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.

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The Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS) recently updated its policy regarding Patient Care Reports (PCR) and data submission requirements. The revised agency policy regarding the completion of a PCR for Virginia EMS agencies is effective July 1, 2017, and remains in effect until acted on by the OEMS. This policy applies to all categories of Virginia EMS agencies (911, non-emergency, ground, air, etc.)

Please review this updated policy at: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/23/2017/04/Patient-Care-Reporting-July-2017.pdf">Patient Care Report Documentation and Data Submission. 

For more information or questions about this revised policy, please contact Regulation and Compliance Manager Michael Berg at  or 804-888-9131.

The 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.