Effective with all Consolidated Test Sites held after September 1, new testing standards will be in place, along with a new fee structure. For many months, the Virginia Office of EMS has been developing a new practical testing standard.

In an effort to standardize testing across Virginia, all evaluators will be trained to the new standards, and test fees will be uniform. The cost for any initial practical exam (first-time EMT-B or First Responder testing) will be $50. This applies to initial testing, secondary eligibility testing, and re-entry testing. All practical exam retests will be $25. As is the case at present, there is no charge for a written-only exam. Stay tuned for more information!

At the recent Regional EMS Appreciation Picnic and Awards Ceremony, 11 EMS providers, physicians and organizations were recognized for their outstanding contributions to EMS. The weather cooperated, and Franklin County's Smith Mountain Lake Community Park provided the ideal setting for this event.

This year's capstone Regional Award for Excellence in EMS went to W. Steven Davis of Giles County. Dedicating some 45 years to EMS,  Davis has served his home agency, the Giles County Life Saving and Rescue Squad, as President, Vice President, Lieutenant, Sergeant and as Captain for 27 years. In 1974 he became one of the first EMT-A’s in the Commonwealth of Virginia and five years later became certified as a paramedic. To this day he continues to provide care in Giles County. Active in the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, he was honored to be named a Life Member. He has served as District 7 Vice President, District Training Officer, and District Rescue Officer. Davis is currently employed by the Virginia Department of Health as the Southwest Regional Emergency Planner, Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response. 

Please read more for all the other winners!