Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including fire and rescue agencies, serve as both an essential part of the healthcare system and a core component of public safety, uniquely positioned at the intersection of patient care and emergency response. EMS councils are designated by the Virginia Department of Health to develop and implement efficient emergency medical services delivery systems, coordinate training and resources, and adopt regional EMS plans that meet the unique needs of their communities.
In 2025, Virginia reorganized its EMS system from 11 regional councils to 7 new entities aligned with Virginia Department of Health districts and Healthcare Coalition boundaries to improve coordination and resource allocation. NVERS manages three of Virginia’s seven newly formed regional EMS councils, including the Northern Region EMS Council, the Rivanna-Rappahannock EMS Council, and the Shenandoah Valley EMS Council. This unified structure preserves local identity and representation while leveraging NVERS’ governance, infrastructure, and resources to strengthen EMS capabilities across all three regions.
The Shenandoah Valley EMS Council (Region 3) serves the central Shenandoah Valley and northwestern Virginia, including the counties of Augusta, Bath, Clarke, Frederick, Highland, Page, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren, along with the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Winchester. Despite its legal status as a merged entity of NVERS, the council preserves its deep regional roots and understanding of local needs while improving the quality of pre-hospital care.
The Council coordinates CPR classes through the American Heart Association and additional programs from the Emergency Care and Safety Institute and the National Association of EMTs. The Council supports the region's mix of volunteer and career agencies and ensures effective medical response across the varied terrain and communities of the Shenandoah Valley.
The Northern Region EMS Council (Region 4) serves Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, along with the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park, bringing together representatives from 15 fire and rescue departments and healthcare professionals. The Northern Region EMS Council, led by the EMS Advisory Committee, delivers comprehensive support through programs that enhance regional emergency response.
The council provides technical assistance for planning and coordinating EMS response across jurisdictions, while championing life-saving innovations like the Northern Virginia prehospital whole blood program. It guides localities through funding opportunities including the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund, and demonstrates commitment to improving patient care through training, continuing education, and data-driven performance improvement strategies. The council strengthens regional resilience through community preparedness initiatives and emergency planning activities. As an American Heart Association training center with over 180 certified instructors, The Northern Region EMS Council provides certification classes for first responders.
The Rivanna-Rappahannock EMS Council (Region 5) encompasses 14 counties: Albemarle, Caroline, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Greene, King George, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, plus the cities of Charlottesville and Fredericksburg. Operating as a merged entity of NVERS, the council maintains its strong community connections while coordinating regional training programs, supporting volunteer and career EMS agencies, and ensuring that providers across this geographically diverse region have access to the education, equipment, and operational support needed to deliver quality emergency medical care.
