Conn. Department of Health Honors EMS Providers for National EMS Week
May 22--The state Department of Public Health kicked off National EMS Week on Monday, May 22, by honoring six emergency medical services personnel--including two in Stratford--and one EMS organization at a state Capitol ceremony. The theme of this year's EMS week is "EMS Strong: Always in Service" and is a part of a larger campaign, EMS STRONG, by the American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, to recognize and inspire EMS personnel and provide the EMS system greater visibility as an indispensable part of the healthcare continuum.
Those honored included Helen "Bunnie" McQuilton, Stratford EMS, who was presented with the Gillooly-Lawton Award, and Erin Smith, Stratford EMS, who received the Distinguished Achievement Award. For more information on the awards and EMS week, visit www.ctemscouncils.org.
"National EMS Week is our opportunity to recognize the contributions made by Connecticut's emergency medical services personnel, who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of the medical front line. As our nation and state face the challenges of a rapidly evolving healthcare system, our EMS providers have never been more important," added Raffaella Coler, Director of DPH's Office of Emergency Medical Services in a news release. "We encourage all Connecticut residents to take the opportunity during National EMS Week to celebrate and support local EMS providers' commitment to our communities."
This year as part of EMS Week, each weekday is dedicated to a specific focus. Monday is Education Day. Tuesday is Safety Tuesday. Wednesday is National EMS for Children Day. Thursday is Save-a-life Day. Friday is EMS Recognition Day. During the whole week, the American College of Emergency Physicians, in cooperation with American Medical Response and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, will encourage EMS Organizations and Community Leaders to join them in the "World CPR Challenge." The World CPR Challenge aims to provide the most extensive bystander CPR trainings ever. Information about each day's theme and the World CPR Challenge can be found at https://www.acep.org/emsweek/.
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