Letter: Thank EMS Practitioners for Their Dedication to Service

May 17-23 is the 46th annual National EMS Week, which was authorized by President Gerald Ford in 1974 to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation’s communities. Please join me in saying “THANK YOU” to the local Emergency Medical Service (EMS) practitioners for their dedication to service.

This year’s theme — ‘EMS Strong: Ready Today. Preparing for Tomorrow’ — recognizes an evolving system and workforce that is ready to adapt to an ever-changing environment. Whether a medical emergency, active threat situation or COVID-19 response, EMS is the public health ‘safety net,’prepared and equipped to provide the best care available under some of the most strenuous conditions imaginable. When not responding to calls or training, EMS practitioners conduct quality safety and preparedness training, including community CPR and ‘Stop the Bleed’ training.

Whether providing patient care as part of a Quick Response Service (QRS) or during ambulance transport, at the Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS) level, on the ground or in the air, as a career choice or volunteer basis, all EMS practitioners are dedicated professionals who spend countless hours preparing to and assisting others in their time of need.

No, they aren’t superheroes. EMS practitioners are everyday people: our family, friends and neighbors who go the extra mile every day to make sure they are prepared to help you get through that one day. Thinking about it, I guess that does fit the definition of a superhero!

Please join me in thanking the EMS practitioners who serve your community. Tell them how much you appreciate their service and ask what you can do to help them.