Introduction

Robert S. Hill, Chief Magistrate Biography

Introduction:

Link to the Code of Virginia

Virginia Law and EMS

In the early 1970's I could count on both hands the number of Virginia Code Statutes that were of interest to EMS personnel. I could recall nearly all of them from memory.

Today there are statutes scattered throughout the Virginia Code that effect EMS Operations in many different ways. There are codes dealing with crimes against EMS Personnel, Terrorist Offenses, Emergency Motor Vehicle Operations, Mental Health Procedures, Health Department Rules of Operation, etc.

Over the years I have been called upon by the Virginia Beach Department of EMS to provide information regarding judicial procedures and the Code of Virginia. A few years ago Virginia Chief Justice Harry Carrico in a State of the Judiciary Message asks all court employees to take the time to educate the public as to the workings of the Virginia Judicial System.

If you click on the "Link to the Code of Virginia" at the top of the page, you can search the Code of Virginia database for applicable code references. Some of the search terms you may want to search include the follow (without the quotes): "rescue", "EMS", "emergency" and "rescue and squad" (the last example with the quotes). Each of these search words/phrases return numerous references that are applicable to EMS.

The Virginia Code and Case Law is always in motion and subject to amendments, reversals and appeals. Interpretation of a specific statute is a matter of opinion. I am not providing legal advice.

Robert S. Hill, Chief Magistrate

Second Judicial District

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456

bhill@vbgov.com

Office Phone: 757-427-8969

Office Fax: 757-427-8663  

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