Reps. Hudson, Guest & Dingell Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Honor America's EMS Workers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, EMS Co-Chair U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) joined U.S. Representatives Michael Guest (R-MS) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) in introducing a bipartisan resolutionhonoring the commitment and care of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel during the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week.
"The brave EMS personnel are the unsung heroes of our communities, responding swiftly to crises and saving countless lives every day,"said Rep. Hudson."As we recognize EMS Week, we owe these hardworking men and women our deepest gratitude for providing critical care with skill and determination to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others."
“Our EMS personnel and first responders are some of the most important people in our local communities,” said Rep. Guest. “I am honored to sponsor a resolution to bring attention to our EMS professionals and be a part of continuing to support these important services for Mississippi and across the United States through my work on the House Appropriations Committee.”
“Emergency medical services agencies play a critical role in every community across our country. They respond to all kinds of crises – often risking their own safety – and work around the clock to keep Americans safe,” said Rep. Dingell. “I’m honored to sponsor this resolution during the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week to shed light on the role EMS plays in communities across the country, while highlighting the importance of supporting them as they support us.”
“As we celebrate EMS Week’s 50th anniversary this week, I extend my deepest thanks to all EMS Practitioners for the work they have done and continue to do," said Susan Bailey, President of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)."EMS Practitioners are now providing medical care in a variety of settings. Our role has become much broader than ambulance transport. EMS Practitioners provide a full array of emergent, urgent and preventive patient care to those in need in prehospital and out of hospital settings. EMS is an integral part of our nation’s healthcare system and has been proven to be effective in major public health emergencies. This year’s EMS Week theme is 'Honoring our Past. Forging our Future.' Without a doubt, the EMS workforce has risen to the challenges with focus, determination and professionalism.”
Background
National EMS Week was authorized in 1974 by President Gerald Ford to highlight the important work that EMS personnel do in communities across the United States. For the last 50 years, the United States has highlighted a week each year for our EMS personnel and the important life-saving work they deliver twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
The resolution highlights the important contributions of EMS teams to deliver timely and needed care and support patients in rural and underserved areas, all while placing themselves in potentially dangerous situations. Through the resolution, the lawmakers honor the commitment of EMS personnel and the importance of their role in our local communities.
The resolution is supported by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and the American Ambulance Association.
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