Improving Outcomes, Together: EMS Week 2026, May 17th - 23rd

National Emergency Medical Services Week, known as EMS Week, is a collaboration of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the National Association of EMTs (NAEMT), celebrates the Emergency Medical Services practitioners and their contributions. This year’s national event, May 17^th – 23^rd, will celebrate its 52^nd annual EMS Week in honor and recognition of dedicated front-line heroes who provide day-to-day life-saving medical services in safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of our communities.

This year’s theme is titled, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” focusing on partnerships developed with the 911 Communications Center, public health, fire, law enforcement, and innovations like prehospital blood transfusions. EMS Week is a reminder to the public that quality emergency care, provided by Emergency Medical Services professionals, dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury.

According to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), EMS consists of a diverse group of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out of hospital medical care providers; some serve dual roles, i.e. Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Firefighters/EMTs and Firefighters/Paramedics.  Each year, EMS providers respond to over 40 million calls for service nationwide. Members of emergency medical services teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) indicates Virginians, like residents across the country, rely on EMS to respond to the call for help providing quality emergency services. Over the years, EMS has grown, providing important out of hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care, and access to telemedicine. During EMS Week, Virginia will recognize its 41,783 EMS providers for their dedication and commitment to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the EMS system, and the life-saving efforts they provide daily.  (vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/ems-statistics/)

In 2025, the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System, a combined system of career and volunteer personnel, responded to 40,585 EMS incidents requiring Advanced and Basic Life Support. Chief Tom LaBelle states, “Every EMS call represents a pivotal moment in someone's life — an opportunity to make a meaningful difference when it matters most. Our EMS professionals bring years of dedicated education and training to each response, delivering skilled and compassionate care to those who need it most.

“Over time, our teams have worked diligently to forge new partnerships while strengthening long-standing ones. These collaborative relationships are the foundation upon which we are able to consistently deliver the services and care our community depends on.

“This year's theme, "Improving Outcomes, Together," speaks directly to the power of those partnerships. From the moment our first responders arrive on scene — assessing the situation, providing immediate care, and coordinating transport when necessary — every action is a team effort. It is through this spirit of collaboration that we are able to provide the best possible care for our patients, residents, and visitors of Prince William County.

“Together, we are stronger. Together, we make a difference.”

EMS Week recognizes, the honorable men and women, in emergency medical services, dedicated to delivering superb medical care to our communities nationwide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take an opportunity, during EMS Week and throughout the year, to recognize the men and women comprised of the Prince William EMS community and the communities nationwide and say thanks to all those who have devoted extensively to this profession and our communities.

For more information visit National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians naemt.org, the American College of Emergency Physicians acep.org/, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nhtsa.gov.