News

The Spring Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) Grant Cycle is now open. The application period for the Fall 2025 RSAF competitive matching grant cycle opened on Friday, August 01, 2025, and will close on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). 

OEMS will accept applications from nonprofit licensed EMS agencies and other Virginia EMS organizations pursuant to § 32.1-111.12 via the EMS Grant Information Funding Tool (E-GIFT).

 EMS agencies seeking to apply for RSAF funding ARE ENCOURAGED TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE IN COMPLETING THEIR RSAF APPLICATION FROM THE SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA EMS COUNCIL. To schedule an appointment for assistance with completing an RSAF application, please contact the council office at (276) 628-4151 or via email at . Please click on the link below to view more information about this program, including information on an upcoming pre-award technical assistance webinar.

OEMS recently announced that in conjunction with Virginia’s EMS System, the Western Virginia EMS Council recently partnered with ESO to build a comprehensive, statewide network to better collect and track healthcare and public safety data from EMS agencies, fire departments and hospitals.

This will allow the system to really lean into data across the entire patient journey – from 911 call to hospital disposition – to help improve patient care and patient outcomes at a statewide level. Additionally, we’ll have greater insight into first responder well-being so we can provide ongoing support to this critical workforce. Bottom line, we’ll be able to leverage analytics to see data-driven trends that will help us make the most informed decisions when it comes to keeping Virginians healthy and safe.

For more information, click below:

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/2021/03/11/eso-to-provide-software-and-services-to-virginia-ems-agencies-fire-departments-and-hospitals/

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of EMS (OEMS) has distributed information to registered superusers of licensed EMS agencies. This includes a document that provides additional background and training information on Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), a rare and severe hemorrhagic illness caused by the Marburg virus. 

VDH is currently monitoring international cases of Marburg and OEMS is working hard to ensure good communication is established among EMS agencies in Virginia. It’s important to note that currently there are no cases of Marburg in Virginia or the United States, and the risk of infection with this virus in the United States is low. This information is being shared for awareness only. 

Small Training logoThe Council is pleased to announce the implementation of a free regional continuing education program. CE courses will be offered each month at our office. Courses will begin at 9:00 am and will cover a variety of topics. Registration is not required. Click READ MORE to view the list of dates and topics.

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Proudly serving the cities of Bristol, Galax, and Norton and the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe. © 2018 Southwest Virginia EMS Council, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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