Robert Logan, WVEMS Executive Director and CEO announced his retirement from his full-time role at the Council, to be effective at the end of this calendar year. Logan has served as executive director since September 1995, a period spanning 25 years. He also worked for the Council earlier as training coordinator and then executive director from 1980-1985. He is one of only four executive directors to lead the Council since its formation in 1974. 

"I'm honored to have served the Western Virginia EMS Council for so many years. During this time, I have made many new friends and worked with distinguished colleagues from across Virginia and the US. I appreciate the support I've been given by our officers and board members throughout the years, and by the many EMS agencies and providers, hospitals, state agencies and others we've been privileged to serve. As we begin our search process, I look forward to a smooth transition as I hand this responsibility over to our next dedicated CEO. I wish the Council many more years to grow and improve its commitment and level of services to all our constituents," said Logan.

Recruiting will begin today, September 14 with an initial 21-day positing period.

Every agency in the WVEMS region, every hospital, and the WVEMS Council have entered into an agreement whereby the hospitals offer a ONE-FOR-ONE exchange of supply items specifically listed on the Standard List of Restocked Items. Please be aware that the listed items are the ONLY supply items that you are permitted to exchange at any hospital within our region per the agreement, and the exchange is limited to ONE per patient. For example, if you use two EZ-IO needles on a patient due to a failed attempt, you are entitled to ONE exchange needle. Not two. Abuse of the ONE-FOR-ONE exchange jeopardizes our entire exchange process and could result in loss of all exchange privileges. Abuses of the exchange program will be reported to the provider's OMD and agency officials to be dealt with accordingly.

Please watch for more information regarding the exchange process for specific hospitals. Remember that this supply exchange program is a benefit provided through the generosity of our hospitals and it can be rescinded at any time.

WVEMS Field Coordinators attended the Virginia Department of Health Fit Testing Training Course. All WVEMS Field Coordinators are available to assist your agency with fit testing or developing a respiratory protection program as required by OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard 1910.134.

Those requesting fit testing will be required to provide the N95 Masks and WVEMS will bring test kit.

Contact the WVEMS office or email your Field Coordinator if you need any assistance.

The WVEMS Council recently received a Rescue Squad Assistance Fund grant from the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services for the purchase of i-gel® Resus Pack airways for the region. This grant is to assist in the conversion specified by the WVEMS Regional Medical Direction Committee in our most recent protocols. Your field coordinators have begun delivering the i-gel devices to the agencies for future implementation. 

All EMS agencies will receive one set of i-gel Resus Packs in sizes 3, 4 and 5 for each licensed EMS vehicle.  Once your agency has received the i-gels, your Operational Medical Director will determine when to implement them. 

All hospitals in our region have been contacted about i-gel implementation and exchange and they are working with their supply chains to ensure that you are able to exchange “i-gel for i-gel.”  While we are working to streamline this process, we appreciate your understanding if the hospital that you transport to does not have an i-gel for exchange, you may receive a King Airway instead of an i-gel until stock is depleted. Please note that the i-gel, like the King airways, will be available for a ONE-FOR-ONE exchange. 

We are currently working with Intersurgical (i-gel manufacturer) to have a live training session in each planning district.  We will keep you posted on the dates.  Below, you will find a video from Intersurgical with information and direction for placement of the i-gel Resus Pack.

i-gel® Placement Video