The West Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) Director Joseph “Jody” Ratliff has been appointed as the state’s voting delegate to the national EMS Compact. In this role, Ratliff will serve on the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice, helping to vote on policies that standardize emergency care and allow EMS personnel to work more easily across state lines.
“It is an honor to be representing West Virginia in the EMS Compact,” Ratliff shared. “We hope to keep working on standardizing EMS across our nation and here at home in the Mountain State to ensure we are bringing the best care possible to those who need it.”
Ratliff, who holds more than 20 years of emergency medical experience, has served as director of OEMS since 2022. In the last year, he has led his office in expanding the state’s whole blood transfusion program, implementing the most comprehensive EMS protocol updates in more than two decades, facilitating a seamless exchange of patient care records through a newly launched HOSPITAL Hub, and enhancing statewide training and educational standards resulting in the highest pass rates program history.
“I am incredibly proud of the work that Jody and our Office of EMS is doing for our state,” shared Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh. “I have no doubt that he will show that same dedication and drive through this new appointment as he represents West Virginia at the national level.”
West Virginia OEMS regulates the state’s emergency care system. This includes inspecting and licensing EMS agencies, certifying personnel, designating trauma centers, and managing emergency communication infrastructure. Learn more at dhhr.wv.gov/oems.
