The Yakima County emergency medical system includes EMS personnel (Emergency Medical Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Paramedics) who work and volunteer at local fire departments. In order for the system to work, Yakima County fire departments rely on the assistance of local private ambulance services, emergency department staff, a 9-1-1 call center and dispatch centers.

The ongoing training of the EMS personnel is provided by the Yakima County Department of Emergency Medical Services (EMS Office).  The EMS office creates and implements a single training program for nearly 600 certified emergency medical personnel. This training is provided countywide, and is held at each of the county fire districts and city fire departments in Yakima County.