wv.gov/stroke-smart-west-virginia.

04/15/2026

For those who use this facility!

ELKINS – Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center is planning to transition its designation from an acute care hospital to a Critical Access Hospital (CAH), a move officials said is designed to strengthen long-term sustainability while continuing to provide essential services to the community — incl...

03/09/2026

On Saturday March 7th PCER held its Basic Skills Day in the morning with a refresher on BLS Medication, Patient Assessment Scenarios, Cardiac Emergencies with use of the Mucas advice, importance of 12-Leads, bleeding control with application of tourniquets and take down along with refreshments and great networking.

Dr. Justin Spratt PCER Medical Director was present for the days training.

In the afternoon Paramedics refreshed on ALS procedures with medication administrations, piggy back administration of fluids/medications, use of video intubation, surgical cricothyrotomy, various patient scenarios.

We want to Thank Dr Spratt for always being a part of our agency!

03/05/2026

02/18/2026

People say why go, why not just call or email?

The main reason why go is “Respect” talking face to face allowing each side to know who you are and who you represent -that’s why go!

Tell the full story not just a blog to get an answer to suit a situation. Help discuss issues and possible premanent situations not just a so called bandaid solution.

We were honored to hear great compliments in person by the WV Secretary of State Kris Warner thanking the crew that responded and the professionalism they each displayed during his accident. As Vice President and Training Officer of PCER it is so great to hear the “Thanks” and the great care our providers provide during time of need!

Yesterday was also EMS Day at the Capitol so we not only represented Pendleton County Emerency Rescue but the voice also of Rural EMS the agencies with 4-6 hour tours rounds!

We like to Thank Senators Bill Hamiliton and Robbie Morris, House Delegate Elias Coop-Gonzalez, Tyler Henry - Director of External Affairs with Governor Morrisey and of course WV Secretary of State Kris Warner,

Also, Thanks to Pendleton County Emergency Services Coordinator Rick Gillespie, also representing Pendleton County. When numbers show up in Charleston they listen and that they did yesterday!

Thanks to WV EMS Coalition for everything you did settings this event up!

Others in attendance were Amberly Bennett, Delmes Bennett, Stacie Bennett, Jeremy Hedrick and Mike Alt

02/16/2026

Thanks to all the boots on the ground — PCER deserves the acknowledgment for the various calls recently including this one! Thanks to everyone involved!

Responders located an injured female hiker who had slid off the snow‑ and ice‑covered trail and down a steep slope.

02/08/2026

A huge Thanks to Amanda Fields from Shriners Hospital providing a great class on Pediatric Burns!

Thanks to the Potomac Highlands Shriners Club for hosting and the Landes Ruritan Club for the usage of their facility!

Great turn out with EMS providers from Grant, Hardy and Pendleton County!

12/05/2025

Read it loud for folks in the back!!! We may or may not be able to get to you for hours, days or weeks!

12/05/2025

For sale
Netgear Hot Spots —- works great for extra WiFi coverage in cellular covered areas

We had them in ambulances with AT&T First Net and we are transitioning to Starlink — no issues with the equipment

$75.00 each contact Mike Alt for more information or to purchase 304-257-3652

Payments payable to Pendleton County Emergency Rescue (PCER).

11/13/2025

Thanks to Gateway!

Check your local news paper:)

08/30/2025

Medical Time Out is a program to help EMS and School personnek to assist with children in sports. PCER took on this program 3 years ago to be better prepared for a response on the field at a moments notice.

Sport injuries and deaths last year alone in 2024 rose to 7 deaths of young athletes in US with a 13 year old that died in WV.

We would like to Thank the Pendleton County School and Athletic Director - Coaches, Trainers, etc for an awesome buy into the program which helps us all to provide a much needed service. This is not only the children playing but the spectators, support staff and all others who come support the sport programs.

Thanks also to Fisher Mountain Golf Course in allowing us usage of a golf cart which helps with assisting in getting people, equipment, patients, on and off the field in even a more quicker method!

Thanks to the school for a sought after EMS Medical Station near the field with an exam table and the tub for rapid cooling of heat emergencies.

This method for the cooling treatment was used this year during a practice session and was proven to help in the initial treatment of a player who was able to return to play after a couple days!