The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), has named this year’s EMS STRONG campaign BEYOND THE CALL. The annual EMS STRONG campaign celebrates during National EMS Week, May 19-25, 2019, to provide opportunities to recognize the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) community and enhance and strengthen the profession on a national level.
“The care that EMS professionals provide in their communities is much broader than traditional emergent first response and transport. EMS is providing emergent, urgent and preventive care to patients as an integrated component of their community’s healthcare system,” said NAEMT President Matt Zavadsky in his statement. “EMTs and paramedics provide an expanded menu of services including community paramedicine, injury and illness prevention training, and CPR and bleeding control training.”
EMSSTRONG.org serves as a resource for stakeholders and the public to learn of inspiring stories from EMS practitioners, ways to get involved and EMS Week ideas, activities and templates. The website, which is also home to the annual EMS Week Planning Guide, encourages EMS personnel and stakeholders to promote their own industry and share content on social media platforms.
EMS Week dedicates each day to specific themes under the ‘BEYOND THE CALL’ umbrella. First responders are encouraged to plan activities and events around these themes in their communities.
· 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
· Friday, May 24: EMS Recognition Day