Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services

Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services This is the official page of the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS).

The Virginia Department of Health's Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) is responsible for planning and coordinating an effective and efficient statewide EMS system. Our programs and services are designed to assure quality prehospital patient care, from when the call is received by the 911 center to the delivery of the patient to the trauma center or hospital.

There are still seats available for this training opportunity - SUPPORT THAT SAVES: A GUIDE TO BUILDING AND SUSTAINING...
05/07/2026

There are still seats available for this training opportunity - SUPPORT THAT SAVES: A GUIDE TO BUILDING AND SUSTAINING PEER SUPPORT, June 2 – 4, 2026, at Old Dominion EMS Alliance at VCU Health. Register today: https://ow.ly/O65950YKrkm. For questions, email [email protected]

Grant Opportunity - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program has a fe...
04/30/2026

Grant Opportunity - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program has a federal funding opportunity available until May 26, 2026. Learn more: https://ow.ly/q21y50YS5wr

Happy National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week! Dispatcher - We see you. We appreciate you. As we close out thi...
04/18/2026

Happy National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week! Dispatcher - We see you. We appreciate you.

As we close out this week, we thank PSAPs and dispatchers who serve their communities with professionalism, compassion and strength.

Read this special message from OEMS Director Dr. Maria Beermann-Foat for all Public Safety Answering Points across the Commonwealth: https://ow.ly/nRah50YKElf

Training Opportunity - SUPPORT THAT SAVES: A GUIDE TO BUILDING AND SUSTAINING PEER SUPPORT, June 2 – 4, 2026, at Old Dom...
04/17/2026

Training Opportunity - SUPPORT THAT SAVES: A GUIDE TO BUILDING AND SUSTAINING PEER SUPPORT, June 2 – 4, 2026, at Old Dominion EMS Alliance at VCU Health. Register in advance, seats are limited: https://ow.ly/O65950YKrkm. For questions, email [email protected]

Dispatcher - Mental health awareness and wellness support are critical in public safety communications. Taking care of...
04/17/2026

Dispatcher - Mental health awareness and wellness support are critical in public safety communications. Taking care of the voice on the line matters.

Dispatchers handle high-stress, emotional calls every day—often without knowing the outcome. They manage crisis situations, provide lifesaving instructions and support callers during some of their worst moments.

Learn more about the mental health resources available for first responders: https://ow.ly/vI7i50YKCCN

EMS providers can now get assistance with their education questions & issues through a new online support system called ...
04/16/2026

EMS providers can now get assistance with their education questions & issues through a new online support system called the EMS Education Support Request Form. This form tracks questions & issues to make sure they get to the right support staff. Learn more: https://ow.ly/vnFZ50YKwHx

Dispatcher - Call if you can - text if you can’t. Text-to-911 is available in all areas across Virginia. This option ...
04/16/2026

Dispatcher - Call if you can - text if you can’t.

Text-to-911 is available in all areas across Virginia. This option can be especially helpful if calling isn’t safe or possible. You will be asked questions from a dispatcher just as if you were to call 911.

If you text 911:
- Keep messages short and clear
- Don’t use slang or emojis
- Stay with the conversation until help arrives or disconnected by the dispatcher

Dispatcher - Behind every call is a system designed to protect the public. 911 centers use advanced technology to hel...
04/15/2026

Dispatcher - Behind every call is a system designed to protect the public.

911 centers use advanced technology to help responders reach you faster. From GPS location data and mapping systems to real-time call handling and radio communications, dispatchers rely on multiple tools working together to get timely help where it’s needed.

Happy National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week! Dispatcher - Dispatchers are trained to speak calmly and clearl...
04/14/2026

Happy National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week!

Dispatcher - Dispatchers are trained to speak calmly and clearly with children of all ages.

Teaching children when it’s an emergency, how to dial 911 and how to tell the dispatcher their name, location and what’s happening, can save lives.

Dispatcher - Your answers matter—stay on the line. The questions a 911 dispatcher asks do not slow down help. While ...
04/13/2026

Dispatcher - Your answers matter—stay on the line.

The questions a 911 dispatcher asks do not slow down help. While you’re answering, dispatchers are arranging to send responders and updating them in real time. Every question ensures the right help gets to the right place as quickly and safely as possible.

Happy National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12-18! This week, we’re sharing a few things you may not know...
04/12/2026

Happy National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12-18! This week, we’re sharing a few things you may not know about the people behind the headset.

Dispatcher - What does a 911 dispatcher really do?

When you call 911, the first voice you hear is a highly trained public safety telecommunicator.

Dispatchers are the first, first responders—calmly gathering critical information, providing lifesaving instructions, and coordinating help before responders arrive.

To learn more about the accreditation program for 911 public safety answering points (PSAP) and emergency dispatch centers, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/other-ems-programs-and-links/communications/

Address

109 Governor Street
Richmond, VA
23219

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18048889100

Website

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