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   The 50th Anniversary Theme “Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future” Recognizes Emergency Medical Services Professionals, May 19-25

May 8, 2024—WASHINGTON, DC—The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) will celebrate EMS Week May 19-25 to honor the dedication, commitment, and sacrifice of emergency medical service professionals around the country. This year marks the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week and the 2024 theme is “Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future.”

   “Emergency medicine is a team sport,” said Aisha Terry, MD, MPH, FACEP, President of ACEP. “For many patients, their first interaction in an emergency is with the EMS professionals they trust to come into their homes and work in their communities. Emergency physicians are grateful to lead EMS teams and we are proud of our EMS colleagues who ensure life-saving care begins well before patients arrive in the emergency department.”

   In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS professionals and the important work they do in our nation’s communities. For the past 50 years, the EMS Week campaign has brought the country together to celebrate the accomplishments of EMTs, paramedics, and other prehospital team members, in addition to building awareness of their vital role in their communities.

   “EMS Week celebrates the paramedics, EMTs, and other EMS professionals who work diligently to care for their patients and serve their communities in times of crisis,” says NAEMT President Susan Bailey, MSEM, NRP. “’Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future’ reminds us of the proud history of our profession and contributions of EMS practitioners over the decades. We also must stay focused on the road ahead: evolving, innovating and ensuring that EMS has the support needed to continue to answer the public’s call for help when it’s most needed.”

An online resource center has been created for the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week (www.ems

   • Sunday, May 19: Health, Wellness and Resilience Day

   • Monday, May 20: EMS Education Day

   • Tuesday, May 21: EMS Safety Day

   • Wednesday, May 22: EMS for Children Day

   • Thursday, May 23: Save-A-Life Day (CPR & National Stop the Bleed Day)

   • Friday, May 24: EMS Recognition Day

   • Saturday, May 25: EMS Remembrance Day

   Take a little extra time this week and thank your local EMS and First Responders throughout our communities who serve 24/7. The dedication they show day in and day out to helping neighbors in need is inspiring.

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