West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services

Welcome to the Office of Emergency Medical Services

Picture of Ambulance The West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services was legislatively mandated in 1975. The Office is a core component of the State Trauma and Emergency Care System (STECS) within the Bureau for Public Health, of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.

Our mission is to reduce death and disability by promoting, supporting, and enhancing a comprehensive EMS system, thus improving the quality of life for everyone.

Looking for something?

Here are the locations of things commonly requested:

Still can't find "it". Call 304-558-3956.

EMS Satisfaction Survey

For those who have not already filled out our 2008 EMS Satisfaction Survey, we ask that all currently-certified EMS personnel participate to give the Office the best representative opinions from around the state.

It is the belief of the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services that the best way to improve emergency medical services in West Virginia is through a collaboration of all involved parties. In an attempt to realize that goal, a “satisfaction survey” was created and distributed at the 2008 ESCAPe Conference at Pipestem. Over 170 certified EMS professionals completed the survey, and the results are currently being analyzed.

While we are grateful to those individuals who completed the survey at ESCAPe, we also realize not every EMS professional in West Virginia was able to attend this conference. The Office of Emergency Medical Services is providing an opportunity for emergency medical services providers to participate by making this survey available on-line. Please encourage all currently certified personnel who have not completed this survey to do so at http://www.wvoems.org/survey.aspx. The survey will be available only for the month of April.

Please report any errors to the webmaster.

EMS Week 2008 - Friday, May 16, 2008

Governor Joe Manchin III proclaims May 18-24 2008 Emergency Medical Services Week.

Sheetz Inc to Honor EMS Providers - Friday, May 16, 2008

In recognition of EMS Week, Sheetz, Inc, is honoring EMS providers for their dedicated services to the communities of West Virginia and surrounding states. On Wednesday, May 21, 2008, EMS personnel can receive a free medium hot or cold beverage by simply presenting a valid and current West Virginia EMS Certification Card,

Randy Hardy 1955-2008 - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

WVOEMS joins Jan-Care Ambulance in saying goodbye to Randy Hardy, a 32-year EMS distinguished professional. Randy's honors included:

Two time West Virginia Paramedic of the year.
Three time outstanding Rescuer of the year.
WV Police Chief Association's Medal of Honor Recipient.
Raleigh General EMS Person of the year.
Beckley ARH Hometown Hero of the year.
Accomplished American Heart Association Instructor.

BDLS and ADLS Courses - Thursday, April 10, 2008

Basic Disaster Life Support and Advanced Disaster Life Support Courses Scheduled.

For more information go to our training page.

12-lead ECG Memorandum - Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Memorandum regarding the future required acquisition of 12-lead ECGs on ALS-staffed ambulances

Policy Update - Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Protocol Revision Procedure update, effective 4/4/2008

EMS & Firefighters Competition - Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Thirty-Third Annual
West Virginia EMS & Firefighter Competition

When: August 8-9-10, 2008
Where: Cedar Lakes: Ripley, WV
Hosted By: Ripley Volunteer Fire Department

For more information go to http://www.wvemscomp.com/main.htm .

WV Public Safety Expo - Wednesday, February 20, 2008

"The WV Public Safety EXPO is the only such EXPO in West Virginia and incorporates Fire, EMS, Police, 9-1-1 Centers and Homeland Security. Exhibitor booth space is still available."

May 7–9, 2008
Charleston Civic Center

Updated 4000 Series Protocol - Thursday, January 03, 2008

On October 1, 2007, a memorandum was circulated (4000 Series Protocol Update Memo) indicating that 4000 Series Protocols had been updated. This memorandum further indicates that, "Paramedics should utilize the new protocols as soon as they are in-serviced. All jurisdictions are required to be using the new protocols no later than December 1, 2007."

Use of Distributive Education for Recertification Policy - Thursday, September 06, 2007

A new policy has been established regarding the use of distributive education programs for EMS continuing education. This supersedes any previous verbal or written policy regarding this matter.

EMSA I Scope of Practice - Thursday, September 06, 2007

EMSA I Scope of Practice - Certified EMSA-Intermediates may perform all procedures and administer all medications contained in the current 5000 Series WV EMS System Protocols...

BLS Rollout Implementation Information (change in implementation date) - Friday, June 22, 2007

BLS Rollout Implementation Information (change in implementation date)

EMT-B Protocol Rollout Questions - Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Answers to various questions, from Dr. William Ramsey

AED Software Update - Tuesday, April 24, 2007

AED software updates and new AHA guidelines

NREMT Testing Locations - Sunday, January 14, 2007

We've updated our site with National Registry testing locations in West Virginia and the surrounding areas.

Emergency Medical Services Retirement System Act

The West Virginia Emergency Medical Services Retirement System (EMSRS) became effective January 1, 2008. (Certification of the election results follows).

Fifteen licensed EMS employers, including twelve eligible Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) entities and three eligible non-PERS political subdivisions passed resolutions to become participating employers of the new retirement system. PERS is in the process of setting up policies and procedures to fully implement the plan.

The plan applies to EMS personnel “employed by the state, county or other political subdivision as a medical professional that is qualified to respond to medical emergencies, aids the sick and injured and arranges or transports to medical facilities, as defined by the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services.”

The EMSRS will well serve the retirement need of the dedicated men and women who provide necessary emergency medical services to communities throughout West Virginia.

For information on the EMSRS, contact the West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board by phone 800-654-4406 or via the web www.wvretirement.com.

To view a copy of the "Certification of the Emergency Medical Services Retirement (EMSRS) Election Results" click here.

Thirty-Third Annual West Virginia EMS & Firefighter Competition

When: August 8-9-10, 2008 Where: Cedar Lakes: Ripley, WV Hosted By: Ripley Volunteer Fire Department

Thirty-Third Annual
West Virginia EMS & Firefighter Competition

When: August 8-9-10, 2008
Where: Cedar Lakes: Ripley, WV
Hosted By: Ripley Volunteer Fire Department