Are WMEMS Meetings Open to the Public and How Can I Attend?

Updated

Yes. WMEMS meetings are open to the public, but as of the site's current notice, all meetings are virtual until further notice, and the majority are held on Zoom. To attend, you must request the meeting link from WMEMS no later than 24 hours before the meeting start time. If an in-person meeting is ever scheduled, the location will be posted on the WMEMS calendar.

How to Attend a WMEMS Meeting

  1. Find the scheduled meeting. Check the WMEMS calendar for upcoming meeting dates and times. The site notes that in-person locations, if any are scheduled, will be posted there.
  2. Request the link. Contact WMEMS to ask for the link to the specific scheduled meeting. This is required for virtual meetings.
  3. Request it early. Your request must reach WMEMS no later than 24 hours before the meeting start time. Requests made after that cutoff may not be accommodated.
  4. Join on Zoom. Once you receive the link, join at the scheduled time on the Zoom platform.

Why Meetings Are Virtual

The site explains that Governor Baker issued an executive order on 3/12/2020 suspending or altering the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law requirements (MGL 30). Legislation extending these requirements to June 30, 2027 has been signed by the Governor. Until further notice, the majority of WMEMS meetings will be held virtually on Zoom.

What to Expect at a WMEMS Meeting

WMEMS — formally Western Mass Emergency Medical Services WMEMS Committee, Inc. — is a regional nonprofit corporation designated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Its role is to coordinate communication among EMS providers and improve their efficiency, including ambulance services, first responders, and hospital emergency departments. The committee also evaluates and sets quality standards for regional EMS, offers training, education, and medical services research opportunities, and develops protocols and policies for implementation.

Because the committee seeks regular input and broad representation on its board, meetings are a way for the communities and constituencies it serves to take part. Those constituencies include consumers, municipal governments, hospitals, ambulance services, and other emergency medical services providers across the four-county area.

Who WMEMS Serves

WMEMS serves Region 1, one of five EMS regions in Massachusetts. Region 1 covers:

  • Berkshire County
  • The majority of Franklin County
  • Hampden County
  • Hampshire County

If you live or work in one of these counties and want to follow or contribute to regional EMS standards, training, and policy work, requesting a meeting link is the direct way to participate.