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EMS Week 2015: 'EMS Strong'
The history of our modern EMS system is relatively short. There is no shortage of individuals who have proven to be heroes in regard to their commitment and passion for advancing the pre-hospital profession. In almost every community, there are dedicated teams of emergency responders, volunteer and career, who work and practice tirelessly to provide the best pre-hospital medical care possible.
National EMS Week first came into existence in 1974 through the efforts and insight of President Gerald Ford. He was a strong supporter of the "Heroes of Emergency Medical Services" and wanted them to be recognized. In 1982, the American College of Emergency Physicians became instrumental in recognizing EMS providers during 'EMS Week'. This year, EMS Week runs from May 17th through May 23rd and the theme this year is "EMS Strong."
EMS responders are at a variety of levels of training from Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, to the Paramedic, each provider is very important to the community in which they live and serve. The greatest portions of EMS providers across the nation are volunteers, or receive a small stipend for the service that they provide, while the smaller portion of EMS providers work for paid services. Whether volunteer or paid, each of these providers work endlessly to assure top quality patient care for the communities in which they serve. They take part in many training sessions, practice their skills often, and take part in community exercises so they are prepared in the event an emergency occurs.
Many achievements have been accomplished over the past 40 years, such as improved pre-hospital cardiac care, better recognition of stroke symptoms and pre-hospital care, comprehensive out-of-hospital trauma protocol, and a wide variety of standardized training to better save lives.
Many challenges lie ahead as science reveals improved ways to provide care and recommend new treatments. Challenges also lie ahead as EMS management deals with new healthcare laws and changes to reimbursement practices. No matter what the challenges are that lie ahead, EMS is a group of committed people that are dedicated to saving lives.
During EMS Week, please take the time to recognize and thank the EMS providers and their families in your work place and community. They may be a provider with the police department or sheriff's department, or the fire department, or they may be a dispatcher or work as an attendant, EMT, Nurse, or Physician in the hospital, or they may be from a private, public, or city ambulance service. No matter which department they are from, please give them and their families the recognition that they deserve.
So, today, I'd like to take this opportunity to say "Thank you" to everyone who works in the EMS field. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for your caring, compassion, and devotion to patient care. Thank you for covering on weekends and holidays. Thank you for taking time away from your families to provide care to our community 24/7. Thank you for thinking on your feet to solve new problems for our patients. Thank you for comforting families. Thank you for risking your safety. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for your commitment.
I was a volunteer with the Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department and the City of McCook Fire Department for seven years before making this my career choice. I have been so blessed to have worked with, taught with, provided education for, and been in education with, so many wonderful dedicated acquaintances throughout the past 30 years that I can still say I love my career choice and am grateful for all of the EMS providers and their families that dedicate their life to help others.
Thank you, EMS providers, for everything you do!