Click here to review the Regional Hospital Diversion Plan.
Update: January 28, 2022 – 5:00 PM
As of 5:00 PM today (January 28, 2022), the ODEMSA Diversion Pilot has ended. The ODEMSA Diversion Committee, comprised of EMS Leadership and Hospital Administration, unanimously voted this afternoon to demobilize the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) for diversion purposes and suspend the ODEMSA Hospital Diversion Plan.
All Hospitals will remain open and diversion-free. They are accepting ambulances but will have comments on ED wait times and volume in the Virginia Healthcare Alerting & Status System (VHASS). If a facility is listed as closed, it represents a significant facility issue such as a fire or loss of power. If a facility is listed as “closed,” please transport the patient to another appropriate facility.
In the event of a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI), agencies should employ the ODEMSA MCI Plan and call 1-800-276-0683, selecting option 1. The PDC will activate to assist in the distribution of incident patient volume.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please visit odemsa.net/email-us.
Update: January 21, 2022 – 2:00 PM
The Patient Distribution Center (PDC) has been running 24/7 for the past six months. As we enter month seven, the region has seen unprecedented volume but we have likely just passed the peak of the Omicron surge. In general, units are receiving their first choice of destinations most of the time. The ODEMSA Diversion Committee, which is comprised of EMS Leadership and Hospital Administrators, has made a decision to run a diversion-free pilot starting Wed Jan 26th 0800 hrs running through Friday, Jan 28 1700 hrs (unless the pilot is extended). During this pilot period, patient distribution will cease and the Diversion Committee will weigh data to consider available options for either continuing the PDC or moving away from it entirely.
During the pilot, all hospitals shall remain open, without any diversion allowed. Hospitals have agreed to regularly update their estimated wait times every 4 hours between 0800 and midnight in VHASS. Hospitals are diligently working on processes to minimize EMS wait times.
EMS agencies should use sound judgment to determine transport destinations. Providers may encounter increased wall/wait times within the Emergency Department. Providers may be asked to send patients into the waiting room or other non-traditional areas to receive care. It is recommended that EMS systems track their wait times and pre-warn their providers and patients of potential delays.
ODEMSA and its partners will continue to monitor the state of the region’s EMS system and notify all necessary persons as needed. The PDC is staffed and may be reactivated during the pilot depending on the status of the system. It is recommended that providers continue to monitor VHASS as well as ODEMSA’s Facebook, Twitter, Website, and App for any updates.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please visit:
odemsa.net/email-us/ and select “Committee – Hospital Diversion” as the Inquiry Type.
Update: September 26, 2021 – 10:00 PM
The ODEMSA Region has been placed back on Stage 3 – “BLACK” Diversion Status. This means at minimum 8 of the 25 hospitals in the ODEMSA region have reported diversions based upon their internal guidelines.
This in no way means that a hospital is closed to anyone. EMS Providers should call the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) 1 (800) 276-0683 choosing option 1, before transporting a patient to a hospital. Patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate facility, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contact the PDC, so they are aware. It is recommended that you have your Communications Center/PSAP contact the PDC to advise.
This status allows for a coordinated disbursement of patients evenly throughout the region, allowing facilities to manage patient loads effectively. The desired effect of this status is to allow for decreased EMS crew turnaround times and to assist facilities with their patient loads.
Update: September 25, 2021 – 11:00 AM
The ODEMSA Region has been downgraded to Stage 1 – “Green” Diversion Status and normal EMS operations may resume. There is no longer a need to call the PDC at this time. Please continue to contact your PSAP or Communications Centers to verify if a hospital is on diversion prior to transport.
Update: September 23, 2021 – 7:00 PM
The ODEMSA Region has been placed back on Stage 3 – “BLACK” Diversion Status. This means at minimum 8 of the 25 hospitals in the ODEMSA region have reported diversions based upon their internal guidelines.
This status allows for a coordinated disbursement of patients evenly throughout the region, allowing facilities to manage patient loads effectively. The desired effect of this is to allow for decreased EMS crew turnaround times and to assist facilities with their patient loads.
This in no way means that a hospital is closed to anyone. EMS Providers should call the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) 1 (800) 276-0683 choosing option 1, before transporting a patient to a hospital.
As a reminder: Patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate hospital, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contact the PDC, so they are aware.
Update: September 22, 2021 – 5:15 PM
Until further notice, the ODEMSA Region has been placed on Stage 2- “RED” Diversion Status. This means at minimum 6 of the 2 hospitals in the ODEMSA Region have reported diversions based upon their internal guidelines.
EMS Providers should CONTINUE TO CALL the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) at (800) 276-0683 before transporting a patient to a hospital. Please call before transporting any patient to any facility.
As a reminder: Patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate hospital, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contact the PDC, so they are aware.
This status allows for a coordinated disbursement of patients evenly throughout the region, allowing facilities to manage patient loads effectively. The desired effect of this is to allow for decreased EMS crew turnaround times and to assist facilities with their patient loads. This in no way means that a hospital is closed to anyone.
Update: August 29, 2021 – 02:15 PM
Until further notice, the ODEMSA Region has been placed on Stage 3- “BLACK” Diversion Status. This means at minimum 8 of the 25 hospitals in the ODEMSA region have reported diversions based upon their internal guidelines.
This status allows for a coordinated disbursement of patients evenly throughout the region, allowing facilities to manage patient loads effectivel. The desired effect of this is to allow for decreased EMS crew turnaround times and to assist facilities with their patient loads.
This in no way means that a hospital is closed to anyone. EMS Providers should call the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) 1 (800) 276-0683 choosing option 1, before transporting a patient to a hospital. Visit our site for additional information and guidance.
As a reminder: Patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate hospital, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contact the PDC, so they are aware.
Update: August 28, 2021 – 7:00 PM
The ODEMSA Region has downgraded to Stage 2- “RED” Diversion Status. EMS Providers should continue to call the PDC at 1 (800) 276-0683 choosing option 1, before transporting a patient to a hospital.
Update: August 24, 2021 – 11:45 AM
The region continues to be on Code Black Status. EMS Providers should continue to call the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) 1 (800) 276-0683 choosing option 1, before transporting a patient to a hospital. When calling if unable to get through to the PDC the first time please attempt to call again or call (804) 828-8888 (VCU MCI Line).
As a reminder, patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate hospital, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contact the PDC, so they are aware.
Update: August 17, 2021 – 02:45 PM
Until further notice, the ODEMSA Region has been placed on Stage 3- “BLACK” Diversion Status. This means at minimum 8 of the 25 hospitals in the ODEMSA region have reported diversions based upon their internal guidelines.
This status allows for a coordinated disbursement of patients evenly throughout the region, allowing facilities to manage patient loads effectively. The desired effect of this is to allow for decreased EMS crew turnaround times and to assist facilities with their patient loads.
This in no way means that a hospital is closed to anyone. EMS Providers should call the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) 1 (800) 276-0683 choosing option 1, before transporting a patient to a hospital.
As a reminder: Patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate hospital, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contact the PDC, so they are aware.
Update: August 16, 2021 – 11:15 PM
Until further notice, the ODEMSA Region has been placed on Stage 2- “RED” Diversion Status. This means at minimum 6 of the 25 hospitals in the ODEMSA Region have reported diversions based upon their internal guidelines.
EMS Providers should call the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) at (800) 276-0683 before transporting a patient to a hospital. Currently, we are not transporting any patients to McGuire VA, per their request. Please call before transporting any patient to any facility.
As a reminder: Patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate hospital, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contact the PDC, so they are aware.
This status allows for a coordinated disbursement of patients evenly throughout the region, allowing facilities to manage patient loads effectively. The desired effect of this is to allow for decreased EMS crew turnaround times and to assist facilities with their patient loads. This in no way means that a hospital is closed to anyone.
Update: August 15, 2021 – 10:00 PM
As of 10:00 PM, the Stage 2 – “RED” Diversion Status has been downgraded to Status “GREEN” and normal operations may resume. EMS Providers should contact the hospital they are transporting to directly. There is no longer a need to call the Patient Distribution Center.
Update: August 15, 2021 – 10:00 AM
Until further notice, the ODEMSA Region has been placed on Stage 3- “RED” Diversion Status. This means at least 6 of the 25 hospitals in the ODEMSA region have reported diversions based upon their internal guidelines.
EMS Providers should call the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) at 1 (800) 276-0683 before transporting a patient to a hospital. Currently, we are not transporting any patients to McGuire VA, per their request. Please call before transporting any patient to any facility.
As a reminder: Patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate hospital, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contact the PDC, so they are aware.
This status allows for a coordinated disbursement of patients evenly throughout the region, allowing facilities to manage patient loads effectively. The desired effect of this is to allow for decreased EMS crew turnaround times and to assist facilities with their patient loads. This in no way means that a hospital is closed to anyone.
Update: August 14, 2021 – 04:30 PM
Until further notice, the ODEMSA Region has been placed on Stage 3- “BLACK” Diversion Status. This means that 8+ of the 25 hospitals in the ODEMSA region have reported diversions based upon their internal guidelines.
This status allows for a coordinated disbursement of patients evenly throughout the region, allowing facilities to manage patient loads effectively. The desired effect of this is to allow for decreased EMS crew turnaround times and to assist facilities with their patient loads.
This in no way means that a hospital is closed to anyone. EMS Providers should call the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) 1 (800) 276-0683 choosing option 1, before transporting a patient to a hospital. Visit our site for additional information and guidance.
As a reminder: Patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate hospital, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contactin the PDC, so they are aware.
Update: August 14, 2021 – 8:15 AM ET
Until further notice, the ODEMSA Region has been placed on Stage 3- “RED” Diversion Status. This means at least 6 of the 25 hospitals in the ODEMSA region have reported diversions based upon their internal guidelines.
EMS Providers should call the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) at 1 (800) 276-0683 before transporting a patient to a hospital. Currently, we are not transporting any patients to McGuire VA, per their request. Please call before transporting any patient to any facility.
As a reminder: Patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate hospital, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contact the PDC, so they are aware.
This status allows for a coordinated disbursement of patients evenly throughout the region, allowing facilities to manage patient loads effectively. The desired effect of this is to allow for decreased EMS crew turnaround times and to assist facilities with their patient loads. This in no way means that a hospital is closed to anyone.
Update: August 13, 2021 – 10:30 PM ET
Until further notice, the ODEMSA Region has been placed on Stage 3- “BLACK” Diversion Status. This means that 8+ of the 25 hospitals in the ODEMSA region have reported diversions based upon their internal guidelines.
This status allows for a coordinated disbursement of patients evenly throughout the region, allowing facilities to manage patient loads effectively. The desired effect of this is to allow for decreased EMS crew turnaround times and to assist facilities with their patient loads.
This in no way means that a hospital is closed to anyone. EMS Providers should call the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) 1 (800) 276-0683 choosing option 1, before transporting a patient to a hospital. Visit our site for additional information and guidance.
As a reminder: Patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate hospital, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contactin the PDC, so they are aware.
Update: August 12, 2021 – 10:00 PM ET
Until further notice, the ODEMSA Region has been placed on Stage 3- “RED” Diversion Status. This means at least 6 of the 25 hospitals in the ODEMSA region have reported diversions based upon their internal guidelines.
EMS Providers should call the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) at 1 (800) 276-0683 before transporting a patient to a hospital. Currently, we are not transporting any patients to McGuire VA, per their request. Please call before transporting any patient to any facility.
As a reminder: Patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate hospital, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contact the PDC, so they are aware.
This status allows for a coordinated disbursement of patients evenly throughout the region, allowing facilities to manage patient loads effectively. The desired effect of this is to allow for decreased EMS crew turnaround times and to assist facilities with their patient loads. This in no way means that a hospital is closed to anyone.
Update: August 11, 2021 – 10:30 AM ET
As of 10:30 AM, the Stage 2 – RED Diversion Status has been downgraded to Status GREEN and normal operations may resume. EMS Providers should contact the hospital they are transporting to directly. There is no longer a need to call the Patient Distribution Center.
Update: August 10, 2021 – 12:30 AM ET
Until further notice, the ODEMSA Region has been placed on Stage 3- “RED” Diversion Status. This means at least 6 of the 25 hospitals in the ODEMSA region have reported diversions based upon their internal guidelines.
EMS Providers should call the Patient Distribution Center (PDC) at 1 (800) 276-0683 before transporting a patient to a hospital.
As a reminder: Patients with STEMI, Acute Stroke, Airway Obstruction, Uncontrolled Airway, Uncontrolled Bleeding, who are in Extremis, or with CPR in progress, should be taken immediately to the closest appropriate hospital, without regard to the hospital’s diversion status but should still contact the PDC, so they are aware.
This status allows for a coordinated disbursement of patients evenly throughout the region, allowing facilities to manage patient loads effectively. The desired effect of this is to allow for decreased EMS crew turnaround times and to assist facilities with their patient loads. This in no way means that a hospital is closed to anyone.
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