Virginia EMS Blog

2022 Symposium Registration Discounted Rate

Posted on by marianhunter

This year only – Due to the rising cost of gas and inflation, the Virginia Office of EMS is reducing the price of the Virginia EMS Symposium registration by nearly 50 percent – to only $100! We want to do our part to help, and are hopeful that by reducing the registration cost for this premier educational event, that more EMS providers will be able to attend.

This year’s symposium will offer more than 300 classes and various course tracks to help fulfill your continuing education needs. Registration opens in August. More details coming soon. Learn more at: www.vdh.virginia.gov/symposium.

Illicit Drug Exposure Prevention

Posted on by tristengraves

Illicit Drug Exposure prevention (1) – Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. On-the-job exposure to Fentanyl and other illicit drugs is a real risk to EMS providers. This Month’s Health and Safety Bulletin is all about Fentanyl and illicit drug exposure prevention and mitigation. Visit bit.ly/FentanylExposureSafety for more information about PPE guidelines, decontamination and training to prevent Fentanyl and illicit drug exposures.

For additional information on Provider Health and Safety topics, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/health-and-safety-bulletins/.

EMS Safety Manual – April 2022

Posted on by tristengraves
The U.S. Fire Administration recently released its new EMS Safety manual. The manual outlines how to develop a safety program that covers all aspects of EMS operations. It covers safety regulations and guidelines, while also emphasizing the importance of developing a culture of safety in the organization. The publication is divided into five sections, including basic elements of safety, physical and mental health, infection control and hazardous materials protective equipment, emergency operations and vehicle operations. Each section is supported by extensive references. The goal of the manual is to provide information to enhance the health and safety of the EMS practitioner and support the reduction of occupational illness and on-duty injuries and fatalities.

EMS Week 2022

Posted on by marianhunter

Virginians rely on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to respond to the call for help and to provide quality prehospital care during their greatest time of need. National EMS Week is May 15 – 21, 2022. EMS for Children Day, May 18, focuses on the pediatric patient and the specialized care required when providing treatment to them.

EMS Week recognizes the dedication of 37,758 EMS providers and 564 agencies in Virginia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginia’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers have been challenged beyond measure and continue to provide emergency care with the utmost expertise and professionalism. Last year, EMS providers responded to more than 1.59 million calls for help in Virginia, which represents approximately 4,360 incidents per day.

Learn more: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/ems-week-2022/