Manatee County Salutes 50 Years Of Emergency Medical Services

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Celebrating 50 years of service to the community, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners honored Manatee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with a proclamation to kick off EMS Week 2022.

At the same time, Manatee County EMS unveiled a brand new 50th-Anniversary "throwback" designed ambulance.

EMS Week runs May 15-21. This year's theme — "Rising to the Challenge" — provides a reminder that EMS professionals face many challenges today and continue to rise above them. Manatee County EMS continues to respond, support and care for those in need in our community.

"EMS Week is an opportunity to recognize what our first responders do every day,” said EMS Chief James Crutchfield. “This is an opportunity to showcase their talents and remind the public how, when and why to use the 9-1-1 System."

Created in 1974, EMS Week dedicates six days to a specific theme each day:

• Sunday, May 15: Health, Wellness, and Resilience Day
• Monday, May 16: EMS Education Day
• Tuesday, May 17: EMS Safety Day
• Wednesday, May 18: EMS for Children's Day
• Thursday, May 19: Save-A-Life Day (CPR & National Stop the Bleed Day)
• Friday, May 20: EMS Recognition Day

A new ambulance, designated Unit One, will be assigned to the downtown Bradenton area as part of the year-long celebration. Unit One is outfitted in a color and graphics scheme similar to the original ambulances used 50 years ago.

This press release was produced by Manatee County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.