Eastern
Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Communications Center
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Previously Published on Our Homepage
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Caroline Marshall Named 2014 Telecommunicator of
the Year Caroline
Marshall was selected
and recognized as the Communications Officer of the Year for 2014 by the
Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Commission.
Caroline started her employment with the 9-1-1 Commission in early
2012. She was nominated by her colleagues for this recognition award and
selected by a committee of public safety professionals representing both
counties. Congratulations, Caroline! Thanks for your contributions to public
safety and for your dedication and commitment to public safety
communications. |
Caroline Marshall and Director Jeffrey Flournoy |
Thanks to all
Communications Officers for your outstanding work and commitment supporting
public safety!
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9-1-1 Director Certifies as Emergency Number
Professional Jeffrey
A. Flournoy, Director of
the Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Center, has been certified as an Emergency
Number Professional (ENP) by the National Emergency Number Association
(NENA). Certification is a tool of the
professional association to establish the benchmarks of performance that
signify a broad-based competence in the professional field. Those successfully completing certification
demonstrate a mastery of the comprehensive knowledge base required for
emergency number program management, help to raise industry standards and
increase the respect and prestige of those involved in 9-1-1, and confirm
their commitment to the 9-1-1 profession by showing themselves as leaders in
public safety and maintaining awareness of current issues and developments in
the field. Photo: 9-1-1
Commission Chairman Donald Kellam (L) recognizes and
congratulates Flournoy (R) at the March 2015 Commission meeting. |
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Antares Rocket Explodes at
Wallops Flight Facility
A commercial supply ship bound
for the International Space Station exploded moments after liftoff at Wallops
Island on October 28. NASA held a news conference to discuss the mishap that
occurred at Pad 0A of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA’s Wallops
Flight Facility in Virginia during the attempted launch of Orbital Sciences
Corp’s Antares rocket and Cygnus cargo spacecraft at
6:22 p.m. Tuesday, October 28. Damage related to the launch attempt of an Antares rocket was contained to the hazard area, but there
may have been a scattering of debris. If people find debris in the vicinity of
the launch, stay away and call the Incident Response Team at 757-824-1295.
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9-1-1 Commission Reviewing Proposals for Simulcast
Radio Project
The Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Commission is
currently reviewing submitted proposals for a qualified two-way radio
communications company or service shop to provide, deliver, install, and
integrate new simulcast dispatch radio system (for primary Fire-EMS
communications) and related tasks.
Sealed proposals were received on June 23, 2014.
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9-1-1 Commission Issues RFP for Simulcast Radio Project
The Eastern
Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Commission is seeking sealed proposals for a qualified
two-way radio communications company or service shop to provide, deliver,
install, and integrate new simulcast dispatch radio system (for primary
Fire-EMS communications) and related tasks.
To be considered for selection, a representative of the Offeror must attend a mandatory pre-proposal conference.
The pre-proposal conference is June 12, 2014, 1 PM, at the Accomack County
Health Department Conference Room – 23191 Front Street, Accomac,
VA 23301 (same main driveway as the ESVA 9-1-1 Center). Sealed Proposals Will Be Received Until 2 PM,
June 23rd, 2014. A copy of the RFP is
available via the following link:
RFP
#911-14-001 Simulcast Project - Fire-EMS Communications
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ESVA 9-1-1 Planning Additional System Upgrades for
Interoperability
The Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1
Commission awarded L. R. Kimball, a communications engineering and consulting firm,
a contract to study, plan, design, and engineer various RF communications
interoperability solutions to improve and enhance interoperable communications
for the public safety agencies and personnel in and/or operating in Accomack
and Northampton Counties, Virginia. Special attention was directed to
interoperability with neighboring Hampton Roads (VA) and Maryland counties. In
addition, the consulting firm, as it relates to interoperability with
neighboring jurisdictions, audited the current system, analyzed the
functionality and operations of the system, and developed a comprehensive plan
to provide detailed interoperability implementation plans for the future. A report was submitted to the Commission in
February 2014 and is available for review upon request. The planning study was funded by a Homeland
Security grant managed by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
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We are saddened by the loss of
Jim Seymour. Jim was recognized for his outstanding
service in 2012… a copy of the resolution is reprinted below.
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Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1
Commission Resolution of Appreciation WHEREAS, following his honorable
service in the United States Marine Corps, James “Jim” Seymour was employed as a Field Technical
Representative for Motorola Communications and Electronics, Inc., in the
Baltimore region, and WHEREAS, Jim Seymour purchased the assets of a locally assigned Motorola
Service Shop in 1979, established Sey-Comm Service
Company, and provided Motorola-supported radio communications sales and
service to industry, businesses, governmental agencies, volunteer fire
companies, and volunteer rescue squads in Accomack and Northampton Counties
until his retirement in the early 2000’s, and WHEREAS, his dedicated and expert
installation, repair, and maintenance services to the Accomack and
Northampton County Sheriff’s Offices, the Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1
Commission, local police departments, volunteer fire companies, volunteer
rescue squads, and governmental public safety agencies contributed to the
safety and security of public safety personnel and assured effective and
efficient communications to support police, fire, and EMS response to the
citizens and visitors of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, and WHEREAS, as a partner in Delmarva
Communications Partnership, Jim has coordinated and provided value-added
communications infrastructure assets to benefit public safety communications,
and WHEREAS, his sharing of knowledge and his
leadership skills have benefitted the Eastern Shore’s public safety
communications system through assisting and
training public safety personnel in radio communications system
design, management, and support, and WHEREAS, subsequent to his retirement,
Jim has provided continual and valuable support, assistance, and consultation
on numerous radio communications issues to the Eastern Shore of Virginia
9-1-1 Commission in support of public safety communications, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Eastern Shore of
Virginia 9-1-1 Commission expresses its appreciation to Jim Seymour for his
dedicated service as a Motorola radio technician and for his exemplary
contributions in support of public safety communications. FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a copy of this
resolution be recorded in the Commission’s minutes, that a copy be presented to Jim Seymour, and that this resolution be
shared with his professional colleagues and with the public safety community
to which Jim so ably provided his knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resolved
this 26th day of January, 2012. s/ Donald E. Kellam, Jr., Chairman |
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Wessells Named 2013
Telecommunicator of the Year Robert
Wessells was recently selected and named the
Communications Officer of the Year for 2013 by the Eastern Shore of Virginia
9-1-1 Commission. Wessells
started his part-time employment with the 9-1-1 Commission in early 2012. He
was nominated by his colleagues for this recognition award and selected by a
committee of public safety professionals representing both counties. Congratulations, Robert! Thanks for your contributions to public
safety and for your dedication and commitment to public safety
communications. |
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'Fire and EMS were
Jimmy Rowley's life’ – Eastern Shore News
12/7/2013
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Supervisor Marge Surran Recognized By 9-1-1
Commission
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CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES ON YOUR RETIREMENT Marge Surran 9-1-1 Supervisor Thanks for Your Many Years of Dedicated Service |
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Marge
Surran receives a Resolution of Appreciation from 9-1-1 Commission Chairman
Donald Kellam at the Commission’s meeting on
January 30, 2014. Supervis0or Surran
retired on December 1, 2013, after 20 years of dedicated service. Surran also received a Certificate of
Recognition and Appreciation from the Virginia Chapter of the Association of
Public-Safety Communications Officials – International. |
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Resolution of Appreciation WHEREAS, Margaret “Marge” Surran began her employment with
the Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Commission in 1993 as a part-time 9-1-1
Communications Officer, with promotion to full-time status in 1994; and, WHEREAS, Marge was promoted to 9-1-1 Communications Officer
Senior (later reclassified as 9-1-1 Supervisor) in 2001; and, WHEREAS, Supervisor Surran continued in her position as 9-1-1
Supervisor for the Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Commission until her
retirement on November 30th, 2013, becoming the first individual
to retire from service with the Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Commission;
and, WHEREAS, having numerous responsibilities and duties to the
9-1-1 Commission, including serving as the Secretary for the 9-1-1 Commission
for many years and instructing numerous Communications Officers in both
initial and on-going training needed for the position of 9-1-1 Communications
Officer, she performed these responsibilities and duties with professionalism
and expertise; and, WHEREAS, Supervisor Marge Surran’s
dedication to the improvement of public safety and emergency communications
in Accomack and Northampton counties has been an inspiration to 9-1-1
Commissioners; and, WHEREAS, the members of the Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1
Commission will miss her, and her commitment and dedication, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1
Commission does hereby adopt this Resolution of Appreciation and thanks
Supervisor Marge Surran for her valuable contributions to the Eastern Shore
of Virginia’s citizens and visitors and her management and progression of the
9-1-1 and emergency dispatch system. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be presented to
Supervisor Surran and spread upon the minutes of the Eastern Shore of
Virginia 9-1-1 Commission. Adopted
this 5th day of December, 2013.
Donald E. Kellam, Jr. - Chairman |
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ESVA 9-1-1 Completes Narrowbanding and Radio
Upgrades
The Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1
Commission completed system-wide narrowbanding, distribution of new mobile and
portable radios, and a program channel refreshing of legacy radios for Eastern
Shore public safety agencies and field users in December 2012. A Communications Infrastructure Workgroup
(CIW) set standards and assisted in coordinating plans. RCC Consultants, Inc.,
provided consulting services to the Commission and CIW.
Radios were selected for purchase during the
summer. Agency orders of field radios
were received and procurement was completed through Delmarva Two-Way Radio,
Inc., in late summer and early fall.
Infrastructure replacement radios were ordered from Atlantic
Communications; installation and system upgrades were completed by Atlantic
during late fall and early winter.
Funding for the Northampton-Accomack Public Safety Communications
Project (NAPSCOM) was provided through a Homeland Security grant administered
by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Participating agencies included ESVA 9-1-1,
all Accomack and Northampton County fire and EMS agencies, Accomack and
Northampton County Sheriff’s Offices, Accomack and Northampton County Public
Schools, and town police departments.
The project programmed, installed, and placed
in service 265 new mobile radios, including 154 VHF mobiles for fire and EMS
agencies, 53 UHF mobiles for law enforcement agencies, and 18 VHF mobiles for
public schools. Forty VHF mobiles,
previously purchased by Accomack County Public Schools for their bus fleet,
were also installed.
Additionally, the project programmed,
distributed, and placed in service 383 new portable radios including 260 VHF
portables for fire and EMS agencies and 123 UHF portables for law enforcement
agencies.
ESVA911 staff and communications vendors also
reprogrammed, narrowbanded, and updated channel plans
for 219 legacy radios which were not replaced by new radios. This included 46 mobile and 173 portable
radios for fire and EMS, law enforcement, schools, and health. Staff also narrowbanded
523 Minitor V alerting pagers for fire and EMS.
Additional system upgrades are planned for
2013.
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ESVA 9-1-1 Director and Supervisor Among Tidewater EMS Honorees
The Tidewater Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Council recently honored 10 providers and agencies for their dedication to the
community and their commitment to the EMS system. Regional award winners were nominated by
their peers and awarded for their accomplishments during an
presentation held on June 16, 2012 at the Virginia Zoological Park, Norfolk,
Va. Eastern Shore 9-1-1 was well
represented among the recipients.
Congratulations to Crystal and Jeff!
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Outstanding
Public Safety Telecommunicator – Crystal G. Simpson of Parksley, Eastern Shore 911
Communications Center
Award
Presentation Comments: “The Outstanding
Public Safety Telecommunications Officer exemplifies the best in EMS
dispatching. This person supports and utilizes emergency medical dispatch
techniques, clearly communicates with responders, and works above and beyond
the call of duty to ensure the patient receives the quickest and best care
possible. This award category this year
received more nominations than all others. This is a significant recognition of
the importance of those “behind the scenes” who work so hard and whose voice is
our lifeline and guidance.
“This
year’s recipient has consistently displayed maturity and professionalism in
their role as a Communication Specialist. This recipient has been an emergency telecommunicator since 2003 and a supervisor since 2008.
Her supervisor says this recipient “is always willing to assist responding
personnel in any way and assist stations with any data and information they may
require.” This emergency telecommunicator goes above
and beyond the call of duty to cover shifts and is always willing to listen and
lend assistance to other dispatchers with both personal and work related
problems. As an instructor in APCO Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical
Dispatch (EMD) programs, this recipient plays an active part in the quality
improvement of the EMD programs which ensures that this communications center
maintains Virginia Office of EMS EMD Accreditation. This year’s recipient is also an active EMT
with the Parksley Volunteer Fire Company.
“Congratulations
to this year's outstanding public safety telecommunicator,
Crystal Simpson of the Eastern Shore 911 Communications Center.”
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Outstanding
EMS Administrator – Jeffrey A. Flournoy of Exmore, Eastern Shore of Virginia
9-1-1 Commission
Award
Presentation Comments: The Bruce W.
Edwards Outstanding EMS Administrator Award recognizes outstanding leadership
and management qualities for EMS personnel at all levels that have supervisory
or administrative duties.
This
year’s recipient is responsible for the recruitment and management of the
Communication’s Center staff, preparation and maintenance of the operating
budget, and oversight of the daily operations in the 9-1-1 Communications
Center. This Communication Center
provides primary fire and emergency medical dispatch for over 52,000 residents
throughout two counties. This recipient was appointed as the Director in 2007
and through hard work and dedication to the 9-1-1 Center and local fire and EMS
services, huge advancements have been made across the Eastern Shore. Under his
leadership, the 9-1-1 Center has been fully accredited by the Virginia Office
of EMS as a Public Safety Access Point providing emergency medical dispatch
(EMD) to its callers. Recently a $1.3 million grant has been awarded to replace
and update both field radios and radio communications infrastructure equipment
for public safety and the school system on the Eastern Shore to strengthen the
overall communications system. This year’s
recipient is also a member of the Community Volunteer Fire Company in Exmore,
Virginia, serving as an EMT and the Assistant Fire Chief. His management style
and thorough follow-up on all issues demonstrates the highest level of
stewardship for the organization and community. The efforts of this year’s
recipient continue to build and improve the 9-1-1 system as well as the fire
and EMS services every day.
Congratulations to this year's Outstanding
EMS Administrator, Jeffrey Flournoy – Eastern Shore 911 Communications
Commission.
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Atlantic Communications To
Provide Communications Infrastructure Upgrades for Narrowband Project
Two vendors responded to the Eastern Shore of
Virginia 9-1-1 Commission’s Request for Proposals seeking a qualified two-way
radio communications company or service shop to provide, deliver, install, and
integrate new base station transceivers, receivers, comparators, and control
stations; narrowband existing fixed radio equipment; and expand channel
capacity and reprogram (as necessary) the existing Motorola consoles at the
Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Center.
Proposals were received from Atlantic
Communications, Inc., and Gately Communications Company. To review the project’s
statement of work, download “ESVA 911 Statement of Work – RFP #911-12-001”.
The 9-1-1 Commission has authorized award of
the contract to Atlantic Communications of Newport News. The project is now underway; the timetable for
equipment procurement and installation will provide for infrastructure
improvements prior to the end of the year.
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NAPSCOM Project
Unveils Selected Radio Suite
The Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1
Commission has adopted recommendations from the Northampton-Accomack
Public-Safety Communications (NAPSCOM) Project’s Radio Evaluation Committee for
radios to be purchased through the project grant. The mobile radio selected is Motorola’s
ASTRO® XTL™ 2500. The radio will be
available in dash mount, remote mount, and dual control head mounting
options. Agencies will be able to select
from two portable radios: Kenwood
TK-5220/TK-5320 VHF/UHF FM P25 Digital Portable Radio or the Motorola XTS®1500
Digital Portable Radio (Model 1.5).
Radios will operate on conventional analog channels. Agencies have submitted orders for radios to
be funded by the grant and orders are currently being validated and placed
through Delmarva Two-Way Radio, Inc., of Ocean City. The grant covers replacement of radios which
are not narrowband compliant or which lack available channel and feature
capacity for public safety operations.
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Jim Seymour
Recognized by 9-1-1 Commission
The Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1
Commission, on behalf of the Eastern Shore’s public safety community,
recognized and honored Motorola Radio Technician Jim Seymour of Painter for his
years of outstanding service and support of public safety communications at the
Commission’s monthly meeting on Thursday, January 26, in Accomac. 9-1-1 Center Director Jeff Flournoy, 9-1-1
Consultant Scott Chandler, and Delmarva Two-Way Radio President Milt Warren
spoke of Jim’s continued dedication and support to public safety and his
special contributions to support the local public safety radio systems. In addition to the Commission and staff,
Jim’s wife, Patti, and Milt’s wife, Gerri, also attended.
Commission Chairman Donald E. Kellam, Jr., presented a plaque with the following
resolution to Seymour following its reading by Flournoy.
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Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1
Commission Resolution of Appreciation WHEREAS, following his honorable
service in the United States Marine Corps, James “Jim” Seymour was employed as a Field Technical
Representative for Motorola Communications and Electronics, Inc., in the
Baltimore region, and WHEREAS, Jim Seymour purchased the assets of a locally assigned Motorola
Service Shop in 1979, established Sey-Comm Service
Company, and provided Motorola-supported radio communications sales and
service to industry, businesses, governmental agencies, volunteer fire
companies, and volunteer rescue squads in Accomack and Northampton Counties
until his retirement in the early 2000’s, and WHEREAS, his dedicated and expert
installation, repair, and maintenance services to the Accomack and
Northampton County Sheriff’s Offices, the Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1
Commission, local police departments, volunteer fire companies, volunteer rescue
squads, and governmental public safety agencies contributed to the safety and
security of public safety personnel and assured effective and efficient
communications to support police, fire, and EMS response to the citizens and
visitors of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, and WHEREAS, as a partner in Delmarva
Communications Partnership, Jim has coordinated and provided value-added
communications infrastructure assets to benefit public safety communications,
and WHEREAS, his sharing of knowledge and
his leadership skills have benefitted the Eastern Shore’s public safety
communications system through assisting and
training public safety personnel in radio communications system
design, management, and support, and WHEREAS, subsequent to his retirement,
Jim has provided continual and valuable support, assistance, and consultation
on numerous radio communications issues to the Eastern Shore of Virginia
9-1-1 Commission in support of public safety communications, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Eastern Shore of
Virginia 9-1-1 Commission expresses its appreciation to Jim Seymour for his
dedicated service as a Motorola radio technician and for his exemplary
contributions in support of public safety communications. FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a copy of this
resolution be recorded in the Commission’s minutes, that a copy be presented to Jim Seymour, and that this resolution be
shared with his professional colleagues and with the public safety community
to which Jim so ably provided his knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resolved
this 26th day of January, 2012. s/ Donald E. Kellam, Jr., Chairman |
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NAPSCOM Project
Report Presented January 17 By RCC Consultants
During December 2011 and early January 2012, information
regarding the NAPSCOM Project (Northampton-Accomack Public-Safety
Communications) was provided to Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, and Public School
entities/agencies. The purpose of this information was to verify radio
inventories and provide an update on the project. As a reminder, the NAPSCOM
Project is intended to improve public safety radio communications (focusing on
operability and interoperability) as well as assist agencies in meeting the
federally mandated narrowband requirements (effective in 2013) using available
federal grant funds with additional investment of funds from other sources.
Communications Infrastructure Workgroup (CIW)
Members, Fire/EMS Agency Leadership, Law Enforcement Agency Leadership, and
Public School System Leadership attended a formal presentation by RCC
Consultant’s on January 17, 2012 at the Eastern Shore Community College
(Melfa). RCC Consultants Jeff Pegram and Wayne Campagna
have been working closely with Virginia Eastern Shore public safety entities
and the 9-1-1 Commission throughout much of 2011 on this project and
anticipated use of grant funds. The presentation provided an overview of future
radio system/infrastructure improvements, how we expect to use available grant
funds (to improve radio communications and prepare for the narrowband mandate),
as well as overall timelines. This provided an opportunity for public safety
leadership to hear and discuss where we are heading with regard to improvements
to public safety communications and the use of available grant funds.
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Communications
Consulting Services Study Setting Pace for System Improvements
The Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1
Commission has entered into a contract with RCC Consultants, Inc., a public
safety communications system design and engineering consulting firm with
offices in Glen Allen, Virginia, to provide analysis, review of current radio
system and its elements, make recommendations and provide direction for public
safety radio systems in both counties.
RCC will be working with ESVA 9-1-1 staff and representatives of the
Communications Infrastructure Workgroup.
RCC was selected from among eight proposals received. RCC provided a report to the Commission
earlier this year.
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Systems Analysis
Conducted to Assess Eastern Shore’s Public Safety Radio Infrastructure
The Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia
Information Technologies Agency, by request of the Eastern Shore of Virginia
911 Commission, has analyzed communications equipment and performed radio
studies throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA) 911 service area. A summary of the report is provided in an
Executive Summary. To read the Executive Summary, click here. Key agencies have been provided
electronic copies of the extensive report.
If additional information is needed related to the report or copies of
the report are desired, contact the 9-1-1 Director. The VITA study provided an overall system documentation and basic recommendations
for improvements; additional and more detailed analysis will occur to upgrade
the current system in response to current needs and the VITA recommendations.
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ESVA911
Center Issues Revised Specifications for Field Radios
The ESVA 9-1-1 Commission has released a revision to Appendix O
of the Communications Manual (radio specifications). It includes significant changes
to the radio specifications (portables and mobiles) recommended by the 9-1-1
Commission for fire and EMS field users. The specifications incorporate
recommendations from the state and specifications to prepare for future channel
and interoperability needs and should be used for future
procurements/purchases. The ESVA 9-1-1 Commission (working with the
Communications Infrastructure Workgroup) is recommending these standards to
position public safety users with future capabilities for the latest system
technologies and interoperability as we move toward system upgrades and
enhancements. Radios currently used in
our system will continue to function as they currently do, however as future
upgrades to the radio system and channel plan are made they may become
incompatible with system requirements.
These attached specifications will be used for radios purchased with
future grant funds. If there are any questions please contact the Director.
Revised Radio Specifications (Fire - EMS)
Revised Radio Specifications (Law Enforcement)
The revised Communications Manual was approved
by the Accomack County Fire-Rescue Commission and Northampton County
Fire-Rescue Commission during the fall of 2008.
Amendments are made periodically.
To review the Communications Manual, select the Communications Manual
link in the Table of Contents (left panel) or click here .
For a list of changes made by date and
section, click here.
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ESVA911
Center Implements Air Ambulance Auto Launches
At
the request of the Eastern Shore EMS Council, the ESVA 9-1-1 Center will be
auto-launching (requesting to actually launch) the closest air ambulance for entrapment
motor vehicle accidents with significant injury. This will be a pilot program
and is designed to improve patient care and transport. A map was created to
show first-due/second-due districts for Trooper 4, Nightingale, and Life-Evac III and will be used when requesting a medical
evacuation response.
Effective November 21st, 2011 the auto-launch of the closest medevac policy will change. The changes are as follows and
effective Shorewide:
Auto-launch (from the 9-1-1 Center) will occur when both of the
following/below criteria are met:
1. Confirmed
entrapment - The 9-1-1 Center is shifting from a policy where entrapment was
interpreted very loosely (people might be entrapped or looks like they are
unable to get out) to a stricter policy. We (the 9-1-1 Center) should have
reliable information (indicating a patient is entrapped) from a caller on-scene
for an auto-launch to be initiated.
2. Information about
a patient with one of the criteria met (from an individual on-scene with the
patient or patients): 1. Unconsciousness, 2. Ineffective breathing, 3.
Penetrating head, neck, torso, shoulder, or groin injury, 4. Complete amputation of hand, arm, foot, or
leg .
To simplify, for the 9-1-1 Center to initiate an auto-launch
there must be confirmed entrapment and information indicating a patient is
either unconscious, have ineffective breathing, a penetrating injury (specific
area), or an amputation.
Field personnel still have the authority to request the launch
of a medivac at their discretion at any time. These
requests will be honored without question.
This change to the auto-launch policy will not change the two
station alert (for extrication equipment). MVA incidents with
entrapment/possible entrapment will continue to follow the two-station (for
extrication equipment) policy.
Please
make sure individuals under your charge are aware of these changes.
Air Ambulance Auto-Launch and Dispatch Policy and
Procedures - March 2010
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ESVA911 Center is an Accredited Emergency Medical Dispatch Center
In September 2007 the Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Center implemented
the APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch program. The program provides consistency
in the call-taking of EMS incidents, priority of EMS incidents, and pre-arrival
instructions. In February of 2008 the 9-1-1 Center was recognized as being an
accredited emergency medical dispatch (EMD) center, after submitting the
necessary documentation to the Virginia Office of EMS. Key components of
meeting the accreditation standards include using an approved EMD program,
having at least 25% of Communications Officers certified in EMD, always having
at least one Communications Officer on duty certified in EMD, maintaining forty
hours on continuing education every two years, and having a quality assurance
and improvement process in place. The 9-1-1 Center has taken the steps to
certify all Communications Officers in EMD. At the July 31st, 2008
9-1-1 Commission meeting, Ken Crumpler and Wayne
Berry, from the Virginia Office of EMS presented the Center’s Director, Jeff
Flournoy, with a plaque recognizing the accreditation of the 9-1-1 Center.
The Association of Public-Safety
Communications Officials International (APCO), the world's
largest organization dedicated to public safety communications, is a member
driven association of communications professionals that provides leadership;
influences public safety communications decisions of government and industry;
promotes professional development; and, fosters the development and use of
technology for the benefit of the public.
The APCO Institute Emergency Medical Dispatch Program is based on the NHTSA
National Standard Curriculum for EMD and incorporates all of the current
ASTM International guidelines in a comprehensive EMD Package.
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Copyright 2014,
Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Commission