EMS Week

Dear Editor,

The week of May 15-21, 2005, is National Emergency Medical Services Week. This year's theme is "Ready, Responsive, Reliable."

EMS is a vital part of every community. EMS is often included with firefighting, law enforcement, public health, homeland security and emergency dispatching. The events during this week are important to bring together local communities to honor the more than 8,000 emergency medical services providers in Nebraska and to raise public awareness about important health and safety issues.

The members of emergency medical services, whether career or volunteer, not only provide excellent care for the citizens of Nebraska, but they also engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills.

It is appropriate and important to recognize the value and the accomplishments of EMS providers during EMS Week 2005.

Please take time to recognize your local EMS providers for a job well done. Honor providers for their dedication. The family members of the EMS providers need to be recognized and thanked for the sacrifice they make when their loved one responds to medical emergencies in their communities during working hours.

I would like to thank each and every EMT and EMS department for your dedication, support and commitment to the citizens of Southwest Nebraska.

Sincerely,

Marc A. Harpham,

Fire Chief/Paramedic

City of McCook

Fire Department