Extraordinary People – Extraordinary Service
A System Saving Lives – From the time someone calls 911 to the moment that they arrive at a hospital the Virginia EMS System is there 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Hanover County Fire-EMS is one of 16 accredited 911 call centers in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health’s Office of EMS provides this accreditation to 911 call centers that have certified EMS personnel on site 24 hours a day which allows them to provide guidance to callers on how to manage an emergency medical situation until EMS providers can arrive.
Forest View Rescue Squad (Richmond, VA) responds to one of over 50,000 motor vehicle crashes that will require EMS assistance in Virginia. During EMS Week the Virginia Department of Health Office of EMS would like to remind Virginians about the importance of driving safely and using seat belts and car seats appropriately.
A critically ill or injured patient may require specialized care that can only be received at a designated trauma center. Helicopter EMS services like MedStar in northern Virginia, work closely with local EMS agencies to coordinate transportation and care of these patients. The Virginia Department of Health Office of EMS works to assure that the medical aspects of Helicopter EMS are performed with quality and safety.
Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance delivers a critically injured patient to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Trauma Center, which is one of 13 designated trauma centers in Virginia. In a recent Harris Poll nine out of ten American’s think would want to be taken to a trauma center in the event of a life-threatening injury, even if it is not the closest hospital. The Virginia Department of Health Office of EMS ensures that Virginia has trauma care available through the trauma designation process.
*Note – These photos are public domain and are available for media use.