Learn Lifesaving Skills Through EMS Citizens Academy

A free six-week program will teach Virginia Beach residents how to save a life. Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is now accepting applications for its fourth EMS Citizens Academy.

EMS Citizens Academy

The program is an excellent opportunity for Virginia Beach residents to learn how to help those in need through real-world training. 

Participants also will get a unique look into the City’s EMS system and become familiar with the day-to-day operations of the career-volunteer EMS system. 

Participants will learn about: 

• The Virginia Beach EMS System
• CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use 
• Bleeding control 
• Modern paramedic skills and training methods 
• How data and science are incorporated into advanced levels of EMS medical care 
• Specialty services such as Tactical Paramedics and the Marine Rescue Team 

The program provides a holistic look at one of the most unique and successful third-service EMS systems in the country. Participants get to see behind the scenes, and experience hands-on displays and demos of ambulances and specialty response units, tour the Virginia Beach 911 emergency communications center and have an opportunity to ride on an ambulance as an observer. 

Apply Today

The next EMS Citizens Academy begins in January 2027 and will be 6-9 p.m. every Wednesday night for six consecutive weeks at The Bruce W. Edwards VBEMS Headquarters and Training Center, 4160 Virginia Beach Blvd. 

Interested in attending? Apply online by Nov. 30.  

• Apply Today
• VBEMS