Peninsulas EMS Council has a strong focus on improving the EMS provided within our region.  We accomplish this focus through several activities and programs:

Regional Performance Improvement Plan - Through the efforts of the PEMS Performance Improvement (PI) Committee and the Performance Improvement Coordinator, PEMS produces a regional plan each three years to guide the process of improving EMS in areas other than trauma.  This plan is reviewed annually and revised when necessary.

   Click here to download the PEMS Regional Performance Improvement Plan.

Regional QA/QI and Performance Improvement guidance - PEMS provides education and advice to regional agencies with regard to establishing internal QA/QI and performance improvement plans and programs.  The templates used in production of these plans and programs fully meet the requirements of 12VAC5-31, Virginia EMS Regulations.

  Click here to download the General EMS Quality Management Template.

Statistical Reviews and Reports - PEMS provides reports to authorized agencies and organizations who do not have their own capability to do so, providing statistical information regarding provision of EMS in the PEMS region.  

Medical Incident Review (MIR) - PEMS provides a system whereby any member of an agency, the healthcare system or the general public can make known their concerns regarding specific patient care incidents.  Each of these incidents is investigated and referred to the agency having authority for accomplishment of corrective action where necessary.  Information obtained through this process is handled with all due regard for HIPAA/PHI considerations.  Sanitized and aggregate results of MIRs are reviewed by the PI Committee to determine whether flaws in systemic processes contributed to the circumstances requiring the review.

Click here to submit a Medical Incident Review or  download a form here and send to our secure fax at 804-302-6073.

Regional coordination - The PEMS PI Coordinator communicates regularly with PI counterparts in our sister Councils to determine where we can coordinate to reduce duplication of effort in performance improvement activities throughout Virginia.

PEMS Performance Improvement (PI) Committee

The PEMS Performance Improvement Committee consists of representatives across the entire spectrum of emergency medical services in our region. The committee meets quarterly to plan and review data on special projects and MIRs (Medical Incident Reports). Our goal is to ensure that our region meets or exceeds the EMS standards of care established by our Protocols, Policies & Procedures as well as the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The PI Committee serves the data and information needs of the Trauma Triage, STEMI, and Stroke Task Forces as well as the Medical Advisory Committee and other PEMS committees and stakeholders.  The PI Committee also supports the needs of our hospital partners in accomplishing their accreditation goals for their various specialty teams.

Performance improvement is a never-ending process in which all healthcare workers are encouraged to work together, without fear of repercussion, to develop and enhance the system in which they work. Based on EMS community collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence, performance improvement reveals potential areas for improvement of the EMS system, identifies training opportunities, highlights outstanding clinical performance, audits compliance with treatment protocols, and reviews specific illnesses or injuries and their associated treatments. These efforts contribute to the continued success of our emergency medical services through a systematic process of review, analysis, and systemic improvement.

Each quarter the PI Committee focuses on a specific project. Reports from these studies are reported through PI Committee meeting minutes and reports and are available here.

 Award Categories and Nomination Forms

Fill out a form in one of the below categories that you think most closely aligns with the reason that you are submitting the nomination and a  PEMS staff member will contact you for more information.

Excellence in EMS Download the PDF here.  Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073 or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• CRITERIA: An individual who exemplifies outstanding dedication and service to the statewide Virginia
  emergency medical services system, and has demonstrated a commitment to a comprehensive, integrated system of
  emergency medical services throughout the Commonwealth.
• ELIGIBILITY: Any living individual, in good standing, engaged in emergency medical services within the
  Commonwealth of Virginia, with significant contributions at the local, regional, state and national level. Individuals
  should maintain a current Virginia EMS certification (where applicable) and have no outstanding or pending notices
  of enforcement actions taken against them.

Regional EMS Award for Innovation Excellence in EMS    Download the PDF here  or      Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073 or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).).

• CRITERIA:  An EMS provider, EMS agency or private/public organization involved in Emergency Medical Services that exemplifies innovative excellence and advancement in the statewide Virginia Emergency Medical Services system, and that has demonstrated a commitment to an innovation, comprehensive and unified system of Emergency Medical Services throughout the Commonwealth.
• ELIGIBILITY: Any individual, EMS agency, program, organization, public or private entity involved in Emergency Medical Services.

Outstanding EMS Leadership (formerly named Outstanding EMS Administrator)  Download the PDF here.    Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073 or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).).

• CRITERIA: An individual who has demonstrated ability to organize, conduct, manage, problem solve and evaluate within his or her organization and, by exemplary leadership and administrative skills, improve the effectiveness, response and delivery of EMS.
• ELIGIBILITY: Any person responsible for chairing, presiding over, supervising or administering EMS organizations and/or personnel in Virginia.

Outstanding EMS Agency  Download the PDF here. Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073 or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• CRITERIA: An EMS agency that exemplifies outstanding professionalism and service to its community; whose high level of patient care is evident by innovative training, community awareness, preventive health programs, public relations efforts and participation in local, regional and statewide EMS systems.
• ELIGIBILITY: Any currently licensed or official agency that is recognized by the state or federal government that is based in Virginia and is directly responsible for responding to emergencies or disasters and providing the direct delivery of care. Includes governmental, commercial, volunteer, hospital, industrial and air ambulance services.

Outstanding Prehospital Provider    Download the PDF here. Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073 or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• CRITERIA: An individual who exemplifies outstanding dedication and service to his or her community through involvement with EMS. An individual that serves a mentor in growth and development of the EMS field.
• ELIGIBILITY: Any individual who routinely provides prehospital care, primarily in Virginia, is affiliated with at least one Virginia licensed EMS agency, and who is certified as a prehospital EMS provider by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS  Download the PDF here. Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073 or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• CRITERIA: An EMS physician who exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication in the exercise of prehospital care.
• ELIGIBILITY: Any licensed physician who is actively involved with prehospital care, training or mentorship of prehospital providers in the Commonwealth. This can include emergency room physicians, operational medical directors, or other physicians who dedicate their time and knowledge to furthering education and patient care in EMS.

Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS    Download the PDF here. Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073 or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• CRITERIA: A nurse who exemplifies outstanding service in emergency medical services; knowledge and performance of EMS nursing skills; and high standards of cooperation and leadership with other EMS personnel and agencies. Highest consideration is given to performing a nursing role in a hospital or clinical setting such as precepting or quality assurance programs. Nurses who have demonstrated excellence as a prehospital provider or instructor should be nominated for those categories.
• ELIGIBILITY: Any Virginia licensed nurse serving in an active position.

Outstanding Prehospital Educator  Download the PDF here. Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073 or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• CRITERIA: A provider who exemplifies outstanding teaching and leadership qualities while participating as an educator in an EMS program. Must have coordinated or consistently demonstrated excellence and a dedication to the education of prehospital EMS providers. The nominee must have participated as an instructor, coordinator or adjunct faculty in an EMS program for at least two years. Educational programs include: First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT Enhanced, EMT Intermediate, EMT Paramedic, continuing education courses, preceptor programs or equivalent EMS training.
• ELIGIBILITY: A Virginia EMS educator.

Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children  Download the PDF here. Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073 or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• CRITERIA: An individual, organization or program that exemplifies outstanding dedication and service to the contribution, development and/or enhancement of EMS for children in Virginia.
• ELIGIBILITY: An individual, organization or program with a significant contribution to the development or enhancement of EMS for children in Virginia. Services may cover a continuum of care, from injury prevention to prehospital care, emergency department and hospital services, and rehabilitation.

Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunication  Download the PDF here. Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073 or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• CRITERIA: An emergency medical telecommunicator, public safety answering point administrator, supervisor or training officer whose outstanding dedication and service has demonstrated an exceptional contribution to the improved delivery of emergency medical services in the local, regional , statewide and or national EMS system.
• ELIGIBILITY: An emergency medical telecommunicator, public safety answering point administrator, supervisor or training officer who is employed by or volunteers with an organized emergency medical services dispatch center or public safety answering point in Virginia.

Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health & Safety  Download the PDF here. Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073 or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• CRITERIA: Any individual, program, business or licensed EMS agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia that has demonstrated comprehensive and/or significant accomplishments/programs that make a significant contribution to or provide for the physical or mental health, safety and well-being of EMS providers.
• ELIGIBILITY: Any individual or official agency that is recognized by the state or federal government that
  is based in Virginia and is directly responsible for the health, safety and well-being of all people in Virginia.
  Examples include EMS provider health and wellness programs (fitness and wellness, cardiovascular health),
  scene safety programs (aeromedical operations, emergency vehicle operations), and provider injury prevention
  programs (injury prevention at violent scenes) designed to prevent line of duty death and injury. 

Outstanding Contribution to EMS Emergency Preparedness & Response  Download the PDF here. Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073 or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• CRITERIA: Any individual, EMS organization or EMS response group within the Commonwealth of
  Virginia that has demonstrated comprehensive and/or significant accomplishments for programs that provide
  preparedness, response and recovery from natural, man-made and preplanned events, which cause a significant
  impact on the agency and the community.
• ELIGIBILITY: Any individual currently licensed or official agency that is recognized by the state or federal
  government that is based in Virginia and is directly responsible for responding to emergencies or disasters and
  providing the direct delivery of care. Includes Disaster Response Teams, Community Emergency Response
  Teams, Continuity of Operations Planning, Mass Casualty Incident Training programs, all-hazards planning,
  emergency management partnerships and surge event planning.

Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior or GED Recipient   Download the PDF here.   Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073) or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• This competitive $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior or GED recipient under the age of 21, who has been affiliated with an EMS agency for at least 90 days, and who is currently enrolled or will be enrolled in an institution of higher learning or an accredited ALS training program in the coming year.

  The Regional Winner will receive a $1,000 Scholarship for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior or GED recipient. The Regional Winner will be Eligible to Win $5,000 Scholarship at the State level.

Call of the year (Regional Award)   Download the PDF here. Download the Word document here. (Fill out the application and fax to 804-302-6073) or scan and send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• CRITERIA: An outstanding EMS call which occurred in the Peninsulas EMS Region in the last year that demonstrates mutual aid, integration of multiple system components, interagency interfacing and cooperation, or complex assessment and rescue. The call must conform to standard EMS protocols of prehospital care, including scene safety.
• ELIGIBILITY: Any Peninsulas EMS region EMS call, from initiation into the system until resolution at a health care facility, thus including the roles of dispatcher, EMS agencies, EMS providers, bystanders, hospital care providers and/or others who provided EMS.

Previous EMS Award Winners

The backbone of PEMS workload is necessarily performed by highly-skilled providers and practitioners with extensive experience in our prehospital EMS system.  Each of our committees is chaired by an expert in their associated field and a PEMS staff member is assigned to each committee to facilitate the administrative and logistic needs of the committee.  PEMS standing committees are listed below.  Follow the link to each committee for further information and access to committee documents.

Behavioral Health Committee

Board of Directors

Critical Incident Stress Management Team Committee

EMS Operations Committee

Executive Committee

Medical Advisory Committee

Pediatric Care Committee

Peninsulas Interfacility Cooperation Organization

Performance Improvement Committee 

Pharmacy Committee

Protocols, Policies and Procedures Committee

ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Committee

Stroke Committee

Trauma Committee

PEMS is frequently asked to post job opportunities for our agencies and partners. We are happy to post opportunities for employment within the PEMS region for organizations that do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Postings will be for a maximum period of 90 days unless the advertised position closes before that period.

Current postings may be found below.

Other jobs in Virginia may be found at Virginia EMS Career Finder.

Click HERE to see any event or training that has been cancelled or rescheduled due to the coronavirus  

Regional Training Calendar

Peninsulas EMS Council is the “go to” source for information on EMS training and education throughout the region!

Whether hosted by PEMS, our sister regional councils, or produced by our agency and health system partners, PEMS is the central repository in the region for training information.

If your organization is providing training and you would like to make that training available to others, please let us know below and we will post it to the Regional Training Calendar.

Click here to see the training calendar!

 OEMS Approved EVOC Training Programs

The following training programs have been reviewed and are recognized as equivalents to the emergency vehicle operator requirements established in the Virginia EMS Regulations (October 2012), specifically; 12VAC5-31-1210; 12VAC5-31-1230; and 12VAC5-31-1270:

• American Medical Response, Virginia Division EVOC Course
• Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad, Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course
• Chesterfield County Fire Department, EVOC Program
• City of Virginia Beach Emergency Vehicle Operating Course
• Department of Criminal Justice Services Driver Academy EVOC Course and/or Instructor School
• Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, EVOC Training Program
• McNeil and Company, Inc. Emergency Vehicle Operations
• Richmond Ambulance Authority, Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course
• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), Emergency Vehicle Operators Safety (EVOS) Course
• S. Department of Transportation/National Highway Transportation Safety Administration
• Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad, Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course
• Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course
• Virginia Department of Fire Programs, Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course
• Volunteer Fireman’s Insurance Services, Inc., Emergency Vehicle Driver Training

  Click here to download official notification from OEMS.

Training Links

EMS Scholarship Opportunity

ECPI University EMS Program

Rappahannock Community College EMS Programs

Virginia Peninsula Community College EMS Programs

TEMS Training Calendar

VDEM Training

EMS Education Coordinator Updates

Training Announcements

The following article is published for review:

Your Peninsulas EMS Council remains committed to serving our EMS Agencies and other partners. We have launched a new section on our website that concentrates on providing you with news regarding the coronavirus as well as providing you with links to the Virginia Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control's EMS Guidance, and the Virginia Office of EMS.  We encourage you to visit these links often as they will provide you current information.  Please click on the COVID-19 in the ribbon to see our new web features.

 We Are PEMS!…Using Partnerships, Science and Synergy to Create Regional EMS System Excellence…For You!

COVID-19 EMS Provider Health