ABOUT US

In 1990 the Richmond City Council and the City Manager recognized they needed to make drastic changes to the City’s EMS system in order to ensure all City residents received the best and most effective care. On March 20, 1991, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Richmond Ambulance Authority Act and on September 23, 1991, the City of Richmond granted the franchise to Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) to provide EMS to the City. Since then, RAA has gained national and international recognition for its approach to EMS as a Mobile Integrated Healthcare provider. Unlike traditional Fire and EMS systems, RAA makes data-driven decisions. Using data, RAA can strategically deploy ambulances throughout the city and predict where a call is most likely to come from. This approach allows the agency to dispatch ambulances based on demand instead of having level staffing across an entire day. As a result, Richmond has one of the most advanced EMS systems in the United States. RAA is one of the busiest EMS systems, per capita, in the nation. Responding to over 50,000 calls annually, RAA has been recognized as operating within the top 25% of EMS agencies nationwide.

Mission

To deliver patient-centered care through measurable clinical and operational excellence with efficiency, outstanding customer service, and employee engagement.

Vision

RAA is an industry leader providing World Class mobile integrated healthcare.

Accreditation

RAA is the only ambulance service in Virginia and one of only 14 systems in the United States that has received accreditation from both the National Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) and the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). These accreditations are considered the “gold standard” for ambulance services, certifying distinction for quality patient care and ambulance operations.

Awards

2025 Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health and Safety:

In 2025, RAA received statewide recognition, winning the Governor’s EMS Award for “Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health and Safety.” The annual Governor’s EMS Awards Program began in 1986 and has been endorsed by each Governor to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals, agencies and community organizations and businesses that provide or help support emergency medical care in Virginia.

2023 Old Dominion Regional Alliance EMS Awards:

In 2023, RAA staff were recognized by the Old Dominion Regional Alliance EMS Awards in two categories, “Innovation Excellence in EMS” and “Emergency Preparedness and Response.” 

2020 Governor’s Award for Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS:

In 2020, RAA’s Operational Medical Director received statewide recognition, winning the Governor’s EMS Award for Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS. 

2016 Governor’s Award for Outstanding EMS Agency:

In 2016, RAA received statewide recognition, winning the Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Agency. The annual Governor’s EMS Awards Program began in 1986 and has been endorsed by each Governor to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals, agencies and community organizations and businesses that provide or help support emergency medical care in Virginia.

Mission: Lifeline Gold Award:

Awarded by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. Recognizes agencies for demonstrating continued success using the Mission Lifeline program in applying the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve patient care and outcomes in the community.

Old Dominion Virginia Healthcare Innovators: Patient Care: 1-250 Employees:  

Recognizes Virginia organizations that have developed innovative ways to improve healthcare quality and efficiency.

Dick Ferneau Career Agency of the Year:  

Awarded by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). This nationally coveted award recognized the hard work and dedication of all staff who enable RAA to delivery world-class EMS each and every day to the citizens of Richmond.  RAA was also recognized for its programs and campaign in life-saving, EMS education and injury prevention.

Virginia Municipal League (VML) Risk Management Performance Award:

RAA recognized for our Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) and the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect IT and business infrastructure.

Children’s Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) Spirit of Advocacy Award:

Award recognizes individuals and community partners who not only advocate for the healthcare and educational needs of children, but who are also champions for the cause.  RAA was specifically nominated for partnering to serve both adult & pediatric critical care transports, RAA’s school supplies giveaway to City of Richmond kids, its child safety seat course, as well as RAA’s participation at the annual summer safety fair (in Chimborazo Park) providing tours of our ambulance and prevention information.