Today is the first day of National EMS Week 2016. In 1973, President Gerald Ford first authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS, its practitioners and the important work they do in responding to medical emergencies. Back then, EMS was a fledgling profession and EMS practitioners were only beginning to be recognized as a critical component of emergency medicine and the public health safety net. Each President since has continued to recognize these providers each year, including most recently President Obama. Most people have been exposed to EMS by TV shows like 'Emergency!' with Johnny and Roy, a pair of Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Dept in the early 1970's. But EMS has become more than that, becoming an intricate part of not only the beginning of much patient care, but has become part of the Fire Service which we work to educate. EMS has continued to evolve as science molds how we do our jobs, requiring more training and dedication. 

#NationalEMSWeek brings together local communities and fire companies with medical personnel to publicize and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services, both volunteer and paid. 

If you are interested in becoming more involved, you can join your local fire company or ambulance service and attend one of the many EMT or EMR classes we hold regularly at all of our divisions. 

THANK YOU to all who provide the essential prehospital care we have grown to rely on across the State of Delaware. #EMSStrong#EMSWeek2016