The Southwest Virginia EMS Council has released updated regional medical protocols for emergency medical services providers, updated for 2025.

The comprehensive update includes revisions to treatment guidelines, expanded options for patient care interventions, and alignment with the latest evidence-based practices in prehospital medicine. Key changes are anticipated in areas such as airway management, cardiovascular care, and pediatric treatment pathways.

In addition to the updated protocols, the Council plans to launch a new digital protocol application at the beginning of 2026. The mobile and web-based platform aims to give EMS personnel faster, offline access to up-to-date guidance during calls.

“Modernizing both our clinical guidance and the way clinicians access it was a priority this cycle,” said a spokesperson for the Southwest Virginia EMS Council. “The new protocol app will make it easier for providers in the field to deliver high-quality care.”

During this transition, ongoing changes and updates to the protocols will be implemented. If you notice something that you are not aware of or that appears to be incorrect, please contact the EMS Council. 

UPDATED 12/16/2025 2025 Protocols

The 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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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Position Title: Field Coordinator
Pay Range: $47,000 – $55,000 (Based on qualifications and experience)
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Travel, night, and weekend work required)
Reports To: Executive Director

Position Summary

The Southwest Virginia EMS Council is seeking a qualified and motivated Field Coordinator to join our team. This position works under the direction of the Executive Director in the development, coordination, and implementation of programs and projects that support the Council’s mission, strategic plan, and the Council’s contract with the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services.

The Field Coordinator will serve as the primary contact for EMS stakeholders in an assigned service area, providing technical assistance, information, and coordination support to EMS agencies, hospitals, and other partners. This role involves regional planning, EMS training and testing support, committee coordination, and community engagement. Position will require travel extensively throughout the region to attend meetings, events, and to provide in-person support to EMS stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison with EMS stakeholders within the assigned service area.
• Develop and maintain relationships with EMS agencies, hospitals, dispatch centers, and local governments.
• Support regional EMS planning, coordination, and system development activities.
• Assist with EMS testing, training, and program support, including equipment preparation and course instruction.
• Provide staff support for assigned committees or teams, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and maintaining records.
• Participate in regional preparedness exercises and other Council-led initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Lead Field Coordinator.

Qualifications

• Current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician–Basic (ALS certification preferred).
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in direct delivery of prehospital patient care.
• Associate degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent experience).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

Benefits

• Health insurance offered
• 401(k) retirement plan offered

Application Process

Applications will be accepted from December 2, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to:

Applications received after December 31, 225 will not be considered.

Southwest Virginia EMS Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

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/