EMS Week
First authorized by President Gerald Ford, this week celebrates EMS practitioners around the nation.
Summary: EMS Week, otherwise known as National Emergency Medical Services Week, was first authorized by President Gerald Ford in 1974. The week was launched to celebrate the work of EMS practitioners across the country. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of EMS Week.
Last year’s overall theme was “EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins.” Each day of EMS Week also has a separate theme:
— Sunday: Health, Wellness and Resilience Day
— Monday: EMS Education Day
— Tuesday: Safety Tuesday
— Wednesday: EMS for Children Day
— Thursday: Save-A-Life Day (CPR & Stop the Bleed)
— Friday: EMS Recognition Day
What to do: There is no traditional greeting for this week. The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians has a list of ways to recognize and celebrate EMS Week. EMSWeek.org has a list of downloads to recognize the week in their resource center.