News : Emergency Medical Services Week honors Iowa responders

Governor Terry Branstad will sign a proclamation next week declaring May 17 to 23, 2015 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) joins the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association and the nearly 11,000 EMS providers in Iowa in recognizing the importance of those who provide emergency medical care. This year’s EMS Week theme is ‘EMS Strong.’

“Without question, the men and women who serve as EMS providers embody this year’s EMS Week theme,” said IDPH Bureau of Emergency and Trauma Services chief Rebecca Curtiss. “These selfless individuals respond 24 hours every day to patients and communities in need. Iowa’s EMS system is, indeed, strong.” Of the 10,981 EMS providers in Iowa, more than half are volunteer. Last year, EMS providers responded to 288,209 service calls.

Whether it’s a heart attack, broken leg, or a child having trouble breathing, Iowans rely on the EMS system to provide efficient, well-trained, and reliable out-of-hospital emergency care when it’s needed. EMS week activities are planned in many Iowa communities. Check with your local EMS agency, hospital ambulance service, or fire department rescue squad for details on observances in your area.