The week of May 21-27, 2023 is EMS Week and this year’s theme is “Where Emergency Care Begins.”

EMS Week brings the EMS community together and acknowledges the accomplishments of EMTs and paramedics while building awareness of their important role in the communities where they live and work.

"It is a privilege to work with EMS professionals who take on the role of providing emergency medical care to our community, sometimes in the most challenging and dangerous events. I wholeheartedly express my gratitude to the Brownsville Fire Department family as we gather together to commemorate EMS Week," said  Brownsville Fire Chief Jarrett Sheldon.

In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities.

There are special theme days held during EMS Week. Monday is EMS Education Day, Tuesday is EMS Safety Day, Wednesday is EMS for Children Day, Thursday is Stop the Bleed Day and Save-A-Life Day, and Friday is EMS Recognition Day.

EMS Week is presented by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in partnership with the National Associations of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).

About ACEP

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education, and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members and the more than 150 million people they treat on an annual basis. 

About NAEMT

Formed in 1975 and over 90,000 members strong, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) is the only national association representing the professional interests of paramedics, advanced emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technicians, emergency medical responders and other professionals providing prehospital and out-of-hospital emergent, urgent or preventive medical care.

NAEMT members work in all sectors of EMS, including government service agencies, fire departments, hospital-based ambulance services, private companies, industrial and special operations settings, and in the military. They also work in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare settings. NAEMT serves its members by advocating on issues that impact their ability to provide quality patient care, providing high quality education that improves the knowledge and skills of practitioners, and supporting EMS research and innovation.