EMS Week is Next Week - thank an EMT and Paramedic

National EMS Week 2015


Next week is National EMS Week (May 17th - May 23rd). This year's theme from the American College of Emergency Physicians is EMS Strong.


In my other life I am an EMS-Instructor and Paramedic. I have been involved in EMS since 1988 in college. I have not been able to work on the road for the past few years due to a severe back injury, but I still feel a part of EMS as an EMS instructor and instructor-trainer, although that role has been limited since my daughter's birth. I responded to New York City after 9-11 as a paramedic and I spent 15 years as a paramedic in the city I now teach in. I was also a volunteer paramedic and the Lt. of Training for my town's EMS service.

Connecticut Licensed Paramedic Patch with attached Instructor Rocker

Take this week to thank an EMS provider in your town. The First Responders, EMT's and Paramedics are everyday heroes who are often overlooked by the media and public. Firefighters and Police Officers are usually in the news, but EMS providers, whether volunteer, commercial, hospital based, or municipal, are working everyday, helping people, at the expense of their time, health, and family. EMS providers experience high incidences of knee and back injuries and spend countless hours maintaining their skills. They provide an invaluable, life-saving service, while dealing with drunks, combative patients, rude patients and family, for low pay and minimal respect.

Teach your students about EMS. What it is, how to call 911, and when to use 911. Tell them more about it as a career.  

Here are some resources on EMS Week and EMS.
EMS Week Homepage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_medical_services


emsweek


Say "thank you" to one this week to show your appreciation.

EMT's and paramedics dedicate their lives to serving the public. They are on standby 24 hours a day, even on Christmas. They save lives. help others during times of illness and injury. EMS are the ones in the ditches rescuing passengers from a car accident. They are the ones who risk their lives to save others. Through the course of a year, EMS personnel are rarely recognized for their heroic efforts. They are never thanked for their hundreds of hours of continuing education. However, EMS Week is a perfect time for the community to recognize and thank them.


To all my brothers and sisters in EMS - Stay safe out there. EMS providers have a high rate of back and knee injuries, are assaulted by patients, and have very high stress. We've lost some of our own over the years and the EMS community always comes together to help each other out.





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