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Some good news came this week for the Farmville Emergency Communications operation. The group has become an accredited Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) center, approved through the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services. 

So what is EMD? Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) is an advanced form of dispatch communication based on specific training and established protocols to provide initial medical assistance over the telephone until EMS resources arrive to establish care. The information obtained from the callers assists in determining the level of care the person in need will receive and the proper response of available resources.

To become accredited, Farmville Emergency Communications had to satisfy guidelines, including EMD certification of all Telecommunicators, continuing education hours, be endorsed by an EMS physician, and make sure policies and procedures are followed. The accreditation process requires recertification annually by showing compliance with all of the standards set forth by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services. There are currently 126 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in the Commonwealth of Virginia, of which only 26 are accredited. 

“The Farmville Emergency Communications Center is committed to constantly improving our level and standards of service to the community. Becoming accredited is one very important step in accomplishing that goal,” said Crystal Barton, Emergency Communications Manager of the Farmville Emergency Communications Center. 

Chief Ellington echoed some of what she was saying. 

“I could not be prouder of the men and women within our Communications Center,” Ellington said. “They are truly dedicated to providing a safe and secure community through excellence in public service.”