Emergency Medical Services Week (EMS Week) is a national observance that recognizes and honors the lifesaving work of paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and other emergency medical personnel.

Held each May, it serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role EMS teams play in protecting public health and safety, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Read more: National Hospital Week 2025: Dates, History, Significance, Activities, and How to Celebrate

Emergency Medical Services Week
Emergency Medical Services Week

When Is EMS Week 2025?

Emergency Medical Services Week 2025 will be observed from Sunday, May 18 to Saturday, May 24.

This week provides a national platform to highlight the contributions of EMS workers and reinforce public awareness of their vital role in healthcare, especially in moments of trauma, disaster, or crisis.

A Brief History of EMS Week

EMS Week was first authorized in 1974 by President Gerald Ford, who proclaimed it as a time to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of EMS in delivering critical, often life-saving, care. The initiative was spearheaded by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and continues to be supported by major healthcare and emergency organizations nationwide.

Over the decades, EMS Week has grown into a movement—celebrated across states, cities, fire departments, hospitals, and EMS units, both large and small.

Why EMS Week Matters

EMS Week isn’t just a “thank you”—it’s a reminder of:

  • The courage and commitment of those who respond first in a medical emergency.

  • The physical and emotional toll emergency responders endure.

  • The essential role EMS plays in the healthcare continuum—bridging home, road, disaster scene, and hospital.

  • The need for community understanding, support, and recruitment in the EMS field.

Theme for EMS Week 2025 (TBA)

Each year, EMS Week has a national theme, which guides messaging and events. While the 2025 theme will be announced by ACEP closer to the date, recent themes have included:

  • “EMS: Caring for Our Communities”

  • “This Is EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins”

  • “Rising to the Challenge”

These themes reflect both the resilience and humanity of emergency responders.

How to Celebrate EMS Week 2025

There are many meaningful ways to observe EMS Week—whether you’re part of an EMS agency, a healthcare system, a school, or a member of the general public.

1. Recognize EMS Teams

  • Host award ceremonies or appreciation lunches.

  • Feature EMS staff stories in newsletters or on social media.

  • Give personalized gifts, certificates, or “challenge coins” to team members.

2. Engage the Community

  • Offer CPR classes or safety demos for the public.

  • Organize an EMS open house or ambulance tour for students and families.

  • Host a “Meet Your Local Heroes” event at a fire station or city hall.

3. Boost Visibility Online

Use these hashtags:

  • #EMSWeek

  • #EMSWeek2025

  • #ThankYouEMS

  • #ThisIsEMS

Create videos or photo reels showcasing daily work, training exercises, or behind-the-scenes team culture.

4. Promote Wellness and Mental Health

  • Offer stress-reduction workshops, yoga sessions, or on-site counseling.

  • Bring in peer support specialists to facilitate conversations around burnout and trauma care.

Sample EMS Week Activity Calendar

Day Theme or Focus Activity Idea
Sunday Kickoff & Community Outreach EMS Appreciation Picnic or Flag Raising
Monday Mental Health & Wellness Group meditation or resilience workshop
Tuesday Training and Safety CPR class or Stop the Bleed demo
Wednesday Education Day School EMS visit or station tour
Thursday Recognition Day Awards ceremony or employee spotlight
Friday Family & Team Appreciation Team lunch or family open house
Saturday Wrap-up & Reflection Thank-you video and community messages

Who Can Participate?

EMS Week is for everyone, including:

  • EMS professionals: EMTs, paramedics, flight medics, rescue technicians, and dispatchers.

  • Hospitals and clinics

  • Fire departments and police

  • Local governments and city officials

  • Schools and universities

  • Community groups and nonprofits

  • Everyday citizens

Final Thoughts: Respect, Resilience, and Readiness

EMS Week is a time to lift up the professionals who show up when we need them most. From roadside rescues to disaster response, their calm in chaos saves lives.

As we approach May 18–24, 2025, take a moment to support, appreciate, and amplify the vital work of EMS professionals. Whether you organize an event, share a story, or simply say “thank you,” your recognition means more than you know.

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