National EMS Week 2023: What is it and how are Escambia and Santa Rosa celebrating?
National Emergency Medical Services Week 2023 began Sunday to bring awareness to and honor medical personnel who provide day-to-day lifesaving services to local communities nationwide.
Sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the National Associations of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), the weeklong celebration will hold multiple days for communities to promote various aspects of EMS services to show how practitioners safeguard the "health, safety and well-being of their communities," according to the National EMS Week website.
When did National EMS Week start?
President Gerald Ford declared Nov. 3 through Nov. 10 as National EMS Week in 1974 and it was moved to September in 1982, according to ACEP.
However, National EMS Week was once again moved in 1992 to the third full week of May "to separate EMS Week from Fire Prevention Week" in October.
This year it began May 21, and 2024's EMS Week will begin on May 19.
What is the EMS Week theme for 2023?
According to NAEMT, the theme for National EMS Week is EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins.
What happens during EMS Week 2023?
Each day during EMS Week, the NAEMT and ACEP have designated each day for specific purposes.
Here is what's happening on each day of EMS Week:
Sunday is Health, Wellness and Resilience Day: This day is meant to promote and highlight the need to recognize and care for the health and wellness of EMS providers.
Monday is Education Day: This day highlights public education programs and the importance of continuing education for EMS practitioners.
Tuesday is EMS Safety Day: Sponsored by FirstNet built with AT&T, this day is meant to promote safety among the EMS community and to encourage first responders to focus on risk and prevention rather than possible negative outcomes.
Wednesday is EMS for Children Day: This day is meant to highlight the physiological and psychological aspects of caring for children while raising awareness about improving specialized care. This day is also supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's EMS office.
Thursday is Save-A-Life Day and Stop the Bleed Day: This day promotes public CPR programs and empowers the general public to learn and apply steps that can be taken to save a life. Checkout the Stop the Bleed website at stopthebleed.org for more information into training programs.
Friday is EMS Recognition Day: This day is meant to recognize local EMS heroes and those who save lives through the EMS system.
How are Escambia and Santa Rosa counties celebrating National EMS Week 2023?
The county isn't conducting any public events geared toward National EMS Week, but Escambia Public Information Officer for Public Safety Davis Wood said they would conduct internal events.
While not large, Wood said the internal celebration would be used to strengthen morale and thank the county's first responders.
During Thursday's county commission meeting, the commissioners adopted a proclamation designating May 21-27, 2023, as Emergency Medical Services Week in Escambia County.
"Our team continues to meet the challenges of the ever-increasing demand placed on Emergency Medical Services," said EMS Chief David Torsell III in the release. "The tireless effort of our EMTs and Paramedics is a testament to the dedication they provide to the citizens of Escambia County every day."
Santa Rosa County's commissioners also issued a proclamation Monday morning, recognizing EMS Week in the county. Lifeguard Ambulance Service of Santa Rosa accepted the proclamation during the meeting.
"The Board encourages the community to observe this week with the appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities," a Santa Rosa County Emergency Management Facebook post stated.
Sarah Whitfield, Santa Rosa's spokesperson, told the News Journal the county is not conducting any public events for EMS Week.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: National EMS Week 2023 honors medical personnel across country
