Virginia Beach EMS

10/24/2026

🚑🩺 Advancing Prehospital Care Through Innovation
Virginia Beach EMS is making waves in the world of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS).
This weekend, four members of Virginia Beach EMS, sponsored by Tidewater EMS Council, are attending the 10th World Conference on Ultrasound in Medical Education, connecting with leaders, educators and innovators who are advancing the use of ultrasound in medicine.

At VBEMS, we believe exceptional patient care starts with innovation, education and a commitment to Clinical Excellence.
🔹 Advancing Education – Expanding our knowledge and strengthening ultrasound skills through continued professional development.
🔹 Driving Innovation – Exploring emerging technology, best practices and new applications of POCUS in prehospital emergency medicine.
🔹 Elevating Patient Care – Using real-time ultrasound findings to enhance patient assessments, support clinical decision-making and guide treatment pathways.
🔹 Strengthening Our Program – Bringing home fresh perspectives, research and practical strategies to further develop our POCUS program.
🔹 Leading the Way – Demonstrating how progressive EMS systems can integrate advanced diagnostic capabilities into the prehospital environment.

POCUS is another tool that empowers our providers to make informed clinical decisions when every second counts. 🚑💙



Left to right: Capt. Michelle Stephenson-White, EMS Medical Director Dr. Stewart Martin, Battalion Chief Elizabeth Beatty, Capt. Matt Armey

10/22/2026

Join us in congratulating AEMT Desmond Williams of B‑12 shift on achieving his Field Training Officer (FTO) certification. This marks an important milestone in his career. Well done, Desmond!

Left to right: Desmond Williams and Capt. Ed Britt.

10/21/2026

Community Awareness: Training Exercise on October 24, 2026

On Saturday, October 24, between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., several city agencies, including Police, Virginia Beach Fire Department, Virginia Beach EMS, VBSchools, and the Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Management, will be conducting a planned training exercise at the Holland Road Annex.

Community members may see an increased number of emergency vehicles in the area during this time. This activity is part of a scheduled exercise only, and there is no cause for concern.

We appreciate the community’s understanding as we work together to stay prepared and keep Virginia Beach safe.

10/21/2026

Congratulations! Sixteen students graduated from the EMS Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Program. The class, coordinated by Capt. Jonathan Quinn, was supported by several CIT instructors from VBEMS, VB Rescue, Virginia Beach Fire Department, Virginia Beach Police Department and the
City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services. Thank you to our partners!

10/20/2026

Read about how the Compassionate Billing program is strengthening our EMS system. 👇

Virginia Beach EMS' Compassionate Billing program is reinvesting every dollar back into patient care, equipment, training and support for its volunteer rescue squads. See how the program is strengthening our entire EMS system: https://bit.ly/4zaFSj5

10/20/2026

❤️🏆 SLH Cardiac Services Platinum Recognition. Exceptional Collaboration.

👏Congratulations to Sentara Leigh Hospital Cardiology Services on earning Platinum Recognition for excellence in cardiac and heart attack care! Virginia Beach EMS was honored to join the celebration and received a Certificate of Recognition, acknowledging its contributions to timely cardiac care and coordinated STEMI responses.

That partnership starts long before the hospital doors. 🚑 From prompt 12 Lead EKG acquisition and transmission, early prehospital STEMI alerting and excellent patient care, to an ongoing collaboration between our Quality Management team, Dr. Stewart Martin, and our Emergency Department partners, every connection helps move patients toward the care they need.

We are grateful for the strong working relationships, open communication and shared commitment to clinical excellence that make this teamwork possible.

When every minute matters, every link in the team matters. ❤️

10/20/2026

Virginia Beach EMS is accepting applications for its 2027 EMS Citizens Academy! Learn about CPR, stop the bleed, modern paramedic skills and so much more during the free six-week program. Application deadline: Nov. 15.
✅ Apply now: https://bit.ly/4BcIwWS

10/16/2026

Calling all Paramedics and AEMTs! We’re hiring — but hurry, the application deadline is approaching fast on Oct. 18. Join one of the busiest and highest‑performing EMS systems in Virginia and make an impact every day.
📌Apply Now:
➡️Paramedic: https://bit.ly/4yIl1n6
➡️AEMT: https://bit.ly/4yQ22XJ

10/15/2026

Capt. Bailey Hartley Receives National Recognition for C**T Kit Initiative

Virginia Beach EMS proudly celebrates Capt. Bailey Hartley, recipient of the 2026 National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians–American Academy of Pediatrics (NAEMT‑AAP) Pediatric EMS Award for her work on the C**T Kit, a resource designed to support neurodivergent patients in emergency situations.

This national honor recognizes excellence in pediatric emergency care and education. Captain Hartley’s C**T Kit Initiative reflects her dedication to compassionate, inclusive care that meets the individualized needs of neurodivergent patients.

Capt. Hartley was honored at the EMS World Expo in Orlando, Florida, joined by Chief Jason Stroud, Battalion Chief Elizabeth Beatty, Battalion Chief William Shackelford, and Capt. Tom Benadum, who represented VBEMS and celebrated her achievement.

Following the ceremony, she connected with EMS professionals from across the country, including Dr. Peter Antevy, founder of award sponsor Handtevy, to discuss her work and share her passion for improving patient care.

Please join us in congratulating Capt. Hartley on this well‑deserved national recognition and in celebrating her continued efforts to advance care for patients and families.

Read more about the C**T Kit Initiative: https://bit.ly/3UIJdXj

10/13/2026

Congratulations to the graduates of the Buddy to Boss - Frontline Supervisor Training program!
Career and volunteer supervisors with Virginia Beach EMS completed a 10‑week customized leadership program through the Virginia Tech - School of Public and International Affairs.

Throughout the course, participants learned from world‑class faculty and explored topics such as local government, strategic planning and navigating the transition from peer to supervisor.

We were proud to recognize these graduates during Wednesday’s Recognition and Promotion Ceremony.
Congratulations to:
🟦Capt. Thomas Benadum
🟦Capt. Robert Brush (not pictured)
🟦Capt. Bailey Hartley
🟦Capt. Jonathan Latoni
🟦Senior Paramedic Logan Portlock (not pictured)
🟦Capt. Michael Rifenburgh
🟦Anastasia Salonga (Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad)
🟦Capt. Zachary Schaard
🟦Battalion Chief Amy Shulz
🟦Paramedic Allison Simon (not pictured)