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EMS Advisory Council

The purpose of the EMS Advisory Council is:
"…developing, with the commissioner, standards for emergency medical service personnel and for the purpose of providing advice to the office of emergency medical services and the commissioner with respect to reviewing and making recommendations for, and providing assistance to, the establishment and maintenance of adequate emergency medical services for all portions of this state."

Over​view
West Virginia's Office of Emergency Medical Services receives advice and direction from several committees and organizations.  Among these is the EMS Advisory Council.

West Virginia State Code §16-4C-5​ creates the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.  The council:
  • ​advises the commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health (and/or the Commissioner's designated representative) concerning emergency medical services
  • works with the Commissioner/designee to develop standards for emergency medical service personnel
  • provides advice to the Office of Emergency Medical Services and to the Commissioner/designee on establishing and maintaining adequate emergency medical services for all portions of the state
  • reviews the current emergency medical system and making recommendations for improvement
  • provides assistance to the Office of Emergency Medical Services
Membership
In addition to the groups mentioned above, the governor appoints: 
  • ​Three people representing the general public
  • One person representing the represent emergency medical service providers operating in the state
  • One person representing the represent the small emergency medical service providers operating in the state
View the current list of council members​.

Meetings
While State code requires the Committee to meet at least twice a year, the Committee's bylaws​ require it to meet at least quarterly.  The meetings are open to the public, posted on the Secretary of State's website, and the minutes of the meetings are publically available.

Liaisons
The Committee has created liaison positions to interface with other agencies, associations, or EMS specialty groups.  The primary purpose of the liaison position is to exchange information.  Liaisons are not voting members of the Committee, but they are included in discussions.  Whenever possible, the Committee solicits the opinions of the liaisons.

EMSAC Action Effective June 14, 2016
Please be advised the following sub-committees and members have been appointed by EMSAC effective June 14, 2016.  These committees have been charged with work/projects to assist EMSAC/OEMS with moving the WV EMS system forward.  These subcommittees will meet and report progress back to EMSAC during the regularly scheduled quarterly meetings.

Safety Committee
  • ​Connie Hall - Chair
  • Steve Vititoe
  • Jeff Way
  • Mike Thomas
  • Chris Eades
  • Jeff White
Staffing / Recognition Committee
  • ​Marsha Knight - Chair
  • Stephanie Vandetta
  • Pat Cornell
  • Gail Dragoo
  • Mike Conners
  • Chris Holder
Infection Control Committee
  • ​Jamie Weller - Chair
  • Jim Donathan
  • Dave Cutright
  • Jeff Kady
  • Phil Shimer
Frequent Utilizers Committee
  • ​Paul Seamann - Chair
  • Donna Steward
  • Jim Hill
Recognizing Outstanding Individuals and Organizations for Dedicated Delivery of Patient Care

The Office of EMS would like to recognize hard-working individuals and/or organizations for their dedicated and outstanding efforts in the delivery of patient care in West Virginia. If you know of an individual and/or organization who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and compassion and you would like to recognize their efforts, please download the criteria and applications here. Nominations must be received by Monday, April 30, 2018. Nomination forms not entirely completed will not be considered. Return this form to:

Melissa Raynes, Director
Office of Emergency Medical Services
350 Capitol Street, Room 515
Charleston, WV 25301-3716
If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Raynes at 304-558-3956