Eastern Shore of Virginia

9-1-1 Communications Center

23201 Front Street, PO Box 337, Accomac, Virginia 23301-0337

ESVA911 Dispatch Protocols for Assignment of Tactical Channels

Field users are encouraged to read the protocols and dispatch procedures. To read the document, click here. To download, right click on the link and “Save Target/File As.”

ESVA911 Implementing APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch Program

In 2007, the Eastern Shore of Virginia 911 Center implemented the APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Program. Although EMD has previously been used in the 911 Center, this new program provides consistency in the call-taking of EMS incidents, priority of EMS incidents, and pre-arrival instructions. Throughout the last several months, 911 Communications Officers completed the necessary training needed to implement the program. Key components of the EMD program include using key questions when call-taking to determine the priority of EMS incidents and providing pre-arrival medical instructions. EMS incidents determined to be Priority 1 incidents will be announced as such on dispatch. The guide-cards used to determine the priority of EMS incidents are based on the APCO EMD program, used throughout the nation, and have been reviewed by the local OMD. Potentially there will be an increase in the dispatch of Priority 1 EMS incidents, as the criteria will be based on the information provided by callers using the EMD guide-cards to determine priority. There will be occasions where a patient’s condition may be different than dispatched upon arrival of EMS crews. Generally call-takers must base the assigned priority and pre-arrival instructions on limited information provided by callers over the telephone.

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO), the world's largest organization dedicated to public safety communications, is a member driven association of communications professionals that provides leadership; influences public safety communications decisions of government and industry; promotes professional development; and, fosters the development and use of technology for the benefit of the public. The APCO Institute Emergency Medical Dispatch Program is based on the NHTSA National Standard Curriculum for EMD and incorporates all of the current ASTM International guidelines in a comprehensive EMD Package.

Dispatch Changes Introduced

A number of changes in dispatching procedures for Eastern Shore of Virginia fire and EMS services were implemented last summer in cooperation with the County Fire and Rescue Commissions. Changes are highlighted in the following document.

Dispatch Changes Effective July 2, 2007

FOR ALL EMERGENCIES, DIAL 9-1-1

Non-Emergency Phone Numbers: (757) 787-0911, 824-0911, 442-0911

9-1-1 Administration: (757) 787-0909

911@esva911.org

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Last Updated June 25, 2008