By Laura French
WASHINGTON — The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) have announced the theme of EMS Week 2021.
“This is EMS: Caring for Our Communities” will be the theme of this year’s EMS Week, which is scheduled for May 16-21.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to test EMS professionals like never before. EMTs, paramedics and other frontline workers are rising to the challenge and each has a crucial role in responding to the public health crisis of our lifetime,” said ACEP President Mark Rosenberg, DO, MBA, FACEP, in a statement. “National EMS Week is a time to recognize and honor EMS professionals for their tireless dedication to their communities—not just during this pandemic but every day.”
Under the “EMS Strong” banner, the EMS Week campaign supports the EMS community by honoring accomplishments and increasing awareness of the critical role of EMS in communities across the country. An EMS Week Planning Guide is provided on the EMS Strong website for the EMS community and stakeholders to celebrate the week and promote the value of EMS to the public.
“Throughout the pandemic, EMS has been on the frontlines, caring for the sickest COVID-19 patients, while also staffing COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics,” said NAEMT President Chief Bruce Evans, CFO, SPO, NRP, MPA, in a statement. “EMS Week is a chance for communities to come together and express their gratitude for EMS practitioners. Our nation’s paramedics and EMTs, as well as their families, have been through so much. Recognizing their service and sacrifices is an important step in healing and recovery from the stress and intensity of the past year.”
Each day of EMS Week will be focused on a specific theme, and first responders are encouraged to plan activities and events around these themes in their communities:
- Monday, May 17: EMS Education Day
- Tuesday, May 18: EMS Safety Day
- Wednesday, May 19: EMS for Children Day
- Thursday, May 20: Save-A-Life Day (CPR & National Stop the Bleed Day)
- Friday, May 21: EMS Recognition Day
More information can be found on the EMS Strong website.