Operation of emergency medical service vehicles in the City of Richmond requires a permit or franchise awarded by ordinance. (City Code Sec. 10-79).

In addition to the City Code, individuals and agencies must comply with all state and federal statutes/rules governing ambulance service. Within Virginia, ambulance service is governed by the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Helpful links for your research City Code Sec. 10-78 through 10-83

To be considered for a franchise/permit, an individual or agency must first complete and submit an EMS franchise/permit application to:

Richmond Fire and Emergency Services
201 E Franklin Street
Richmond Virginia. 23219
Attn: Melvin D. Carter, Chief of Fire

Once the application is received, it will be reviewed by the City of Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The Chief of Fire or designee will make a recommendation along with a draft O&R request to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for review and signature and to place the franchise/permit request on the agenda for an upcoming City Council meeting. Consideration for recommendation will include but is not limited to whether a need exists for the proposed services to improve the level of pre-hospital emergency medical services available to residents of the city and the services to be provided are reasonable and cost effective, the proposed service will fit within the existing EMS System Plan so as not to adversely affect the level of service or operations of the City, other agencies or existing franchisees, and the applicant shows it has met federal, state, and local standards.

Please click on the following link to review the City Council meeting schedule:

https://richmondva.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

- Fire Chief Melvin D. Carter