                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TRAINING (§
32.1-111.5:1)

A. Each emergency medical services agency shall develop curricula for mental
health awareness training for its personnel, which shall include training
regarding the following:

   1. Understanding signs and symptoms of cumulative stress, depression, anxiety,
   exposure to acute and chronic trauma, compulsive behaviors, and addiction;

   2. Combating and overcoming stigmas;

   3. Responding appropriately to aggressive behaviors such as domestic violence
   and harassment; and

   4. Accessing available mental health treatment and resources.

B. Any emergency medical services agency may develop the mental health awareness
training curricula in conjunction with other emergency medical services agencies
or emergency medical services personnel stakeholder groups or may use any
training program, developed by any entity, that satisfies the criteria set forth
in subsection A.

C. Emergency medical services personnel who receive mental health awareness
training in accordance with this section shall receive appropriate continuing
education credits from the Office of Emergency Medical Services.

HISTORY: 2018, cc. 456, 658.