Tidewater EMS Council

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

UVA Health upcoming VILT!

Wednesday, 9/16/2026 from 1800-1900

Register by scanning the QR code or at https://tinyurl.com/UVASEPT26VILT

09/03/2026

WE ARE LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AWAY!!

Here's what you need to know for the day of the event:

0800 Doors open for packet pickup/registration
0830 Opening ceremonies
0900 Stair climb begins
1100 Hang out and cheer on those still climbing
1200 Event ends

Parking is NOT included in the festivities.

If you plan on climbing in turnout gear, make sure it's clean gear. (Any work related gear should be clean, but fire gear absolutely--that is part of your waiver that you sign upon arrival).

https://norfolkfirefoundation.ticketspice.com/911-memorial-stair-climb

Water and snacks provided through sponsors and vendors.

We just need your smiling faces there ready to put in the work! Stay tuned for any updates.

09/03/2026

A huge shoutout and thank you to the Western Tidewater Community Services Board (WTCSB) and their Marc Team for providing sensory kits to our community! 🧩✨

These kits are such an important resource for supporting individuals with autism, sensory processing sensitivities, or those experiencing a behavioral health crisis. These tools are incredibly vital for supporting individuals with sensory needs and creating a more inclusive, compassionate crisis response in our community. We appreciate your hard work! 💙👏 Thank you for your dedication to mental health, crisis de-escalation, and inclusive care in Western Tidewater! 💙

09/03/2026

🏆 THE 2026 VENA AWARD WINNERS ARE HERE! 🏆

It’s time to CELEBRATE! 🎉👏

We are incredibly proud to announce our 2026 VENA Award Winners! This year was truly UNPRECEDENTED, with 21 outstanding nominations recognizing nurses who are making an incredible impact in emergency and forensic nursing and our communities.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate and recognize a peer! ❤️

The committee had an incredibly difficult job reviewing the blinded nominations—each one highlighted exceptional dedication, leadership, compassion, and service.

👏 Congratulations to our WINNERS—and to EVERYONE who was nominated! Your work matters, your impact is felt, and VENA is proud to celebrate you!

✨ 21 nominations. Countless contributions. One incredible community.

YOU NOMINATED, SO WE ARE CELEBRATING! 🏆

09/03/2026

This year, members of our department attended the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association's 2nd Annual Women of Fire & EMS Professional Development Conference. Hosted by the VFCA's Women of Fire & EMS Section, this multi-day conference brings together women from fire and EMS agencies across Virginia for hands-on training, leadership development courses, and networking with peers from across the Commonwealth.

The conference is part of a growing effort within the Virginia fire service to directly support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in fire and EMS, building the next generation of leaders in our profession.

We're proud of our personnel for taking this opportunity to grow, and we're grateful to the VFCA for creating a space dedicated to their development. Pictured are (left to right): FF/EMT Katelyn J. Scheck, Lieutenant/PM Chasity D. Johnson, FF/EMT Casey G. Bowen, and FF/EMT Ashleigh G. Hill.

09/03/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month. 💜🩵

In emergency services, we spend our time showing up for others on some of their worst days. But the calls we run, the things we see, the stress we carry, and the weight that can follow us home don’t always disappear when the shift ends.

That’s why looking out for one another matters.

At our station, taking care of people doesn’t stop when the call is over. We care about our crew, our fellow first responders, our families, and the members of the community we serve. Sometimes taking care of someone simply means noticing when they may not be okay and reminding them that they don’t have to face it alone.

Check on your crew. Check on your friends and family. Check on the person who seems quieter than usual, even the one who is always making everyone else laugh. When someone tells you they’re struggling, listen.

Asking for help is not weakness. Talking to someone does not make you any less capable of doing your job or being there for others. We have to continue breaking the stigma that tells people, especially first responders, that they need to carry everything alone or stay silent out of fear of how they will be perceived.

We have resources. We have peer support. We have people who understand the challenges that come with this profession. Most importantly, we have each other.

If you’re struggling, reach out! To a friend, a crewmate, a supervisor, a peer support team member, or someone you trust. You do not have to wait until things reach a crisis point to ask for help.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

This September, and every month, let’s keep looking out for one another, on the ambulance, at the station, at home, and throughout our community. 💜

Speak up. Check in. Stay connected. Take care of each other.

09/01/2026

Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue becomes latest Hampton Roads agency to offer life-saving whole blood program

09/01/2026

National Preparedness Month - Americans Stand Ready.
MAKE A PLAN - BE IN THE KNOW - BUILD A KIT - GET INVOLVED

When Americans take steps to prepare for disasters and keep their families safe, every neighborhood and community is more resilient. Throughout National Preparedness Month in September, FEMA will celebrate and encourage American resourcefulness and civic responsibility.

-- Americans stand ready to uphold our patriotic duty: When individuals are prepared and self-reliant, we can bolster the work our brave first responders do to help people on their worst day.
-- Americans stand ready to protect our family and friends: We know best how to keep our loved ones safe when things go wrong.
-- Americans stand ready to help our communities: Taking a proactive approach to get your community ready contributes to the nation’s resilience.

https://www.ready.gov/

08/31/2026

Be on the lookout! We are excited to announce that registration for the second annual East Coast Technical Rescue Conference will open tomorrow, September 1st. Don’t delay, we have limited space and you don’t want to miss this exciting weekend of training and fellowship.