​CSEMS Providers,

[On Thursday, October 2], the Virginia State Board of Health approved the designation of the new seven regional EMS Councils on the condition of successfully passing site visits which will be scheduled over the next month or so.  The new designations take effect on January 1, 2026. The new regional councils are as follows;

The CSEMS Board will be discussing next steps for the foundation as well as for the new region at our meeting on 10/28.

Central Virginia Community College will be hosting a CE opportunity for providers, in person or via Zoom,  on October 1, 2025, from 6-7:30 PM covering the pre-hospital care of the STEMI patient.  Scan the QR code below for details and registration.  Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity!

​On September 2, 2025, CSEMS proudly celebrated the outstanding dedication and achievements of
EMS providers and agencies throughout the Central Shenandoah Region. Nominees, nominators,
agency representatives, and family members came together at the Elkton Volunteer Fire Company to
honor the region’s finest heroes in emergency medical services.
In the presence of Central Shenandoah EMS Council Board President Gary Critzer, CSEMS Executive
Director Daniel Linkins, Rockingham County Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Doug Gooden, and
members of the Elkton Volunteer Fire Company, CSEMS bestowed its highest honor—the prestigious
Regional Award for Excellence in EMS—recognizing unparalleled commitment and service.

Excellence in EMS - Michael Derek Smith, Assistant Fire Chief and the Secretary of the Board of
Directors

For more information, please click here.

Pictured Left to Right: Doug Goodwin, Michael Smith, Daniel Linkin, Gary Critzer

💚 September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to spread hope, raise awareness, and remind each other that help is always available. Together, we can break the stigma around mental health and create safe spaces for open conversations.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you are not alone. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7.
Let’s look out for one another, share resources, and bring light to those who need it most. 💚

​ Save the Date!
EMT Course Grottoes Rescue Squad
Scan the QR code or click on the link below to complete the interest form: https://forms.office.com/r/AdWyxfbP04
Don’t miss this opportunity to join the team and make a difference!