OUTREACH
The Richmond Ambulance Authority is dedicated to connecting with the community we serve. We are always looking for opportunities to create new partnerships with the community and public safety agencies. That’s why we have implemented outreach programs, community events, and trainings designed to educate and help reduce the risk of death or injury. Our outreach programs are focused on increasing safety and awareness.
Some of the programs we have implemented include our Child Car Seat Safety Program, a free program for City of Richmond residents. The Rider Alert motorcycle safety program is designed to help provide life-saving information in motorcycle helmets.
We are dedicated to identifying current trends and the needs of our community in order to implement programs that make a difference, and can potentially save lives.
PROGRAMS
CAR SEAT SAFETY PROGRAM
Car seats and boosters provide protection for infants and children in a crash, yet car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. That’s why it’s so important to choose and correctly install the right car seat for your child.
Nothing is more important than the safety of our children. It’s one of the reasons the Richmond Ambulance Authority created the Child Car Seat Safety Program. The program is free to City of Richmond residents. Our certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Technicians (CPST) inspect and instruct parents/guardians on how to properly install a child’s car safety seat. Seats can come in different types, and sizes.
Please Note: The Richmond Ambulance Authority inspects child seats but does not provide them.
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment call 804-254-1150 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or submit your information below. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. A maximum of three appointments per day will be scheduled. Appointments are generally scheduled on either Tuesday or Thursday.
The Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) and the the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia partnered in 2021 to help connect patients suffering from addiction to recovery resources. Patients interested in speaking with a peer recovery specialist sign a release form. Within 48 hours, a peer recovery specialist contacts the patient to try and get them into a recovery center.
Through the program, RAA is able to put those suffering from addiction on the path to recovery.
In addition, resource packets filled with recovery options in the Metro Richmond area are given to patients and family members interested in the program. RAA and our partners remain committed to working with our public safety and health partners to get as many patients connected to recovery as possible so they can live healthy and prosperous lives.
For more information about the programs contact us.
RIDER ALERT MOTORCYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM
Motorcycle deaths and injuries continue to be a serious problem in Virginia. The Richmond Ambulance Authority and Bon Secours Virginia started the Rider Alert program in 2011 in partnership with Motorcycle Virginia to help first responders provide rapid and accurate medical assistance to motorcyclists involved in serious crashes. Identification cards located inside the rider’s helmet provide first responders with lifesaving information including important medical history and emergency contact information. The cards are available at the Richmond Ambulance Authority. For more information click on the link below.
LIFESAVER PROGRAM
The LifeSaver Membership Program helps City of Richmond residents cover the cost of emergency medical transports. For a low, annual fee of $62 for individuals, or $99 for a family, the plan covers insurance co-pays and deductibles for emergency ambulance transports. Medicaid recipients should not join the Lifesaver program, as it does not provide you with any additional benefits. Coverage begins on January 1 (ends on December 31st) each year. Keep in mind there is a 30-day administrative waiting period, so the sooner you complete your application and mail it in, the better! In some cases emergency transports are not covered by insurance, or patients are responsible for the full balance of their transport. In those cases the LifeSaver Membership Program provides a 20% discount for that transport.
If you would like to sign up for Life Saver Membership, please download our PDF form.
PAWS FOR PARAMEDICS
The Richmond Ambulance Authority and the Richmond SPCA launched a partnership creating the Pets for Paramedics program in 2018. It was later renamed Paws for Paramedics to reflect other programs the Richmond SPCA had in place to similarly help different populations under its Paws for Health umbrella. The program is designed to help EMS providers relieve stress through regular interaction with pets from the Richmond SPCA. RAA staff interact with pets awaiting adoption while also providing exposure to help the pets find homes.
According to studies, EMS providers are frequently exposed to traumatic events which can lead to high levels of workplace stress. This partnership allows RAA to continue its dedication to providing a healthy work environment for our EMTs and Paramedics. Research on the human-animal bond has demonstrated the benefits pets can have on a person’s mental, social and physical health. If you’re interested in adopting one of these pets visit our Newsroom.
Bystander Support Cards
The Richmond Ambulance Authority (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. RAA and RHHD understand not all wounds can be seen and bystanders can be impacted after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event.
A QR code, located on the back of the “Bystander Support” cards, links bystanders to a list of resources compiled by RAA with the help of RHHD to help those who may need support following a traumatic event.
The cards are available to RAA’s Supervisors, Paramedics, and EMTs and will be used to engage bystanders if possible and when appropriate.
RAA Honor Guard
The Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) honor guard is a ceremonial unit that represents and honors fallen public safety personnel. This unit participates in different events and ceremonies including funerals, memorial services, parades, and community events.
The honor guard is not only a symbol of respect for those who serve but also helps to educate the community about public safety and its values. Their presence at events and ceremonies underscores the commitment and sacrifice of public safety professionals. Members of RAA’s Honor Guard graduated from the National Honor Guard Academy. The academy specializes in providing honor guard training to police, firefighters and EMS personnel on how to care for the family of an emergency service provider on their greatest day of need – the day they bury their loved one.
Mission:
“With dignity and respect, we give honor to those who have served and carry the flag for those who no longer can.”
Vision:
“Where reverence and perfection merge.”
TRAINING EVENTS AND CALENDAR
The Richmond Ambulance Authority is a Community Training Center (CTC) for the American Heart Association. As a CTC we provide a variety of initial and recertification courses. Our instructors are experienced and well qualified. These courses are open to the public and current employees. Please check out our training calendar to find the current class schedule. If a class becomes full you can still register to be put on our waiting list. You will get an email notification should a spot become available. If you have any questions please contact the clinical department at 804-254-1128.
American Heart Association/NAEMT Classes
Committees
The Richmond Ambulance Authority has set up several committees available to current employees that help shape and improve the organization. RAA is constantly analyzing and looking for ways to improve. If you’re interested in participating, please check out our committee calendar and register. The Operations department will determine which interested staff members will serve on the Shift Bid and Shift Points Committees. The Clinical Service and Wellness Committees are open to any staff member that is interested.
IN THE COMMUNITY
He almost died running the Richmond Marathon. Now he’s thanking the people who saved his life.
This story originally appeared on wtvr.com David Griffin thought he was in the best shape of his life when he began the Richmond Marathon last fall. But halfway into the 26.2-mile [...]
Runner who went into cardiac arrest during Richmond Marathon reunites with EMTs, bystanders who saved his life
This article originally appeared on wric.com A local runner got a chance to thank the bystanders and first responders who saved his life during last year’s Richmond Marathon. On Mo [...]
RAA 2023 Year in Review
It was another fantastic year filled with strong partnerships, community connections and patient reunions. We take a look back at just a few of the highlights from 2023 in our annu [...]
Woman’s urgent message to people battling substance use disorders: ‘I know it’s a struggle’
This article originally appeared on wtvr.com As the holiday season approaches, City of Richmond officials have issued a warning about the dangers of the substance use disorders and [...]
City of Richmond, Richmond Ambulance Authority and the Richmond Police Department Outline Available Resources for those Suffering from Substance Use DisordersCity of Richmond, Richmond Ambulance Authority and the Richmond Police Department Outline Available Resources for those Suffering from Substance Use Disorders
City of Richmond, Richmond Ambulance Authority and the Richmond Police Department Outline Available Resources for those Suffering from Substance Use Disorders
-Holiday season can often cause those in recovery to return to use- For many, the holidays are a time of joy and gathering with family and friends. For some, this period can be a t [...]
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