Mission: Assist in the development & implementation of an efficient & effective EMS delivery system. The President of the Board is the Chief Executive Officer.
The Old Dominion EMS Alliance is one of 11 Regional EMS Councils established within the Code of Virginia, Section 32.1-111.11 to coordinate EMS. Created in 1980, ODEMSA is charged by law "with the development and implementation of an efficient and effective regional emergency medical services delivery system" to include the regional coordination of emergency medical disaster planning and response.
It is a corporation under Virginia law and is classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit group under IRS Code 501 (c) (3). Mission Statement:
The Old Dominion Emergency Medical Services Alliance, an integral part of Virginia's Comprehensive Emergency Medical Services System, serves to assess, identify, coordinate, plan and implement an efficient and effective regional EMS delivery system within Planning Districts 13, 14, 15 and 19, in partnership with the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services and the Virginia Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board. Region Described:
The Old Dominion EMS Alliance is defined as the 9,000-square-mile region made up of Virginia Planning Districts 13, 14, 15 and 19. The region involves 17 acute care hospitals and 2 free standing emergency departments and the counties of: Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charles City, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Halifax, Hanover, Henrico, Goochland, Greensville, Lunenbury, Mecklenburg, New Kent, Nottoway, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Surry, Sussex; the cities of Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell, Petersburg, Richmond, and South Boston; and the towns of Ashland, Farmville and South Hill. Board of Directors:
The Old Dominion EMS Alliance is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors who represent the prehospital agencies, EMS providers and acute care hospitals in the four Planning Districts. The Board members, who are non-paid volunteers, meet quarterly in open session. Included is a physician who serves as a Regional Medical Director (RMD). The paid Executive Director, also a board member, is ODEMSA's Chief Operating Officer. Committees and Councils:
Committees made up of volunteer representatives of all components - hospital and out-of-hospital. ODEMSA committees provide basic guidance to the Central Virginia EMS system. The committees enable ODEMSA to help plan, implement, coordinate and oversee an effective EMS system and regional standard of care. Committees are appointed by the Board of Directors, meet regularly and have policies and procedures by which they operate. Four local EMS Councils provide grass-roots representation for EMS in the four Planning Districts - 13, 14, 15 and 19 -- that make up ODEMSA. Standing Committees within the ODEMSA structure include:
Air Medical
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
Medical Direction
Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)
Professional Development
Pharmacy
Performance Improvement
Diversion
Stroke Triage
03/17/2026
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from ODEMSA
Whether you're wearing green today or just hoping to avoid getting pinched, we hope everyone across our region has a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day.
While we can’t promise a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, we can say we’re lucky to work with the incredible EMS providers, agencies, educators, and partners who serve our communities every day.
Thank you for everything you do to keep the region safe.
And if you happen to find that pot of gold, please remember ODEMSA is always accepting donations.
Stay safe, enjoy the day, and maybe celebrate with a little Irish luck.
03/14/2026
Happy Pi Day from ODEMSA
March 14 is Pi Day. Pi (3.14) is the mathematical constant used to calculate the circumference of a circle.
From medication dosages to response times and cardiac rhythms, math plays a role in EMS every day.
Today we celebrate the numbers that help support lifesaving care across our region.
And if you need another reason to celebrate, it is also a good day for a slice of pie.
03/11/2026
Need Peds Airway (area 14/19) CE to recert? Don't miss this VILT.
Daylight Saving Time starts this Sunday. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.
03/05/2026
🚨 Registration is now open for the 2026 Virginia Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Summit.
Join healthcare and emergency management partners from across Virginia on April 22, 2026 at The Westin Richmond for a full day of collaboration and discussion focused on strengthening healthcare system preparedness.
⏳ Reminder: RSAF Spring Grant Deadline Approaching
The Rescue Squads Assistance Fund (RSAF) Spring Grant Cycle is open now, but the application deadline is March 16, 2026.
If your agency is planning to apply and needs assistance with the process, ODEMSA is here to help. We can answer questions, review applications, and help make sure everything is submitted correctly.
Learn more and access the application information here:
Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) – Spring 2026 Grant Cycle
The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) has announced the Spring 2026 cycle of the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) grant program. This competitive …
03/04/2026
The Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services has announced a new logo reflecting the unified commitment to Virginia’s EMS system.
As part of this effort, you may begin seeing references to OEMS Region 6 in state communications and materials.
ODEMSA serves as the designated regional partner for OEMS Region 6, working in collaboration with the Virginia Office of EMS and local agencies to support EMS system coordination, training, and regional planning throughout our region. Our organizational name is not changing, but stakeholders may notice subtle updates to regional branding in documents over time.
Learn more in the announcement below.
The Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) recently launched its new logo.
The refreshed logo honors OEMS’ core values and responsibility to ensure quality prehospital care to all people in Virginia, and highlights the future of EMS in Virginia.
OEMS will begin transitioning to the new logo immediately, along with the seven designated OEMS regions. Full implementation is expected to take several months, as we phase out our legacy logo during this time.
Is your CPR certification up to date?
Whether you need your first certification or a recertification, our monthly CPR courses are here for you!
📅 Next Class: March 25, 2026, 6PM - 10PM
💲 Price: $65.00
🔗 Learn more and register: https://odemsa.net/bls-cpr/
Don’t let your certification expire — secure your spot today!
03/03/2026
Want some in-person CE?
Registration for the 26th Rao R. Ivatury Trauma Symposium is OPEN. Join us on Friday, June 26th in-person at the Richmond Marriott Downtown. CMEs and EMS CE's will be awarded.
The ODEMSA office will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of President's Day and George Washington's birthday.
02/06/2026
With the next National Registry cycle fast approaching, we recommend checking your certification expiration dates and your Virginia CE record.
If you are renewing your National Registry certification, do not forget to keep your Virginia certification on the same cycle. The Virginia Department of Health Office of EMS has confirmed that their step by step guide is still correct and will walk you through the process.
Recert deadline is March 31.
Step by step guide:
National Registry Recertification - Emergency Medical Services
Information for 2025-2026 The Guide to Completing National Registry Recertification Application has been developed to assist Virginia providers who are certified with National Registry to complete their recertification application based on the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP). Please fol...
02/06/2026
🚑 EMS ALERT: The DEA has finalized new rules recognizing modern EMS medication practices. New registrations, clearer storage rules, authorized standing orders, and easier hospital restocking. Effective in 30 days.
⏰ EMS agency leaders and medical directors should review the final rule and begin preparing for compliance ahead of the effective date!
03/17/2026
03/14/2026
03/11/2026
03/06/2026
03/05/2026
03/05/2026
03/04/2026
03/04/2026
03/03/2026
02/16/2026
02/06/2026
02/06/2026