Sunday, May 19, 2019, marks the beginning of National EMS Week and presents an opportunity to honor the men and women who deliver pre-hospital 9-1-1 emergency medical care throughout the United States. This vital public safety service is provided primarily by cross-trained, multi-role emergency responders who are based in our nation’s fire departments.

The fire service has a rich history of protecting the health and safety of our communities through an emergency response model that includes the delivery of pre-hospital 9-1-1 emergency medical care. Fire service-based EMS providers are trained, equipped and positioned to provide their communities with timely emergency medical care, and more recently, Integrated Community Health Care (ICHC) services as well. Fire fighter/EMTs and paramedics respond quickly, professionally, skillfully and compassionately in communities across the United States every day – 24/7.

The Fire Service-Based EMS Advocates Coalition recognizes the life-saving contributions and achievements, as well as the dedication and commitment, of those who serve in fire service-based EMS systems. National EMS Week is a time to pause and give thanks to the entire EMS community, especially fire fighter/EMTs and paramedics – our nation’s all-hazards response personnel.

Established in 2006, the Fire Service-Based EMS Advocates Coalition, based in Washington, DC, provides members of Congress and other government officials with the information they need to effectively support Fire Service-Based EMS systems throughout the nation. For more information about the Fire Service-Based EMS Advocates and how to join the coalition, visit www.fireserviceems.com.