PEMS Issues RFP for Assessment of Mental Health Care Resources

The Peninsulas Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc. is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to provide an assessment of the acute mental health care resources in the Peninsula’s EMS Council regional service area. The PEMS service area is defined by the sixteen jurisdictions of the Virginia Peninsula (the Cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and the Counties of James City and York), the Middle Peninsula (the Counties of Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Mathews, and Middlesex), and the Northern Neck Peninsula (the Counties of Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond and Westmoreland).

The purpose of the RFP is to provide a thorough assessment of the resources and capacity available within the region for the management of acute mental health emergencies encountered by EMS agencies. The assessment should include identification and assessment of resource options available to EMS within their scope of care: identification and assessment of standard and alternative treatment and transportation options available within the region. It is the intent of the the Peninsula’s EMS Council to use this assessment to help establish a systematic approach to the acute mental health emergencies in the Peninsula’s EMS Council region.

Requests for proposals will be accepted until 2:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on or before September 6, 2019. Inquiries concerning any aspect of this RFP should be presented at the Pre-proposal Meeting or submitted by email until close of business on August 22, 2019.  Phone calls are not acceptable. Questions received after this deadline will not be considered. All questions received before the deadline will be compiled.   

Proposals received after the Proposal due date/time will not be accepted and will be marked “LATE” and shall be returned to the Vendor.  Vendors' proposals can be mailed to:

Amy Ashe, NRP
EMS Field Coordinator – Community Health
Peninsulas EMS Council, Inc.
PO Box 1297
Gloucester, Virginia 23061

  Click here to download RFP.

Click here to contact Amy Ashe for further information.

2019 EMS Provider Mental Health Survey

Hello,

The Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services invites you to participate in the 2019 EMS Provider Mental Health Survey. The goal of the survey is to assess the mental health of Virginia's EMS providers and the mental health services and attitudes among the various agencies. Our vision is that the results of the survey will go toward improving the health and resiliency of EMS providers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

At your earliest convenience, click here to take the anonymous survey.

Please complete the survey as honestly and genuinely as you can. The survey is completely voluntary and 100% anonymous. In no way can your answers be traced back to you or your agency. The survey should take approximately 5 to 15 minutes to complete.

We genuinely appreciate your time. Know that your participation is going toward improving the lives, health, and resiliency of EMS providers of Virginia. Thank you for everything you do to help the Commonwealth of Virginia and its citizens. 

Best,

The Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services
Virginia Department of Health
1041 Technology Park Drive
Glen Allen, VA 23059-4500 
804-888-9100 

Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) – December 2019 Cycle Grant Opportunity

The December 2019 cycle of RSAF is now open. Eligible applicants include nonprofit licensed EMS agencies and other Virginia EMS organizations operating on a nonprofit basis exclusively for the benefit of the general public pursuant to § 32.1-111.12 of the Code of Virginia. Eligible applicants must submit applications through E-GIFT by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on September 16, 2019. Late applications will NOT be accepted.

RSAF Technical Assistance Webinar - OEMS will be conducting a webinar on 19 August to assist agencies with the preparation of grants.  Webinar information:

Mon, Aug 19, 2019 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/653206141
You can also dial in using your phone 
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 653-206-141

Please note that this is an update from the initial webinar schedule!  Ensure you update your calendars.

PEMS Assistance - Peninsulas EMS Council staff are prepared to meet with agencies who desire assistance in preparing a grant submission or to provide an objective review of a completed, but not submitted proposal. 

Further information is available at HERE!

Note from Bon Secours Regarding Access Changes at Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital

Rappahannock General Hospital is committed to improving the comfort and safety of our visitors, patients, and EMS partners.

In the near future, you will notice changes to the Emergency Department Receptionist/Registration/PBX area just inside the ambulance entrance.  RGH will begin implementing these enhancements to improve workflow, reduce safety/security concerns, and stabilize the temperature/humidity within the emergency department.

First, RGH added a Exit push button for the inside of the ambulance entrance door.  This door was opening automatically and created security, safety, and environmental concerns.  The automatic door allowed the outside environment to impact the ED temperature/humidity and pedestrians could walk in or exit this area creating a safety/security concern for the facility.  The new exit button was placed to the left side and must be pushed to exit the door.  We have noticed an improvement to the ED temperature/humidity and decreased pedestrian traffic since the installation. 

Second, the registration/receptionist/PBX area will require minor construction to improve workflow for the emergency department.  When the construction begins RGH will move the EMS supplies, desk, and work area items into the room across from Linda’s office.  The room will be marked EMS Room and become the permanent home for EMS.  It has adequate space for completing reports, storing supplies, snacks, and potentially allow the installation of a small refrigerator for drinks.

Please share these changes with your crews and as more changes occur we will keep you informed.  Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to improve our service delivery to everyone that visits our facility.    

Gary W. Samuels MHR, NRP
EMS Outreach Coordinator
Bon Secours Health Systems
Rappahannock General and Mary Immaculate Hospitals
101 Harris Road Kilmarnock, Virginia 22482
Office - (804) 435-8333  Cell - (804) 572-5664
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