EMS workers "Rising to the Challenge"

When you call 911 in a medical emergency, those who respond are people who spend considerable time training and belong to local and national organizations dedicated to helping them learn or certifying that they have.

In 2021, Grand Coulee Dam area emergency medical service responders answered over 500 calls, says Grand Coulee Ambulance Service Director Richard Paris.

May 15-21 is National EMS week, the theme for which is “Rising to the Challenge.”

“This is the 47th annual celebration of EMS Week, where we honor our frontline heroes, dedicated to providing emergency medicine that saves so many lives every day,” said Gillian Schmitz, MD, FACEP, President of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

“The theme of ‘Rising to the Challenge’ is particularly meaningful as it reminds our nation that EMS professionals are faced with so many challenges today and they still rise above them. Through it all, EMS continues to respond, support and care for the needs of our communities.”

“EMS Week is a time to recognize how our nation’s paramedics and EMTs have risen to the challenge time and time again in response to the needs of our patients and our communities,” said Chief Bruce Evans, MPA, CFO, NRP, SPO, president of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. “We show up every day despite personal risk, hardship, and inadequate resources. The extraordinary environment in which we’ve operated during the past two years showcases our resilience, our dedication, and our readiness.”