Communities across the nation are recognizing the dedication, sacrifice, and lifesaving work of emergency medical professionals during National EMS Week 2026, observed May 17 through May 23.
Now in its 52nd year, the annual observance carries the theme “Improving Outcomes, Together,” emphasizing the teamwork and coordination between emergency medical personnel, 911 dispatchers, public health officials, firefighters, law enforcement officers, hospital staff, and others who work together to save lives during moments of crisis.
Established in 1974 after authorization by President Gerald Ford, National Emergency Medical Services Week was created to recognize EMS professionals and the critical role they play in communities across the country. Today, the observance serves as an opportunity to honor those on the front lines of emergency medicine who respond to medical emergencies, accidents, disasters, and life-threatening situations every day.
EMS Week is presented nationally by the American College of Emergency Physicians in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Together, the organizations coordinate activities and awareness efforts designed to recognize EMS personnel while educating communities about the importance of emergency medical services.
Each day of National EMS Week highlights a different aspect of the profession:
• Sunday, May 17 — EMS Strong Day, celebrating the resilience and commitment of EMS personnel.
• Monday, May 18 — Education Day, recognizing the ongoing training and education required to remain prepared for emergency situations.
• Tuesday, May 19 — Safety Day, focused on keeping EMS professionals, patients, and communities safe.
• Wednesday, May 20 — EMS for Children Day, highlighting specialized care provided to young patients.
• Thursday, May 21 — Save-A-Life Day, encouraging public participation in lifesaving skills such as CPR and Stop the Bleed training.
• Friday, May 22 — EMS Recognition Day, dedicated to honoring emergency medical professionals for their service.
• Saturday, May 23 — All in the Family Day, recognizing the families who support EMS personnel behind the scenes.
The week also encourages public involvement through educational programs, community outreach, and awareness campaigns. National organizations, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, continue to highlight advancements in emergency medicine, including lifesaving interventions increasingly available in prehospital settings.
For communities throughout Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah, Marshall counties and surrounding areas in northeast Alabama and northwest Georgia, National EMS Week provides a moment to recognize the emergency medical technicians, paramedics, ambulance personnel, and first responders who often arrive during some of life’s most difficult and uncertain moments.
Whether responding to medical emergencies in the middle of the night, working severe weather events, assisting accident victims, or providing care during community emergencies, EMS personnel serve as a vital link between crisis and care.
At WEIS Radio, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the EMS professionals who serve communities across our listening area each day. Their dedication, compassion, professionalism, and willingness to answer the call—often under difficult and stressful circumstances—do not go unnoticed.
EMS personnel hold a special place in the communities they serve, providing reassurance in moments of fear, hope during emergencies, and lifesaving care when seconds matter most. While National EMS Week offers a dedicated time to recognize their service, their commitment deserves appreciation not only this week, but every day throughout the year.
To all local EMS professionals and emergency medical personnel: thank you for the sacrifices you make, the lives you touch, and the care you provide to our communities. Your work matters, and your service is deeply appreciated.
