EMS Week - What is EMS today?

Is it what you see on TV or in movies? EMS started as an improvement to service to transport you to a hospital, with treatment and care along the way.

For the first time we brought care to you – but only in an emergency. It was an enormous step up from a stretcher in a hearse supplied by a funeral home (because they had the vehicles).

From the extremes of defibrillating a cardiac patient in a marathon to assisting a senior citizen with her or his prescriptions for cancer treatment or congestive heart failure: is EMS an emergency service, a health care service or a preventive medical service?

The answer to that depends on who you ask, as EMS still has several delivery models and philosophical approaches.

Are we a community service in the continuum of healthcare or just the angels of 3:00 AM? We are balancing the original-and-since-improved, yet cobbled-together, EMS system as an essential service with the changing needs of healthcare for our citizenry.

Further Reading:

Woodyard, D. R. (2023) EMS in the United States: Fragmented Past, Future of Opportunity. Colorado: Donnie Woodyard

EMS Celebration - EMS Week 50th Anniversary

“EMS Week celebrates all EMS providers who diligently care for their patients and communities in times of crisis,” states NAEMT President Susan Bailey, MSEM, NRP.

'Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future’ reflects on the proud history and contributions of EMS practitioners. We must remain focused on evolving, innovating, and ensuring EMS has the necessary support to respond to the public's call for help effectively.

This year, marking the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week, we pay tribute to those who paved the way, challenging norms and setting higher standards.

Simultaneously, we anticipate the future, leveraging their work to shape a path for the next generation of EMS professionals dedicated to community service.

Activities:

Sunday, May 19: Health, Wellness & Resilience Day

Monday, May 20: EMS Education Day

Tuesday, May 21: EMS Safety Day

Wednesday, May 22: EMS for Children Day

Thursday, May 23: Save-A-Life Day (CPR & National Stop the Bleed Day)

Friday, May 24: EMS Recognition Day

Saturday, May 25: EMS Remembrance Day

Further Reading:

Woodyard, D.R. (2023) EMS in the United States: Fragmented Past, Future of Opportunity. Colorado: Donnie Woodyard