National EMS Week honors your EMS responders

National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line.” This years theme is, “EMS STRONG”.

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) was instrumental in establishing EMS Week when President Gerald Ford declared November 3 – 10, 1974 as the first “National Emergency Medical Services Week.” This annual observance continued for four more years and was then reinstituted by ACEP in 1982. In 1992 EMS Week was again moved to be the 3rd week in May. The move was made to separate EMS Week from Fire Prevention week in October. The rationale for the move was the majority of fire and EMS services felt having the two events back to back hurt the effectiveness of each program so EMS Week was moved to May.

EMS providers include a wide range of individuals. They are state-certified Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and licensed paramedics. Whether they receive a paycheck or are volunteers, they are all professionals who receive the same training to save a life.

EMS providers have a unique responsibility that is part of both the public safety and health care systems. Choosing to work in these fields is a commitment that requires a passion for helping others, especially during times of crisis.

EMRs, EMTs and paramedics provide a wide range of medical care, many of which are the same critical treatments that are provided in our hospital emergency departments. All their treatments are done under the direction of emergency physicians, through written protocols and direct radio contact. The major difference is that EMS providers are delivering their medical care wherever we need them instead of in a controlled environment.

EMS personnel may begin treatment in a patient’s bedroom, and then carry him or her down flights of stairs. They perform CPR, insert breathing tubes, and administer medications -- but they may have to do this in a small bathroom with little room to maneuver and very often in poor lighting or weather conditions.

After responding to a motor vehicle accident and evaluating their patient, they may have to apply a cervical collar, safely remove a victim onto a backboard, administer oxygen and perhaps start an IV -- all on the side of the highway, in the pouring rain, at night.

The services provided by your local EMS service are a difficult but necessary one. Although National EMS week has been chosen as a time to recognize the efforts of your EMS staff, you can honor them all year long. Stop in to EMS headquarters any day of the year to visit, say hi and get to know your responders.

On May 18 Stratford EMS will receive the Governor’s Award at the Capital

On May 23 from 9a-2p EMS will host an Open House for the public. SEMS will be awarded the American Heart Association, Mission Lifeline Silver Award during the open house. We hope to see you there!

For more information about Stratford EMS visit: stratfordems.org

For more information about EMS Week visit: emsstrong.org