May 17-23, 2020 is the 46th annual "National EMS Week". In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities. EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line."
The 2020 EMS Week theme is "Ready Today, Preparing for Tomorrow". This theme was chosen long before anything was known about COVID-19 but you can easily see how fitting and meaningful it is. The local, regional, state, and national EMS community continues to rally and support those affected by this crisis, all while continuing to respond to the everyday emergencies that continue to occur.
This year, 5 days of EMS Week have a theme that represents the diverse nature of EMS.
- 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
Typical celebration and participation in EMS week activities is highly unlikely due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Now more than ever, it is important to honor and celebrate National EMS Week. On behalf of Russell County EMS, I request you honor and celebrate along side us as our EMS professionals support the health and well-being of our nation during this global pandemic.
Michael Reynolds, Russell Co. EMS Director
Russell County Judge Exec. Gary D. Robertson has signed an EMS Week Proclamation....