REMS, TJEMS, and NVERS Merger

Dear Valued Partners,

We are pleased to share important news about the Rappahannock Emergency Medical Services (REMS) Council, the Thomas Jefferson Emergency Medical Services (TJEMS) Council, and the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System (NVERS). Thanks to the efforts of our partners and stakeholders, these organizations have long supported EMS providers, public safety, and localities in strengthening preparedness, response, and recovery. Today, we are excited to announce that REMS, TJEMS, and NVERS will merge, uniting their missions and resources into a single organization better positioned to support EMS and emergency response systems across the region.

As part of this transition, the REMS and TJEMS Councils will consolidate into a new regional EMS council, the Rivanna–Rappahannock EMS Council, effective January 1, 2026. This council will operate as a subsidiary of NVERS, ensuring both local identity and representation for the region, while benefiting from NVERS’ governance, infrastructure, and statewide reach. This structure will preserve the critical community connections of REMS and TJEMS while providing stakeholders with the expanded capabilities and resources of NVERS.

From an EMS perspective, the benefits are clear:

• Seamless Coordination: Stakeholders will benefit from unified planning and governance, reducing duplication and ensuring consistent programming across jurisdictions.

• Enhanced Training & Education: The combined organization will leverage REMS’ and TJEMS’ established EMS training programs with NVERS’ regional symposiums and specialized courses to expand education opportunities for providers.

• Resource & Equipment Sustainability: Pooling logistics, purchasing power, and resources ensures EMS agencies have improved access to critical supplies, equipment, and emerging technologies.

• Strengthened Advocacy: A larger, unified organization amplifies EMS voices in regional and state decision-making, ensuring operational needs are represented in policy and planning.

This merger reflects the natural evolution of our organizations. EMS serves as both an essential part of the healthcare system and a core component of public safety, uniquely positioned at the intersection of patient care and emergency response. By aligning NVERS, REMS, and TJEMS, we bring together the strengths of all three organizations to create a more unified, resilient EMS system that enhances coordination, training, and operational support for EMS providers and their partners across the region.

There is no action required by you at this time. EMS providers and stakeholders will continue to participate as before, now with the added benefit of combined resources, expertise, and support. We are excited about this next chapter in building a more unified, resilient EMS and emergency preparedness system under NVERS.