Sunday May 19, 2013 marks the beginning of National EMS Week and presents an opportunity to honor the men and women who deliver pre-hospital 9-1-1 emergency medical care throughout the United States. This vital public safety service is provided primarily by cross-trained, multi-role emergency responders who are based in our nation’s fire departments.
The fire service has a rich history of protecting the health and safety of our communities through an ‘all hazards’ response model that includes the delivery of pre-hospital emergency medical care. Fire service-based EMS providers are located, trained, and equipped to provide virtually every community with timely pre-hospital 9-1-1 emergency medical response and patient care. Every day, dual role firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics respond quickly, professionally and compassionately to medical emergencies in communities across the country.
The Fire Service-Based EMS Advocates coalition recognizes the life-saving contributions and achievements, as well as the dedication and commitment of those who serve in fire service-based EMS systems. National EMS Week is a time to pause and say “thank you” to the entire EMS Community, including firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics - our nation’s ‘all hazards’ response professionals.