EMS Officer 1 (EMSO1) Program Overview
The EMS Officer 1 (EMSO1) program, developed by the Virginia Office of EMS in collaboration with the State EMS Advisory Board’s Workforce Development Committee, serves as the entry-level leadership training course for EMS personnel across the Commonwealth.
This program is the fundamental building block in the evolution of becoming a leader and officer within an EMS agency. It is specifically designed for the Attendant-in-Charge (AIC) or those functioning in a supervisory role on an EMS unit. EMSO1 introduces the core knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to take on formal leadership responsibilities within EMS organizations.
Course topics include:
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Budgeting and resource allocation
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Human resource management
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Conflict resolution and personnel issues
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Communication and team dynamics
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EMS administration and operations
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Community and government relations
Participants will gain a strong foundation in essential leadership concepts while developing the practical tools necessary to manage personnel, support agency operations, and enhance the overall quality of EMS service delivery.
EMS Officer 1 Course Completion Dashboard
The EMS Officer 1 Course was launched in 2016 as a pilot initiative to address the growing need for standardized leadership training within Virginia’s EMS agencies. Since then, the program has expanded significantly, offering multiple classes per year across the Commonwealth.
This dashboard illustrates:
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Total graduates since 2016
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Annual completion numbers for each program year
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Continuing Education Units (CEUs) awarded for course completion
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Number of classes conducted each year
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Notes regarding CEU changes, including the shift from 16 CEUs (2016–2017) to 24 CEUs, and the 2025 update allowing up to 8 Category 1 CEUs
This data provides transparency, demonstrates program growth, and reflects the sustained interest from EMS providers and agencies, as growing numbers are now requiring this training at the agency level.
EMSO1 Course Completion Totals 2016-2025
On this page, you will find:
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A list of current EMSO1 course offerings, including class dates, locations, and registration links
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Downloadable and printable course flyers for upcoming classes
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A form to request a replacement certificate of completion
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A form to request to host an EMSO1 course at your agency
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The current EMSO1 course syllabus
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Sample formats for the two recommended course schedules (2-day and 4-evening versions)
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For more information contact:
Chris Vernovai
EMS Systems Planner
Chris.Vernovai@vdh.virginia.gov
Phone: 804-356-1537