Coastal Valleys EMS Agency News

Coastal Valleys EMS Agency is issuing Special Memo # 26-003, which modifies the Cardiac Arrest Management Treatment Guideline to reflect an earlier consideration for endotracheal intubation during adult cardiac arrest.

Effective immediately, the guideline has been revised to allow consideration of endotracheal intubation after six (6) rounds of high-quality CPR, when clinically appropriate and when the procedure can be performed without compromising chest compression quality or other high-priority resuscitation interventions.

This change reflects the direction of our EMS Medical Director following a review of current evidence, clinical experience, and system priorities. While high-quality CPR, early defibrillation when indicated, and minimizing interruptions in chest compressions remain the primary priorities of cardiac arrest management, earlier consideration of advanced airway placement may provide benefits in selected patients. 

All other aspects of the Cardiac Arrest Management Treatment Guideline remain unchanged. EMS agencies should review Special Memo # 26-003  with their personnel and incorporate this update into training and operational practice as appropriate.

Thank you for your continued commitment to providing high-quality prehospital care throughout our EMS system.

If you have any questions regarding this update or its implementation, please do not hesitate to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

EMS Special memo 26 003 attached HERE

Effective July 1, 2026, Coastal Valleys EMS Agency will temporarily suspend the ALS Update course requirement required for Paramedic accreditation.
During this suspension period, all paramedic applicants for initial or renewal accreditation will receive credit for completion of the ALS Update course requirement. This administrative credit will apply to all initial and renewal accreditation applications received between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2028, and no additional ALS Update course documentation will be required during this period.

This temporary suspension is intended to ensure continuity of the accreditation process while the Agency addresses current fiscal and staffing challenges. Coastal Valleys EMS Agency will continue to evaluate program resources and will provide advance notice of any changes to this administrative suspension, including the reinstatement of the ALS Update course requirement.

Please direct any questions regarding this Special Memorandum to EMS Training Programs Manager Jen Banks at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

The Coastal Valleys EMS Agency has released EMS Special Memorandum 25-002 Medication Substitution for Amiodarone due to Shortage

Effective immediately Coastal Valleys ALS provider agencies that are unable to obtain Amiodarone may substitute Lidocaine as follows:

For Ventricular Fibrillation or Ventricular Tachycardia:

Initial dose is 1-1.5 mg/kg IV push, followed by up to 2 subsequent 0.5-0.75 doses 5-10 minutes apart if needed. Max dose is 3.0 mgs/kg. 

Lidocaine maintenance IV infusions are not required and are not approved.

Please direct any questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Coastal Valleys EMS Agency would like to extend congratulations to our local providers receiving this prestigious recognition in 2025!

Please see the flier linked below for our local caregivers recognized as 2025 Stars of Life:

CAA 2025 Stars

Please see the linked flyers below for details regarding the 2025 Symposium dates!

• Off the Vine 2025
• Collaborative Just Culture Workshop
  

CVEMSA is excited to announce a 60-day public comment period for the following policy guidelines:

• Exclusive Operating Area
• Medical Control
• Scene Management and Authority
• Emergency Medical Service committees
• Policy Development Process
• On Viewing Medical Emergencies
• LEMSA System Observation
• Paramedic Accreditation
• Training Programs
• EMT Certification Review Discipline Process
• County Evaluators and Preceptor
• Special Event Paramedic Accreditation
• EMT Certification Policy
• Flight Paramedic
• Summary of Changes

Public comment to be submitted via e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on the approved CVEMSA Public Comment Matrix Form (all comments must be submitted on this form). 

Public comment will be open through April 21st, 2025.