National EMS Week: Highlighting Everything EMS Services Provide
National EMS Week is between May 18-24 and is a time dedicated to EMS professionals. This is a time to reflect on what EMS services provide everyone, appreciation for all they do, education on what EMS provides the community. EMS Week is more than a time of recognition; it’s a time of celebration. To kick off May, it’s helpful to gain an understanding of what EMS is, what it provides, and why it deserves recognition.
What is EMS and What Does EMS Provide?
EMS, also known as Emergency Medical Services, is a system put in place that responds to emergencies that require highly skilled pre-hospital clinicians. Not only are EMS clinicians the first healthcare practitioners on the scene, but they are also the first to identify healthcare crises in the community and act as emergency management.
EMS is recognizable by its vehicles and workforce. Lights and sirens are indicative that an emergency has occurred and for pedestrians to move out of the way. First responders require a clear path forward to either reach the scene of the accident quickly or deliver their charges to a nearby healthcare facility as soon as possible.
EMS also exists in tandem with other emergency care services like public health, public safety, healthcare, and emergency management. EMS acts as the centerpiece that interacts with each of these systems to provide consistent, effective care.
The History of EMS Week
The theme for this year’s EMS week is “We Care. For Everyone.”, to highlight how the lengths that EMS will go to provide care for everyone, regardless of circumstance. Since 1974, when President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS professionals. This week brings local communities and medical personnel together to honor the dedication of those who provide daily lifesaving services. EMS Week is presented by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in partnership with the National Associations of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). These organizations work in tandem to ensure the contributions of MES professionals are protected and their services are celebrated and recognized as they should be.
EMS Week Theme Days
Sunday: Health, Wellness, and Resilience Day
This day is focused on promoting health, wellness, and resilience of EMS professionals and patients. This is also a day for sharing ideas on strengthening resilience. This is the perfect opportunity to take a step back and provide a degree of self-care and care for fellow EMS professionals alongside patient care.
Monday: Education Day
Education Day highlights the public education programs and EMS professionals’ education. This is a day for showcasing community educational programs and the importance and impact of continued education for EMS professionals. This keeps the community safe by understanding what injury or illness prevention programs are available and what forms of public education are available for professionals to pursue.
Tuesday: EMS Safety Day
Safety Day encourages first responders to focus on risk and prevention for patients and themselves. It’s important to keep yourself safe while also providing care for the community. Different methods like stress reduction, self-care, and mental health awareness programs are perfect for maintaining a level head during or after difficult situations. Additionally, this is a time to assist in educating the community on best practices to stay out of trouble and stay safe.
Wednesday: EMS for Children Day
Caring for children is difficult, which is why Wednesday is focused on providing and educating around the special care that children need during emergencies. There are psychological and physiological differences between children and adults that require special care and attention. Pediatric care is a form of EMS that focuses on caring for children, so this is the ideal day to highlight the efforts that pediatric care provides children and their families.
Thursday: Save-A-Life Day
CPR is vital to keeping individuals alive in emergency situations, but not everyone is licensed or even knows how to provide proper CPR. Donating blood is another way to help others, though many don’t know where to go for blood donations or how to find available programs. Thursday is the day to highlight the importance of these lifesaving methods and how you can contribute.
Friday: EMS Recognition Day
This is a day dedicated to recognizing the local heroes in our community that go above and beyond to provide care for others. This can include community events, awards, special meals, gifts, or other honors, but at the end of the day it’s a time to highlight our appreciation for everything EMS responders provide.
Saturday: EMS Remembrance Day
The final day is for honoring emergency medical service personnel who have died in the line of duty. We take this day to recognize the sacrifices they made for their community and remember their deeds. They leave us with proud memories of their commitment and dedication to EMS, the community, and their families.
Patient-Centered Healthcare Through Mehlville Fire Protection District
Celebrate National EMS Week with us as we honor everyone in the healthcare field this May. Mehlville Fire Protection District provides ongoing care to the community and wants to celebrate this important week with everyone. Stop by and say hello, thank an EMS member, and join us for learning opportunities around safety and community support. Let’s make this year the best yet!
