Update – Reporting of Continuing Education System Issue Resolved

Reporting of Continuing Education 

Update: As of Saturday, February 15, 2025, the operating system issue affecting the reporting of continuing education has been resolved. Continuing education files can now be submitted and processed.

After an update to the system, there is now an issue with the certificate that is preventing the submission of continuing education files. Please be advised that no continuing education will be processed during this time. We hope to have a resolution by close of business on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we resolve this issue.

Blue Ridge EMS Council Welcomes its New Critical Incident Stress Management K-9, Billie, to Report for Duty

Blue Ridge EMS Council Welcomes its New Critical Incident Stress Management K-9, Billie, to Report for Duty 

(Campbell County, Va.) – The Blue Ridge EMS (BREMS) Council, a regional EMS Council under the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of EMS, is thrilled to welcome its newest team member Billie, a highly trained yellow Labrador Retriever who officially began her service as a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) K-9 on January 13, 2025, at Campbell County Public Safety. Billie will play a vital role in supporting the mental health and well-being of first responders in the region, which includes Appomattox, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell and the City of Lynchburg.

Read the news release.

Picture of CISM K-9 Billie. Photo provided by the BREMS Council.

Blue Ridge EMS Council Welcomes its New Critical Incident Stress Management K-9, Billie, to Report for Duty

VDH and OEMS Celebrates the Contributions of State OMD Dr. George Lindbeck and Deputy Director Scott Winston, and Announces Acting OMD and Deputy Director Positions

VDH and OEMS Celebrates the Contributions of State OMD Dr. George Lindbeck and Deputy Director Scott Winston, and Announces Acting OMD and Deputy Director Positions

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) shares its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to former State Operational Medical Director (OMD) George Lindbeck, M.D., for his devoted service to the Commonwealth. For more than 18 years, Dr. Lindbeck shared his time, knowledge and extensive experience in emergency medicine to Virginia’s EMS System, serving on the State EMS Advisory Board, Medical Direction Committee and countless workgroups and committees at the state and national level. His commitment and dedication to OEMS and Virginia’s EMS System is highly respected, and we thank him for his honorable service.

The VDH OEMS announces its Acting State OMD Allen Yee, M.D., who will provide interim medical direction, clinical guidance and serve as a technical resource for EMS at the state level. This temporary appointment is part of VDH’s continued commitment to create a more comprehensive and sustainable EMS System in Virginia.   

“I look forward to being a part of the changing landscape of EMS in Virginia, and welcome the opportunity to advance EMS care by collaborating with colleagues across the state to ensure safe patient outcomes and quality prehospital care,” said Allen Yee, M.D.  

Dr. Yee has more than 30 years of experience in the medical field, and has improved EMS in Virginia by serving on various committees and workgroups at the regional, state and national level. Dr. Yee is board certified in Emergency Medicine and EMS, and serves as an Assistant Professor with Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems. Additionally, Dr. Yee serves as the OMD for Chesterfield Fire and EMS, and is the Regional Medical Director for the Old Dominion EMS Alliance region.    

At the state level, Dr. Yee has implemented innovative EMS solutions through his positions on the State EMS Advisory Board as chair of the Medical Direction Committee, Patient Care Coordinator and chair of the state’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare Workgroup. Dr Yee’s highly regarded experience in emergency care will help move Virginia’s EMS System forward to a more coordinated and advanced delivery of care. 

The OEMS also announces the retirement of Scott Winston, Deputy Director of Education and Compliance, effective January 31, 2025. For more than 35 years, Scott has contributed his vast array of knowledge and skills in EMS through his work on state and national committees, providing EMS program planning and development, regional coordination and by serving as a stalwart advocate of EMS in Virginia. We thank him for his contribution to Virginia’s EMS System and know that it will continue through his legacy of dedicated service.  

“It has been my high honor and privilege to work for close to 40 years in public service. For the last 35.5 years I have worked with the men and women at VDH, OEMS to develop programs and services designed to assure quality prehospital care is available to the residents and visitors of the Commonwealth and delivered by an effective and efficient statewide EMS system,” said Scott Winston, B.S., NREMT-P. “EMS resides at the intersection of public health, public safety, emergency management, and healthcare. Collaboration amongst these groups is critical to preventing injury, illness, death, disability and increasing resiliency in neighborhoods and communities across the Commonwealth. The knowledgeable and experienced staff at the OEMS is integral to identifying opportunities to help innovate and move EMS forward into the future.” 

In the interim, Daniel Linkins, Regional Director for the Central Shenandoah EMS Council will assume the role of the OEMS’ Acting Deputy Director of Education and Compliance.   

“The Virginia EMS system has a proud 50-year history, but recent events have undeniably shaken its foundation. While we must acknowledge the past and learn from these challenges, I believe that change is not only inevitable, but also essential to rebuild trust and ensure a stronger, more resilient future,” said Daniel Linkins, MPH, NRP, NCEE. “I am excited to join our new leadership team, work collaboratively to rebuild, and chart a course for a bright future for EMS in Virginia.” 

Spring 2025 RSAF Grant Cycle Opens February 1, 2025

The application period for the Spring 2025 Rescue Squads Assistance Fund (RSAF) competitive matching grant cycle will open on Saturday, February 1, 2025, and will close on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

The Virginia Office of EMS 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).

Learn more: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/administration-finance/rsaf-grants-program/

Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice Announces Draft Rules to Enhance EMS Compact

The Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice announces the release of draft rules designed to enhance the implementation of the EMS Compact. After extensive collaboration with commissioners, stakeholders, and the public, the Commission will meet to consider the adoption of these proposed rules on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET via Microsoft Teams. Learn more at: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/ems-interstate-compact-replica/.