The Western Virginia EMS Council is seeking an Advanced EMT Instructor for the Roanoke area beginning in September.  For a complete job description, folder click here .

Interested applicants should submit their CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

EMERGENCY INTERIM PROTOCOLS – DRUG SHORTAGES

The following ( pdf and attached (21 KB) ) protocols are in effect immediately to address current drug shortages affecting WVEMS and the nation. Please read and retain this information.

DEXTROSE pdf
(21 KB)

Due to a critical shortage of Dextrose, an interim protocol has been developed until there is adequate supply of D10 or D50.

Alternate protocol for hypoglycemia and altered mental status (typically FSBS <60) when no pre-filled syringes of D50, D25 or D10 are available.  Administer rapidly, may require mild to moderate pressure on bag. 

D10W in 250ml or 500ml IV bag:

            Adult dose 5 grams = 50ml (<0.1 gram/kg)

            Pediatric dose 0.1 grams/kg = 1ml/kg

            Repeat every 5 minutes based on FSBS and Mental Status

                                                            Or

D5W in 100ml, 250ml or 500ml IV bag:

            Adult dose 5 grams= 100ml

            Pediatric dose 0.1 grams/kg = 2ml/kg

            Repeat every 5 minutes based on FSBS and Mental Status

EPINEPHRINE

If there are no Epi 1:10,000, prefilled syringes in the box, use:

1 mg of Epi 1:1000 – mixed with 9 mL of Normal Saline

Epinephrine may be in your box as a 30 mL multi-dose vial, of 1:1,000 typically packaged 1mg/mL

SODIUM BICARB

There is no alternative drug that will be used in the place of Sodium Bicarb.  If the box does not have Sodium Bicarb in it, it will be marked with a sticker from the pharmacy, “No Sodium Bicarb”

WVEMS is now accepting bids from instructors, Education Coordinators, training centers, ALS Coordinators, EMS agencies, local governments, etc. to offer Category 1 Continuing Education and approved auxiliary courses throughout the region. Thanks to a cooperative opportunity with the Virginia Department of Health Office if EMS, funding is available to pay an hourly rate for qualified 33-hour CE courses, and a per-student payment for approved auxiliary courses.

1. pdf Click here to read the Request for Proposals document (138 KB) .
2. Complete and submit the Proposal - Instructor Application on-line form.  (If you prefer a paper form, you may download, print and complete pdf THIS FORM. (106 KB) ) 
3. Contact any WVEMS field coordinator for assistance.
   • Mike Garnett
   • Chris Christensen
   • Gene Dalton

The Western Virginia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. paid tribute to its regional EMS personnel for their selfless acts of service at the council's annual awards ceremony, May 23, at the American Legion, Salem, VA.  Regional award winners were nominated by thier peers for thir high level of achievments in the EMS field.  

Recipients of this year's regional awards will have the chance to compete for the prestigious 2017 Governor's EMS Awards, which will be announced at the Virginia EMS Symposium's Annual Awards Ceremony, November 12 in Norfolk.  

This Years Recipients:

• Excellence in EMS - Daryl Hatcher, Franklin County Public Safety
• Outstanding EMS Administrator - Chris Eyestone, Virginia Tech Rescue Squad
• Outstanding EMS Agency - Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad
• Outstanding Contribution to EMS Prepardness and Response - Marci Stone, Roanoke Fire and EMS
• Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS - Andrea "Andi" Wright, Carilion Roanoke Memorial
• Outstanding Prehospital Educator - Mike Garnett, Western Virginia EMS Council
• Outstanding EMS Provider - Lois Whitlow, Bassett Volunteer Rescue Squad
• Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a Physician (Dr. Cheryl B. Hass Award) - Michael Saccocci, DO, HCA Virginia, Lewis Gale Salem
• Outstanding EMS Telecommunications Dispatcher - Donna Brown, Executive Director, New River Valley 911
• Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children - James Keith Blankenship, Carilion Clinic

Special Recognition:

Benny Summerlin Award for Service to Local Government - Kenneth Neal Turner, Montgomery County Emergency Services