Emergency Coordination, Health and Operational Support (ECHO)
On July 1, 2026, the Division of Emergency Operations changed its name to Emergency Coordination, Health and Operational Support (ECHO). ECHO embodies the true work done by the Emergency Operations staff. While we will continue to build upon and improve our ability to provide state-level emergency response coordination, we will work with both our internal and external stakeholders to determine additional opportunities to provide operational support to EMS agencies and providers throughout the Commonwealth, to include a renewed commitment to our 911 partners and improving provider health, wellness, and safety.
Personnel within the division are not changing, just their focus. Specialty areas for each staff members are listed below.
Chad Mason, MPS
Division Director
Starting in the near future, ECHO will be responsible for managing the OEMS social media platforms. If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know.
Community Paramedicine / Integrated Health Programs
The Office of EMS continues to research how it can best support the growth of Community Paramedicine / Integrated Health Programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As ECHO accepts special projects in the future, information will be posted here.
Sam Burnette, MBA, EMT
Training, Outreach, and Coordination Specialist
TRAIN Virginia Learning Management System
ECHO is currently working to increase its utilization of TRAIN Virginia for managing EMS classes. For information on TRAIN Virginia, use the link above.
Mass Casualty Incident Management Training
The Mass Casualty Incident Management (MCIM) Training program has been offered by OEMS since the late '90s. ECHO is beginning the process of reviewing and updating the program. Information on the current program is available through the link above.
OEMS Website
ECHO currently serves as the webmaster for the Virginia Office of EMS website. If you have any questions about the site, please use the contact form below.
Health and Medical Emergency Response Team (HMERT) Program
The Office of EMS is tasked by the Code of Virginia to manage a statewide HMERT program. This program is currently under review. New information will be posted to the link above as it becomes available.
Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) / ESF-8
The Virginia Office of EMS supports the Virginia Emergency Operations Center through ESF 8. More information available on the link above.
Virginia Office of EMS - Communications Directory
ECHO maintains an online Communications Directory which includes communication information for 911 centers, medevac providers, and hospital.
Kari Magner, BS, BS, EMT
Wellness, Exercise, and Planning Specialist
Amber Moore, EMT
Operations Coordinator
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, Virginia PSAP dispatchers are required to meet established Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) training requirements.
The Virginia EMD Accreditation Program recognizes Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) that demonstrate excellence in Emergency Medical Dispatch through compliance with state requirements and nationally recognized best practices.
Virginia PSAP dispatchers are also required to receive training in Telephone-Assisted Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (TCPR).
Technology
ECHO is currently researching new and/or improved methods to track EMS resources which could be made available to respond to large scale events throughout the Commonwealth.
ECHO is currently developing the information and processes necessary to comply with SB633, which requires VDH to create a document for event planners and venues to provide potential clients.