Virginia Association of First Responders

09/09/2026

PRE-REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPTEMBER 15!

There’s still time to join us for the 2026 VAFR Convention & Training Event, October 8–11 at Hotel Madison in Harrisonburg.

This year’s event brings together first responders from across Virginia for four days of training, competition, networking, and fellowship.

Training opportunities include TECC, Pediatric TECC, Mental Health First Aid, leadership and administrative courses, PECC programming, and more.

Competitions include ALS, BLS, EVOC, Class 3 EVOC/Extrication, and the Firefighter Challenge.

Don’t wait until the deadline. Pre-registration closes September 15.

https://www.vafr.org/vafr-convention/

09/09/2026

NEW EMS TRAINING PROGRAM ROLLS OUT THIS SUNDAY!

I’m excited to announce that Sports Medicine for EMS: Football & Athletic Event Emergency Care will officially make its first classroom rollout Sunday, September 13, at the 2026 Wise Regional Fire School training weekend.

This program was developed specifically for EMS providers who may find themselves working the sidelines of a football game or other athletic event. It goes beyond simply reviewing sports injuries. We will look at the entire response, from what needs to happen before the whistle to how EMS integrates with athletic trainers, coaches, physicians, school staff, law enforcement, fire/rescue, and other members of the athletic event safety team.

We’ll cover emergency action plans, sideline operations, assessment of the injured athlete, head injuries and concussion, cervical spine injuries and football equipment, sudden cardiac arrest, heat emergencies, orthopedic injuries, communication, transport decisions, and realistic scenarios that bring it all together.

At the center of everything is one simple concept:

ONE TEAM. ONE MISSION. THE ATHLETE COMES FIRST.

This first delivery is also important because the students attending Sunday will help us evaluate the program and identify what we can improve before the next version is released.

📅 Sunday, September 13, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Wise Regional Fire School

Registration is still open, but the deadline has been extended only through Thursday, September 10. The course is listed in Cornerstone OnDemand as Sports Injuries for EMS, and EMS and Fire personnel are invited to attend.

👉 Register @:

https://form.jotform.com/262255339236055

If you provide EMS coverage for high school athletics, community sporting events, football games, or other organized athletics, I hope you’ll join us Sunday.

Prepared Before the Whistle. Ready When It Matters Most.

Sports Medicine for EMS
Southwest Virginia EMS Council
VDH/OEMS Region 1

09/08/2026

Congrats Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad on the new ride!

Ambulance 62 has officially been placed into service.

We are pleased to announce that Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad’s new Ambulance 62 has officially been placed into service and is prepared to respond within our community and surrounding areas.

The addition of this ambulance signifies more than the acquisition of new equipment. It reflects the ongoing support, trust, and generosity of the community we are privileged to serve. This support enables us to invest in modern ambulances, advanced medical equipment, and technology, ensuring our providers deliver the safest and highest quality care possible.

We do not take the ability to purchase and replace essential equipment for granted. Every contribution, fundraiser, donation, and demonstration of support helps us remain prepared to serve our community in times of greatest need.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our community, our members, and all who continue to support Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad, Inc. Your ongoing support makes a significant difference, and we are proud to place Ambulance 62 into service for you.

09/07/2026

🇩🇪🚑🇺🇸 Willkommen in Virginia!

Today, four German paramedics arrived at Dulles International Airport for the latest chapter of our international EMS exchange!

Last year, Richmond Volunteer Rescue Squad members B. Baugus, D. Murphy, and two other Virginia EMS providers traveled to Kassel, Germany for the 30th annual EMS Exchange with the German Red Cross. Now it’s our turn to return the hospitality!

Over the next three weeks, our German colleagues will travel across Virginia, visiting public safety agencies, exchanging ideas with first responders, and experiencing a little of what the Commonwealth has to offer.

If you see them out and about, be sure to say hello and give them a warm Virginia welcome! 🇩🇪🤝🇺🇸

09/07/2026

Have a safe Labor Day🇺🇸

09/06/2026

🏆2026 Regional EMS Awards nominations are open! 🏆

Know someone who deserves to be recognized for their contributions to EMS in Council Region 4?

Nominate today using this QR code or this link: https://forms.office.com/r/RZBayQcm3i

📅Nominations close Tuesday, September 15, 2026!

09/05/2026

“Women Supporting Women💙”

Well done Western Albemarle Rescue Squad!

09/05/2026

We’re hiring NEMT Drivers in Staunton and Harrisonburg!

Priority Patient Transport is looking for dependable, compassionate individuals to join our team as full-time Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) Drivers.

No EMT certification is required. These positions are a great opportunity for individuals interested in helping patients safely get to and from medical appointments, facilities, and other destinations while providing professional, patient-focused service.

Full-time positions are currently available in Staunton and Harrisonburg.

Learn more about the positions and apply today:

prioritypatienttransport.com/careers

09/04/2026

🚨 Pre-Hospital & Emergency Burn Care Training Series 🚨

Join experts from the Evans-Haynes Burn Center at VCU Health for a comprehensive training session. Enhance your skills in emergency burn management, resuscitation, and recovery.

📍 SESSION 1: ROANOKE, VA
🗓 Date: September 15, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🏢 Venue: 802 River Ave. SE, Roanoke, VA 24013
🗣 Speaker: Liz Bowers RN, BSN
Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1VlrhCOveKNUFoduaijm7FVw9nckyZclVrllr0c9cvNg/viewform?edit_requested=true

📍 SESSION 2: LYNCHBURG, VA
🗓 Date: October 6, 2026
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (13:00 – 16:00)
🏢 Venue: Lynchburg General (First Colony Conference Rm 1 + 2)
🗣 Speakers: Michael Feldman, MD & Liz Bowers, RN, BSN
Registration: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0448A5AC29A0FBC52-65098653-trauma #/

09/04/2026

🚨🚨Time is running out to submit your RSAF grant! 🚨🚨

📅The Fall RSAF Grant Application Cycle is now open through September 15, 2026, at 5pm!

❓Interested in a review of your grant before submission? Contact us at [email protected]

📄Get full RSAF grant details here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/.../adm.../rsaf-grants-program/