Latest news with #NationalEMSWeek
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Basin marks National EMS Week
May 28—MOSES LAKE — May 18-24 was National EMS Week, a time to honor emergency medical personnel, according to an announcement from the Moses Lake Fire Department. "The Moses Lake Fire Department operates two and sometimes three Advanced Life Support Medic Units on a daily basis with one dual-trained firefighter paramedic and one firefighter EMT on each unit," the MLFD wrote in the announcement. "Fire engine company crews are also cross-trained in EMS and fire suppression." National EMS Week was established in 1974 by President Gerald Ford to recognize the importance of emergency medical assistance. This year's theme is "We Care, For Everyone," according to the announcement, to emphasize the dedication and compassion of EMS professionals. "The (Moses Lake) Fire Department runs around 5,400 calls for service annually (and) 85% of those calls are EMS-related," the MLFD statement said. "While the non-EMS related fire calls are less in frequency, they tend to be high acuity, staff-intensive in nature. The benefit of using dual-trained fire medics and EMTs represents a balance of providing multiple call EMS services on a daily basis with a high staffing requirement for structure fire and special rescue responses when they occur." Cpt. Tim Babak with Grant County Fire District 7 in Soap Lake agreed that EMS is vital to the communities fire departments serve. "EMS is a huge part of what we do, and they're crucial in the community," Babak said. "The majority of our calls are EMS calls, and I think that'd be the same for pretty much any fire department anywhere."
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff makes stop in Erie to sign autographs, raise funds
A member of the NFL Hall of Fame stopped in Erie for a good cause. Erie native, Fred Biletnikoff, stopped at Bullfrog Bar on Saturday during his return trip to Erie this weekend to sign autographs and raise funds for community programs. Annual picnic held to thank first responders during National EMS Week Fans of the Super Bowl MVP could pay for a picture or autograph, knowing all proceeds would be donated to the Biletnikoff Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of Erie. 'It feels good because of the fact we're doing it for kids, you know? The effort everyone is putting in today and what we did a couple of years ago, all the effort is just for the kids to kind of make them, to give them something better. Get a smile on their face and let them know somebody cares about them,' said Biletnikoff. This past Thursday, Biletnikoff received the key to the City of Erie. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
EMS providers recognized at same time countywide affiliation is established
May 25—Is there no better time to establish a countywide EMS affiliation than during National Emergency Medical Services Week? Supervisors officially recognized EMS providers in a proclamation the same day local agencies agreed to a countywide EMS affiliation. Jamey Robinson, director of Jasper County Emergency Management Agency, told Newton News how important the affiliation is for agencies and the people they serve. "Getting the EMS affiliation established is a big step forward for the county," he said. "It brings consistency, improved coordination and better access to resources for all agencies involved. Most importantly, it strengthens the emergency care we're able to provide our residents." Establishing a countywide EMS affiliation has been a goal of Robinson's ever since he was hired on to lead Jasper County EMA. In February, he received the greenlight from supervisors, who invested the necessary startup funds to pay for a medical director position to handle administrative duties and the like. Dr. Matthew Ferguson has since been recruited to serve as medical director. National EMS Week is observed May 18-24. According to the proclamation, Jasper County recognized EMS professionals for providing critical, life-saving care to residents and for responding to emergencies with skill, compassion and unwavering commitment. Robinson noted the proclamation means a lot. "This isn't just a document you guys are signing to recognize this week, I think the board of supervisors in Jasper County has done a phenomenal job of supporting our local EMS services with the money that you've given us to start working on some of this affiliation stuff and building the EMS system," he said. Early on when the county launched its ALS program, some believed the county was trying to take over jurisdictions of volunteer agencies. There was a lot of resentment. But Robinson said discussions about the countywide EMS affiliation have all been positive. "This isn't about the county wanting to take over an EMS system," Robinson said to supervisors. "It's wanting to support and build the system across Jasper County, so I want to thank you guys for that. I want to make people aware this isn't just signing a piece of paper ... You are supporting this all the way around." Steve Ashing, deputy director of Jasper County EMA, said local EMS agencies met the night of May 20 to acknowledge whether they want to join the affiliation. Already, funds have been used to finance a protocol app for all first responders to use. Ashing said the app is being tested at the moment to see if issues pop up. "Kind of a big step tonight," Ashing said of the EMS affiliation sign-in meeting. "...The way we understand it right now is we have 100 percent participation. The proof is in the signatures, so we'll find out for sure tonight. For all indications we have so far, it's going to be 100 percent. So we're pretty excited about that." Robinson confirmed with Newton News that the affiliation was established pending council approval from Newton.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why are the flags at half-staff in Wisconsin on May 24?
Gov. Tony Evers has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in respect for emergency medical service professionals who have given their lives in the line of duty. 'EMS professionals play a critical role in ensuring the health and safety of Wisconsinites across our state, as well as the safety and security of our communities. No matter the emergency or the danger of the situation, we count on first responders to be there and care for us when we need them most,' said Gov. Evers in a statement. Evers also announced that National EMS week will run throughout Wisconsin May 18-24. 'National EMS Week is an opportunity for us to reflect on and acknowledge this difficult and even dangerous work and all of the folks and their families who make these daily sacrifices while honoring those who have lost their lives in service of the health and safety of others," Evers added in a statement. Flags will be at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on May 24, 2025. The U.S. flag and Wisconsin flag will be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations of Wisconsin, according to the release. Flags are usually flown at half-staff after national tragedies or deaths of government officials, military members or other first responders. Flags can also be at half-staff for Memorial Day or other national days of remembrance, according to RELATED: These are the top 10 cheapest Wisconsin gas stations ahead of Memorial Day weekend RELATED: Things to do in Milwaukee during Memorial Day weekend 2025 This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why are the flags at half staff in Milwaukee, Wisconsin today?
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Atlanta's frontline heroes recognized during EMS Week
The Brief Atlanta Fire Rescue Department celebrated EMS Week with the Return of Spontaneous Circulation Awards, recognizing the lifesaving work of the city's EMS personnel. The event honored two young girls, including an 8-year-old who called 911 and helped save her mother after she collapsed. Officials emphasized the vital role EMS workers play in the community and the importance of quick action during medical emergencies. ATLANTA - The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department celebrated the city's frontline heroes this week with a special event marking National EMS Week. The annual observance recognizes the critical, often life-saving work of emergency medical service providers across the city. What we know As part of the festivities, the department hosted the Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) Awards, which honor EMS professionals who successfully revive patients experiencing cardiac arrest. The ceremony was also a moment to spotlight extraordinary community efforts—including those of two young girls who helped save their mother's life. According to Atlanta Fire officials, one of the honorees was an 8-year-old girl who quickly dialed 911 when her mother collapsed. Her call led to a rapid EMS response that helped ensure a positive outcome. What they're saying Officials emphasized that the awards serve to recognize the wide range of services Atlanta EMS and firefighters provide to residents every day. Organizers say the event is not only about celebrating professional excellence but also about inspiring the community to be prepared and proactive in emergencies.
