The Stearns County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Task Force is preparing for a week long recognition of those who deliver life-saving care. National Emergency Medical Services Week, May 16-22 “This is a week when we recognize the life-saving care EMS providers offer 24-hours a day, seven days a week,” said Roxanne Wilson, chairperson of the Stearns County EMS Task Force. “These men and women are there when the community needs them, often risking their own safety to aid those in need. I hope community members take time to thank the EMS providers who serve all of us.” EMS is a vital public service, a system of care for victims of sudden illness or injury. This system depends on the availability and coordination of many different elements, ranging from an informed public capable of recognizing medical emergencies to a network of trauma centers capable of providing highly specialized care to the most seriously injured. The 911 emergency number, pre-hospital and emergency department personnel are some of the critical elements necessary for the EMS system to work. This year’s EMS Week theme – “EMS: There When You Need Us” – emphasizes that no matter what the emergency or when it occurs, EMS responders are there to provide immediate life-saving care and transportation. National Police Week, May 9-15 The week of May 9-15 is designated National Police Week, a time to honor all police officers who serve our communities. Stearns County has 55 EMS agencies, which consist of fire departments, first responder units, ambulance services and police departments.
