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.. 

From The California EMS Authority:

We are excited to announce the upcoming California EMS for Children (EMSC) Educational Forum!

 Event Details

? Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
? Location: NorthBay Green Valley Administration Center - 4500 Business Center Drive, Fairfield, CA 94534

EMSC Educational Forum Topics

• Pediatric Assessment Triangle
• Respiratory Illness
• Seizures
• E-Bike Trauma
• TBI – Pediatric EPIC

Continuing Education (CE) credits will be offered. Registration details will be shared soon.

Link to flyer for event 

Feuy Saechao, MPA

California EMS for Children Coordinator

Emergency Medical Services Authority

Quality & Planning Division

11120 International Drive

Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.emsa.ca.gov

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 has released EMS Special Memorandum 25-001 Implementation of Emergency APOT Regulations

The California EMS Authority has activated emergency regulations requiring EMS providers and Emergency Departments (EDs) to collect Ambulance Patient Offload Time (APOT) data, as mandated by California Health and Safety Code §1797.120.5. A receiving ED staff signature is now legally required at the time of patient transfer, defined as when the patient is off the gurney and report has been given to a qualified staff member. This timestamp will serve as the official measure for hospital performance.

Key Points:

• A receiving facility signature will now be required for every ED transport and captured in the ePCR at turnover of care.
• In CVEMSA’s ImageTrend Elite, this field will remain optional until August 1, 2025, when it becomes mandatory for call closure.
• Agencies using other ePCR systems must ensure this data is captured starting August 1, 2025.

We recognize this implementation comes without extended stakeholder input due to its state mandate. We appreciate your collaboration in integrating this step into your turnover process, supporting system accountability and performance evaluation across our region.

Reference information can be found here:

Ambulance Patient Offload Time- Emergency Regulations

California Health and Safety Code section 1797.120.5.

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