Letter to the Editor: EMS an Essential Service to the Community
By: Jeffrey Myers, DO, EMS Medical Director
Emergency Services, UPMC in North Central Pa.
May 19 – 25, marks the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week. It’s a time to show our gratitude toward EMTs, paramedics, and first responders who provide lifesaving care across the nation every day.
I want to take the opportunity to offer appreciation and praise, personally and on behalf of my colleagues at UPMC in North Central Pa., to these often-unsung heroes in our community.
Fifty years is a major milestone and this year’s theme is “Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future.” Health care is constantly evolving, and this theme is very fitting given the current climate of EMS care and how much things have changed over the last few years.
As EMS clinicians, we have a long and proud history tied to our work, volunteer or career, and the impact we’ve made on the communities we serve. While we’ve accomplished so much, we also must stay focused on the road ahead: evolving, innovating, and ensuring that EMS has the support needed to continue to answer the public’s call for help when it’s most needed.
The most recent data on the EMS system in Pennsylvania shows that roughly 1,200 agencies across the Commonwealth responded to a little over 2.5 million requests – the majority of which were emergency responses to incident scenes.
As the demand for EMS services in our communities continues to exponentially grow, I encourage everyone to take the time to inquire about how they can help support their local EMS agencies. Many of these agencies are looking for volunteers and you can help make a difference. Additionally, I ask everyone to consider taking a hands-only CPR, first aid, Minutes Matter, or Stop the Bleed course. These courses can often be completed in a few hours but can help you make a difference as a bystander and save a life.
EMS clinicians, you are the ones out on the streets and in homes every day making a difference. You are the most present example of health care in our communities. Thank you for all that you do.