Vermont's Emergency Medical Services system – or EMS – responds to medical emergencies daily. EMS is an integrated system for emergency medical treatment and transportation of sick and injured patients.
The Vermont Office of Emergency Medical Services works on behalf of Vermonters to ensure that the EMS system is adequately equipped and prepared to provide the best out-of-hospital emergency care possible. There are nearly 180 ambulance and first responder agencies in the state, and most of our 3,000 licensed EMS personnel are volunteers.
The Vermont EMS Office is available to answer all your questions. Send us an email or call us at 802-863-7310.
Recent Updates (updated 9/6/2022):
HUMAN MONKEYPOX VIRUS (HMPXV) & EMS Information
- Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are tracking multiple cases of the human version of the monkeypox virus (hMPXV) reported in several countries that don’t normally report the virus, including the United States and Canada.
- This is a rare disease caused by infection with the human monkeypox virus. hMPXV belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae, which also includes smallpox and cowpox viruses. To reduce stigma and discrimination, the Vermont Department of Health will refer to this virus as hMPXV while the World Health Organization works to officially rename the virus.
- Vermont now has several confirmed cases of illness from hMPXV. The risk to the general public remains low. However, we anticipate more confirmed cases of hMPXV, and it is likely more cases are going undetected. Learn more about the Health Department's hMPXV response efforts.
- EMS providers should be prepared to respond. Please review the documents below on how to prepare and respond.
- Vermont Statewide Emergency Medical Services Protocols - High Consequence Pathogen – hMPXV
- EMS Infectious Disease Playbook EMS Infectious Disease Playbook: The information contained in this playbook is intended as a planning resource, and should be incorporated into agency standard operating procedures and reviewed by the EMS medical director. EMS agencies should review the guidelines and their specific circumstances to develop procedures that are ensemble and site appropriate. Appropriate education and training is critical to the success of infection prevention and control protocols.”
- The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) published an online guide with actionable information for EMS Providers.
Vermont Health care and EMS Preparedness Webinar Series
The 2022 Vermont Healthcare and EMS Preparedness Conference will not be held in-person. Instead, a monthly webinar series offering continuing education for EMS providers and informational sessions throughout the year. Presentations will cover health equity, health care and emergency preparedness, crisis communications, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and more. Learn more and sign up for these free webinars.