Dear EMS Providers,

Today, the Southwest Virginia EMS Council received multiple communications from members of the EMS community regarding hospital diversion declarations in our region.  While hospital diversions are intended to address temporary periods when a hospital’s resources are overwhelmed, we know that the incidence of diversion has increased and creates a strain on the EMS system.  Such declarations also create hostility between prehospital and hospital employees.

We want to affirm regional EMS policies regarding hospital diversion and direct EMS agencies and providers to adhere to provisions of the regional Ambulance Diversion Policy.  When adjacent facilities declare diversion, it is permissible for EMS agencies to disregard those declarations, especially when increased travel time places communities and citizens at risk.  If you encounter issues, direct those to our office.  We will not tolerate aggressive or rude treatment of EMS providers following this policy and will deal swiftly with these incidents.

The Spring 2019 Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) Grant Cycle opens February 1, 2019 and will close on March 15, 2019 at 5:00pm. The RSAF Grant Program is a multi-million dollar grant program for Virginia non-profit EMS agencies and organizations which can be used to purchase EMS equipment and vehicles, computers, EMS management programs, courses/classes and projects benefiting the recruitment and retention of EMS providers.

RSAFnaloxoneThe Virginia Office of EMS has opened a special grant opportunity for EMS agencies.

Nasal Naloxone for EMS Agencies is a NO COST grant opportunity for licensed EMS agencies to receive Nasal Naloxone between November 26, 2018 and March 29, 2019. All licensed EMS agencies are eligible to apply for Nasal Naloxone regardless of prior funding status. Eligible applicants may apply through E-GIFT to have the Naloxone shipped at NO COST to their agency. 

For more information, please see the OEMS website. 

New plan updates have been approved by the Southwest Virginia EMS Council Board of Directors. EMS Performance Improvement plans and documents were approved at the September 20, 2018, meeting of the Board of Directors. Regional EMS plans (including the MCI, Strategic EMS, Stroke Triage, and Trauma Triage plans) are reviewed and revised as needed annually. The most recent versions of these plans, along with our most recent annual report, are posted to our website and available for download.  To review or download plans, please click on this link.  You may also review our most recent Annual Report under the "About Us" menu tab from our website.

Southwest Va. EMS Council CE Courses

Course schedule

Continuing education is essential to the ongoing professional development of EMS providers. The Southwest Virginia EMS Council offers an annual Category-1 continuing education program at both the levels to support ongoing professional development. Course offerings include 33-hour ALS/BLS refresher training, 20-hour for BLS level, and various ancillary courses (including ACLS, PALS, and PHTLS). You can browse our current CE offerings by clicking on the CE Course listing link.  Registration will be required for all training courses effective 8/23/2018 and you can register on the training calendar click here.  If you have questions please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. CE courses will be combined both ALS and BLS.

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