Coastal Valleys EMS Agency News

Coastal Valleys EMS Agency has released EMS Special Memorandum 22-004 EMT Draw Epinephrine Accreditation

The Special Memo provides the process for EMS service providers to obtain approval for the optional scope of practice use of draw up epinephrine in place of basic scope autoinjectors. 22-004 incorporates four addendum documents including:

• A template MOU for physician-to-physician delegated Optional Skills Medical Director designation
• A training and competency verification check off sheet
• A roster to list provider agency EMTs whom have completed the training and verification process
• Alternative medical direction for the use of draw up epinephrine in place of autoinjector delivery of the medication.

Links to these forms are included within the Special Memo.

CVEMSA would like to thank and recognize Marin County Fire for the training material and the benefit of their experience as well as our fire service partners at Sonoma County Fire District (Bodega Bay) who worked with Dr. Luoto on program adaptation for Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. 

During the one-year allowable term of this Special Memo, CVEMSA will work with system partners on a formal policy development process to incorporate the elements of the memo into our permanent policy and treatment guideline publications.  

The EMS Agency has released a memorandum for the purpose of updating our stakeholders on the Tiered Response development process including the increased use of Basic Life Support ambulances within the Sonoma County system. The full memo is available here: EMS Special Memo 22-003

The Coastal Valleys EMS Agency is proposing changes to Administrative Policy 2012 Paramedic Accreditation.

The revised draft policy has been updated for consistency  with current practice, with some rewording and/or reorganization for clarity. The revision also provides process for temporary changes to accreditation requirements within the policy if authorized by the EMS Medical Director. 

 Public comment for this revision will be open through November 30, 2022. Comments should be sent via email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. CVEMSA values stakeholder feedback and encourages comments. 

CVEMSA will be restarting ALS Update courses in partnership with the Santa Rosa Junior College Public Safety Training Center.

CVEMSA will reinstate ALS Update completion as a prerequisite for new and renewing paramedic accreditations beginning in November 2022.

Mandatory submission timeframes:

• New accreditation applicants will once again be required to complete the ALS Update course prior to receiving initial accreditation with CVEMSA as of November 1, 2022.
• Renewing paramedics will be required to submit an ALS Update CE Certificate with renewal applications for accreditations expiring on or after November 30,

CVEMSA is providing several opportunities prior to the mandatory submission deadline to accommodate schedules, and we encourage our accredited paramedics with licenses expiring on November 30, 2022 to consider attending an August, September or October class date to avoid a lapse in accreditation.

Dates and registration:

Courses will be held from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Center 5743 Skylane Blvd on the following dates:

• August 24, 2022
• September 28, 2022
• October 26, 2022
• November 16, 2022

Students must register in advance through the Public Safety Training Center.

To begin the process the SRCJ requests that students email Georgia Pedgrift at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Students should provide the following information in the email message:

• Name
• Provider Agency
• Paramedic license number
• Students should also indicate if they will be paying registration fees as individuals (including those receiving reimbursement later) or if their sponsoring agency will make  payment directly to SRJC on the student's behalf.

Any registration or payment questions should go directly to: 

Georgia Pedgrift at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (707) 836-2921.

The Coastal Valleys EMS Agency team wishes all of our EMS System partners a happy EMS Week!

Our EMS System is complex and diverse. It exists due to the efforts of many different organizations from a range of disciplines. It begins with our training partners who prepare our prehospital providers for certification and licensure as EMTs or Paramedics. It includes Our 911 Communications Centers that provide life saving instructions to callers while coordinating the response to the emergency. Our responders from public safety agencies through private services are the most visible part of the EMS System, providing compassionate care with professional skill and competency. Our hospital partners, from large Base Hospitals and specialty care centers to local community hospitals are integral parts of the EMS system as a whole. The active and willing engagement and collaboration with the prehospital components of the system by our hospital partners gives us the means consider the care of patients from 911 call through hospital discharge. 

Each of the entities that form part of the EMS System and the individuals working within it deserve heart-felt appreciation for the work they do with conviction, passion and dedication. You have our respect and appreciation this week and every week!

Happy EMS Week 2022!

Coastal Valleys EMS Agency has released an updated version of earlier guidance for provider agencies experiencing medication shortages due to supply chain disruptions. EMS Special Memo 22-002 Drug Shortages and Substitutions includes direction for the substitution of Lactated Ringer's Solution in place of Normal Saline with some important exceptions. The  Memo outlines procedures to be put in place if a provider agency is unable to obtain required medications after exhausting usual and alternate vendors. This guidance will allow for the use of expired medications in extremis when no other options remain.