Western Virginia EMS Council, Inc

News

WVEMS Offering No-Cost COVID-19 Antigen Tests for EMS Providers (Updated)

The WVEMS Council is offering EMS providers no-cost rapid antigen testing for potential COVID-19 exposures, using the Abbott BinaxNow antigen test cards. If you believe that you MAY have been exposed to COVID-19, your agency's Designated Infection Control Officer (DICO) or his/her designee may request a rapid antigen test for you by contacting WVEMS by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

COVID-19 Testing Update

The CLIA Waiver for the Abbott BinaxNow test issued to WVEMS is available ONLY for tests administered and reported by the WVEMS Council, and is specific to the Abbott BinaxNow test. If your agency has obtained and is administering its own tests (Abbott or other), you must obtain a CLIA Waiver Certificate issued to your agency which lists your OMD as the Laboratory Director. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REGISTER A REPORTING PORTAL USING THE WVEMS COUNCIL'S CLIA WAIVER CERTIFICATE NUMBER.

Be aware that a CLIA Waiver is specific to the type of test used. At present, the only COVID-19 test covered by the WVEMS CLIA Waiver is the Abbott BinaxNow test.

Your agency's DICO and OMD may designate others within your organization to request testing through WVEMS as part of your internal Infection Control protocols.

DICO (or designee): To request an antigen test, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Include your telephone number and the name of your agency. A WVEMS staff member will contact you promptly to discuss eligibility and schedule the test.

Antigen testing MUST be conducted within the following timeframe

IF ASYMPTOMATIC: 5-8 days from exposure

IF SYMPTOMATIC: 7 days or less from exposure

Your DICO should make arrangements for testing as soon as possible after exposure to ensure scheduling the test within the required timeframe.

ATTENTION ALL AGENCY ADMINISTRATORS AND DICOs in the Western Virginia EMS Region: Please contact a WVEMS Field Coordinator or the Education Program Director to learn more about the Antigen Testing Program and how to request a test for a provider with possible COVID-19 exposure.

WVEMS holds a CMS CLIA Waiver authorizing this test under the oversight of its Regional Medical Director.

WVEMS/NSPA FY2020 Annual Report Published

JUST RELEASED! pdf Please take a look at our most recent Annual Report! (4.75 MB)

WVEMS Conversion to i-gel® Airways

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

WVEMS Supply Exchange Program Alert

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.

First Responders Counseling Services Available

First responders are repeatedly exposed to other people's traumatic experiences. This can leave first responders with memories, images, sounds, and smells that linger long after the event is over. This is called Vicarious Trauma. Blue Ridge Behavioral Health, a CSB based in Roanoke, is now offering telehealth appointments to assist. pdf Please see this FLYER for more information. (1009 KB)

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