Coastal Valleys EMS Agency News

Administrative Policy 2012 Paramedic Accreditation

Revised 12/06/2022 effective 01/06/2023

CVEMSA Administrative Policy 2012 Paramedic Accreditation effective January 6, 2023, as well as public comment and responses to comments received during the public comment period are linked below:

Administrative Policy 2012 Paramedic Accreditation

Public Comment Matrix with response by CVEMSA

The revised policy reinforces the standard accreditation practices of the local EMS system while acknowledging the need to retain the flexibility to make adjustments on a temporary basis as has been the case during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The EMS Agency would like to thank stakeholders who provided comments and suggested language changes, some of which was incorporated into the final version. The EMS Agency Medical Director does not plan on rescinding any accreditation waivers or modifications currently in place on the policy implementation date, but is considering a timeframe for a return to the normal requirements and will consult with system stakeholders on that issue prior to making changes.

Please direct any question regarding this posting to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Coastal Valleys EMS Agency is preparing to release Administrative Policy 4013, Leave Behind Naloxone Authorization.

When an ambulance or fire service responds to a 911 call for an overdose, First Responder firefighters, Law Enforcement, EMT’s and Paramedics administer Naloxone to prevent a patient from dying but do not provide any additional Naloxone to treat subsequent overdoses at the emergency scene. Coastal Valleys EMS Agency is releasing this policy as a novel approach for EMS and Fire Department participation to help prevent death due to overdoses.

This policy will allow EMS and Fire Department providers to implement an agency/department specific Leave Behind Narcan program and provides Medical Control authorization to Leave Naloxone at an emergency scene when subsequent overdose is suspected.

 Review the policy in the Draft Policy section of the CVEMSA website

Public Comment for this revision will be open through Friday, February 3, 2023.  Comments should be sent via email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Coastal Valleys EMS Agency values stakeholder feedback and encourages comments.

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.