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The 2023 WVEMS Operational Protocols have been released with an official go-live date of October 23, 2023. The protocol update consists of reviewing the 2023 WVEMS Protocols/Policies, reviewing the 2023 Drug Box Schematic, watching the protocol rollout video, and signing the provider attestation form, and turning this form into your agency training officer. Provider attestation forms will be kept on file within the agency training files. Your agency leadership in consultation with your EMS Physician (OMD) will decide when your agency will transition to the 2023 WVEMS Protocol Version and if more agency specific training is required. The specific protocol changes are notated in the one-page Attestation form. WVEMS is available to assist EMS agencies that would like assistance and is recommended to contact their Field Coordinator for different options or by emailingThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

WVEMS Drug Boxes will be updated to the 2023 Schematic through routine exchange; do not take your drug box to the pharmacy just to obtain an updated box. Should you have any questions about emergent infield patient care, contact "online medical direction" of the receiving facility, otherwise contact your agency EMS Physician, or WVEMS staff. 

Please keep in mind that you are NOT allowed to practice under the new protocol guidelines until your EMS Physician (Operational Medical Director) has cleared you to do so. You can easily toggle between protocol versions under the settings located within the app (currently you will see the 2022 and the 2023 Versions located in the iOS and Android Applications).

Drug boxes that have been updated will have the following neon PINK label:

2023 Protocol Update

 

- 2023 WVEMS Protocols: WVEMS Protocols 2023  /   pdf PDF Click Here (35.47 MB)

- 2023 WVEMS Drug Box Schematic: WVEMS Drug Box Detail 2023 /  pdf PDF Click Here (334 KB)

- 2023 WVEMS Protocol Rollout Video: WVEMS Roll Out Video 2023

- 2023 WVEMS Protocols Attestation Form: WVEMS Roll Out Attestation 2023 /  pdf PDF Click Here (219 KB)

Every agency in the WVEMS region, every hospital, and the WVEMS Council have entered into an agreement whereby the hospitals offer a ONE-FOR-ONE exchange of supply items specifically listed on the Standard List of Restocked Items. Please be aware that the listed items are the ONLY supply items that you are permitted to exchange at any hospital within our region per the agreement, and the exchange is limited to ONE per patient. For example, if you use two EZ-IO needles on a patient due to a failed attempt, you are entitled to ONE exchange needle. Not two. For other items such as IV catheters, you may exchange one-for-one for each one actually used on the patient. 

Abuse of the ONE-FOR-ONE exchange jeopardizes our entire exchange process and could result in loss of all exchange privileges. Abuses of the exchange program will be reported to the provider's OMD and agency officials to be dealt with accordingly.


Please watch for more information regarding the exchange process for specific hospitals. Remember that this supply exchange program is a benefit provided through the generosity of our hospitals and it can be rescinded at any time.

The WVEMS Council recently received a Rescue Squad Assistance Fund grant from the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services for the purchase of i-gel® Resus Pack airways for the region. This grant is to assist in the conversion specified by the WVEMS Regional Medical Direction Committee in our most recent protocols. Your field coordinators have begun delivering the i-gel devices to the agencies for future implementation. 

All EMS agencies will receive one set of i-gel Resus Packs in sizes 3, 4 and 5 for each licensed EMS vehicle.  Once your agency has received the i-gels, your Operational Medical Director will determine when to implement them. 

All hospitals in our region have been contacted about i-gel implementation and exchange and they are working with their supply chains to ensure that you are able to exchange “i-gel for i-gel.”  While we are working to streamline this process, we appreciate your understanding if the hospital that you transport to does not have an i-gel for exchange, you may receive a King Airway instead of an i-gel until stock is depleted. Please note that the i-gel, like the King airways, will be available for a ONE-FOR-ONE exchange. 

We are currently working with Intersurgical (i-gel manufacturer) to have a live training session in each planning district.  We will keep you posted on the dates.  Below, you will find a video from Intersurgical with information and direction for placement of the i-gel Resus Pack.

i-gel® Placement Video

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