“EMS: Rising to the Challenge” EMS Week 2022 May 15th – 21st
National Emergency Medical Services Week (EMS Week), May 15th – 21st; is celebrating its 47th year. EMS Week, presented by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in conjunction with the National Association of EMTs (NAEMT), is an event that brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety, honor, and the dedication of the front-line heroes, who provide day-to-day lifesaving medical services.
This year’s theme is “EMS: Rising to the Challenge” reminding people that every day, EMS personnel, are faced with so many challenges in their lives and yet they still rise above and beyond those challenges, while continuing to respond, support, and care for the needs of their communities. The daily themes, for the week, were designated as an integral part in the the success of the annual campaign to continually involve the community:
• Sunday, May 15: Health, Wellness and Resilience Day
• Monday, May 16: EMS Education Day
• Tuesday, May 17: EMS Safety Day
• Wednesday, May 18: EMS for Children Day
• Thursday, May 19: Save-A-Life Day (CPR & National Stop the Bleed Day)
• Friday, May 20: EMS Recognition Day
EMS Week recognizes honorable men and women in EMS who are dedicated to delivering
superb medical care to our communities nationwide. According to NAEMT, EMS responds to 42.6 million calls and treats and transports 30.9 million patients nationwide each year.
Virginians, like residents across the country, rely on EMS personnel to respond to the call for
help and to provide quality prehospital care, states Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The 2020 National EMS Assessment states Virginia responded to 1,564,080 EMS calls while treating and transporting 1,082,830 patients.
During EMS Week, Virginia will recognize its 37,758 EMS providers and 564 agencies for their dedication and commitment to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the EMS system, and the life-saving efforts they provide on a daily basis.
During the fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021), the Prince William County Fire and
Rescue System, a combined system of career and volunteer personnel, responded to 31,508
EMS incidents requiring Advanced and Basic Life Support.
”Every call brings a new opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life by building and/or creating new relationships while
administering care provided through years of education and training,” states Chief Tim Keen
of the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System. “Rising to the Challenge emphasizes the dedication of service to our patients, the residents, and visitors of Prince William County, despite personal challenges our EMS professionals may be experiencing.
Take an opportunity, during EMS Week and throughout the year, to recognize the dedicated
men and women who make up the Prince William EMS community and the communities
nationwide and say thanks to all those who have dedicated so much to this profession and
our communities.
For more information visit these websites:
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians,
Virginia Department of Health,
American College of Emergency Physicians
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration