During the annual observance of EMS Appreciation Week, State Representative Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont) is recognizing this week in the 20th District and encouraging constituents to say thank you to EMS professionals they know and meet.
“In often the worst moments of our lives, EMS workers are there to help keep us calm, provide help, and give us assurance that we are in good hands,” said Rep. Stephens. “What they contribute to our communities is invaluable, and we owe a debt of gratitude to EMS workers who help us in what can be scary incidents. Be sure to thank an EMS worker this week and show your gratitude all year long!”
According to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week in 1974. The purpose of the week is to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in American communities. For 2023, the year’s theme is “EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins.”
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health highlights job hazards EMS workers face, including lifting patients, treating patients with infectious illnesses, and handling hazardous chemical substances. It also notes how responders are likely to come into contact with a mixture of illicit drugs during routine job duties, including fentanyl.
