Saving lives, restoring them and hearing the cries of those in need sounds like the line of work of a comic book hero. In reality, there are normal but extraordinary people who heed the calls of those in emergency situations. They are our policemen, firefighters, servicemen and women, and last but not least, emergency medical service personnel. The purpose of this post is to bring to light a week that recognizes the astonishing efforts of the EMS professionals who go to work every day knowing they may have to save a life.
History of EMS Week
EMS Week is a nationally recognized week of appreciation for EMS, EMT and paramedic practitioners. The week is an annually occurring campaign taking place from May 20th through the 26th. The week was implemented in 1974 by President Gerald R. Ford to highlight emergency medical service (EMS) practitioners for all the vital work they do throughout our nation’s communities.
EMS week is a time for local communities to reflect and honor the personnel who put themselves on the frontline of day-to-day lifesaving services. EMS week also serves as a time for civilians to raise awareness for the EMS community.
Community Initiatives
This can come in many forms including:
- Recognizing a CPR save within your place of business, organization or church
- Honoring fallen EMS personnel from your community
- Getting CPR certified
- Recognition by school districts (guest speakers, goodie bags distributed through schools)
- Restaurants or places of business offering discounts
- Organizing EMS appreciation events
- Simply saying, “Thank You”
Initiatives From Within:
Some ways that medical organizations can recognize their hardworking EMS staff includes:
- Creating an “EMT or Paramedic of the Year” award
- Honoring the fallen heroes in your organization
- Treating your team to a meal
- Surprising team members with gifts
A huge thank you to our excellent staff here at Rico Aviation and emergency medical service professionals everywhere. Thank you for all that you’ve done and continue to do. For more information on how you can celebrate, unify and inspire the men and women of our nation’s emergency medical service visit: http://www.emsstrong.org