Erie County Division of Emergency Medical Services

The Division of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a New York State EMS Course Sponsorship and provides emergency medical training to first responders, emergency medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians, and paramedics throughout Erie County.

The Division coordinates medical communications between ambulances, hospitals and emergency medical health care providers in around Erie County on the Medical Emergency Radio System (MERS).  MERS Coordinators have been certified by the International Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatchers to provide the highest degree of customer service related to 911 call taking.

The Division of responsible for Prevention, Planning and Response program for public health emergencies and actual/potential disaster situations involving mass casualties.  The program includes response to any chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) threats to public safety.

Division personnel coordinate, recruit, and conduct training and operations for the Erie County Hazardous Materials Response Team.

Under the Division of EMS, the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness (OPHEP) coordinates public health emergency preparedness and response for Erie County.  This coordination includes Points of Dispensing (PODs) for vaccinations or distribution of medications and receipt of State and/or Federal medical resources during public health emergencies and incidents.