emergency response

The Vermont Health Alert Network (VTHAN) is an alert and mass notification system that improves public health communication and situational awareness within the State of Vermont. 

The Vermont Crisis Standards of Care Plan is intended to provide an ethical and operational framework for the development of statewide resource allocation and clinical guidelines in the context of a catastrophic disaster or massive public health emergency in which prolonged critical shortages of staffing, medical equipment and/or supplies exist.

The Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition (VHEPC) is a multi-disciplinary partnership that collaborates with its members, stakeholders, and surrounding communities to improve and expand emergency preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities. Learn more and become a member.

Learn more about how the Health Department helps health care partners in preparing and responding to public health emergencies.

We work with local, state and federal partners to make sure we are prepared to distribute medicine, supplies and information to residents across Vermont. Learn more about how we help our communities prepare for and respond to emergencies. 

Resources for families and caregivers using Emergency Medical Services for their children. 

There are a number of programs and initiatives for EMS agencies looking to expand their scope of practice, increase their volunteer ranks and become more engaged in their community.

NEW: EMS FOrum: Police use of force law and policy

Department of Public Safety Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Morrison held a public forum on December 13, 2021 to give an overview of the Vermont police use of force law and policy as it relates to EMS operations. Watch a video of the meeting.

The Vermont Statewide Incident Reporting Network (SIREN) is a comprehensive electronic prehospital patient care data collection, analysis, and reporting system that has been in use since 2010. EMS reporting serves several important functions, including legal documentation, quality improvement initiatives, billing, and evaluation of individual and agency performance measures.

In January 2010 Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station notified the Health Department that samples taken in November 2009 from a ground water monitoring well contained tritium, signaling an unintended release of radioactive material.

The Vermont Department of Health worked with the Department of Environmental Conservation to respond to health concerns related to detection of the chemical PFOA in private drinking water wells in Bennington and North Bennington.