Welcome to the Official Website of the
Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad

FDA Advises Consumers Not To Use Certain Zicam Cold Remedies JUNE 17 - **Reprint of an FDA News Release dated 16Jun09** Intranasal Zinc Product Linked to Loss of Sense of Smell The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today advised consumers to stop using three products marketed over-the-counter as cold remedies because they are associated with the loss of sense of smell (anosmia). Anosmia may be long-lasting or permanent. The products are: --Zicam Cold Remedy ... (Full Story & Photos)

HURRICANE SEASON 2009 - Are you ready? JUNE 09 - The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season will officially start on June 1 and will run through November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) announced its 2009 outlook for a near-normal hurricane season. NOAA predicts 9-14 named storms, of which four to seven could become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5) with sustained winds of 111 mph or ... (Full Story & Photos)

Best Graduates Fire & EMS Program; Receives Top Honors MAY 17 - Damien Best graduated from the James A. Forrest Technology Center in the Class of 2009 St. Mary's County Fire & EMS Career Technology Program, becoming the first Ridge VRS member to achieve this goal. During the past year, Damien attended the following Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) courses: Emergency Medical Technician - Basic, Firefighter 1, Hazardous Material Operations, Principles of ... (Full Story & Photos)

Damien with his Fire & EMS Program Awards.

FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Hydroxycut Products MAY 01 - Dietary Supplements Linked to One Death; Pose Risk of Liver Injury The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products by Iovate Health Sciences Inc., of Oakville, Ontario and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. of Blasdell, N.Y. Some Hydroxycut products are associated with a number of serious liver injuries. Iovate has agreed to recall ... (Full Story & Photos)

Working Trailer Fire in Ridge APRIL 30 - Just before 1800 on April 29, Ridge VRS was dispatched to a working house fire on Hatties Lane in Ridge. Ambulance 499 responded within minutes of the call. Engines from Ridge VFD quickly knocked the fire. The initial search of the residence found no one home. However, the family dog was later found hiding in a closet and sadly, perished from smoke inhalation. Additional Engines from NASEA (NDWFD) ... (Full Story & Photos)

Fire envelops the trailer. Photo by Mary Franklin.

May is “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month” APRIL 27 - One out of every nine U.S. road fatalities accounted for last year involved motorcycle riders. This steady increase in fatalities over the past decade represents one of our Nation's greatest challenges. Motorcycle fatalities now account for 11% of total road fatalities and have increased each year from a low of 2,116 in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006. So while there has been continued success in reducing ... (Full Story & Photos)

March 24th is National Diabetes Alert Day MARCH 23 - Assess your diabetes risk during the 21st Annual Diabetes Alert Day on March 24. The American Diabetes Association observes this as a one-day call to action encouraging all Americans to take the Diabetes Risk Test and find out if they are in danger of developing type 2 diabetes. Nearly 23.6 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, and nearly a quarter of those do not know ... (Full Story & Photos)

Jeff, Pamela, and Micheal Gerek

Another future EMT in the First District! MARCH 17 - The members of the Ridge VRS would like to welcome Micheal Riley Gerek to the First District. Micheal was born on March 13, 2009 to Senior Member Pamela Gerek and husband Jeff. Micheal came in at 7lbs 8oz, 2l inches. Mom and Micheal are at home and all are doing fine! Congrats to the Gerek's! ... (Full Story & Photos)

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St. Mary's County High School  Career
Technology Fire & EMS Program

Ridge VRS gives a special thanks to the

for their generous support.