On Monday, as EMS workers across the country continue to be honored during National EMS Week, the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) was awarded the Governor’s EMS Award for “Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health and Safety,” one of 13 EMS award categories. In December, RAA received the regional award from the Old Dominion EMS Alliance (ODEMSA) and was automatically entered to compete statewide, representing one of 11 Regional EMS Councils.
RAA was recognized for several initiatives intended to promote the health and safety of the agency’s staff and public including our Peer Support Program, Resiliency Training, the Paws for Paramedics Program and Bystander Support Program.
“The physical health and mental well-being of not only our patients but also our employees have always been and continue to be top priorities at the Richmond Ambulance Authority,” said RAA CEO Chip Decker. “Many of the programs and initiatives put into place have been created through the work of those on the frontlines who know firsthand the importance of mental and physical health for first responders and our community.”
RAA was recognized by Governor Glenn Youngkin along with other winners at the Governor’s EMS Awards ceremony held at the Executive Mansion earlier today.
Programs
Peer Support Program – designed to have specially trained providers help their peers cope with day-to-day stress both at work and at home and deal with traumatic experiences.
Resiliency Training – designed to help providers recover from stress and adversity experienced in EMS.
Paws for Paramedics – designed to help EMS providers relieve stress through regular interaction with pets from the Richmond SPCA.
Bystander Support Program – RAA, in partnership with the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD), launched “Bystander Support” cards aimed at connecting bystanders who have witnessed or experienced trauma to available resources.
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About the Richmond Ambulance Authority: In 1991, the Richmond City Council and the City Manager implemented an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system that placed the patient first and guaranteed its performance to the City’s residents. Today, the Richmond Ambulance Authority responds to nearly 200 calls per day and transports, on average, 150 patients per day. RAA is one of only 14 EMS agencies in the United States accredited by both the Commission on the Accreditation of Ambulance Services and the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. RAA is also a Commonwealth of Virginia Accredited Dispatch Center.
