Organization Description

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

I. Goods Produced and/or Services Provided

The Council provides technical assistance to EMS Stakeholders (EMS providers, EMS agencies, OMDs, hospitals and localities) to strengthen the regional EMS system. The Council provides a yearly training curriculum, RSAF grant writing assistance, and support to all members of the regional EMS community. The Council contracts directly with the Office of Emergency Medical Services to coordinate various components of the regional EMS system.

II. Facilities and Location(s)

At the time of adoption of this Personnel Handbook, the Council's main office is located at 1000 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA. The main office may be relocated at the discretion of the Council. Additional remote offices may be established as needed.

III. The History of SWVEMS

SWVEMS was incorporated in July of 1979 as a non-profit corporation. Continuing education programs for physicians and nurses, training for emergency dispatchers, coordination of Basic and Advanced Life Support programs, Ancillary courses such as, ACLS, PALS, NALS and BTLS, Basic Emergency Care programs, State Consolidated Testing Site Coordination, ALS Practical Site Coordination, and Rescue Squad Assistance Fund Coordination are among the programs which the EMS Council coordinates.

IV. Organizational Structure

The Council is managed by an Executive Director with oversight provided by a Board of Directors. The composition of the Board of Directors is defined in Council's by-laws. The Board is chaired by an elected president, and oversight is provided through other elected officers as defined in the by-laws.

VI. Management Philosophy

Employees play an integral role in insuring the success of the Council and in accomplishment of Council goals. Because of that, communication between employees and management is crucial. Planning and decision making, whenever possible and practical, will involve employee input.

The Council encourages creative and innovative thinking by employees. Employees are encouraged to make positive suggestions related to all aspects of operations. In addition, it is the role of supervisors and managers to support employees to allow them to succeed. An open door policy is in effect to encourage two-way communication between employees and supervisors. Each employee should be willing to discuss any ideas or concerns with their supervisor(s) and the Executive Director.

Ultimate decision-making authority is granted to the Executive Director and Board of Directors as described in the by-laws. Employees are expected to accept and commit to any decisions made in the best interest of the organization, even if the decision is contrary to their own feelings and beliefs.

VII. Mission

To reduce death and disability resulting from sudden or serious injury and illness in the Southwest region through planning and development of a comprehensive, coordinated EMS system; and provision of other technical assistance and support to enable the EMS community to provide the highest quality emergency medical care possible to those in need.

VIII. Vision

To become known as a foremost source of knowledge and a comprehensive resource for assistance related to all aspects of the EMS system development and operation by providing administrative support, educational opportunities, EMS planning, and assistance with resource acquisition and retention to insure that all individuals facing medical or traumatic emergencies in our region receive the highest possible standard of prehospital care.