Washington, D.C., May 14, 2024 – The Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice (ICEMSPP) proudly announces the adoption of Resolution 2024-01 during their meeting on May 14, 2024. This resolution recognizes and supports the 50th Annual Emergency Medical Services Week, which will be observed from May 19 - 25, 2024.

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EMS Week Resolution

To recognize the Week of May 19 - 25, 2024, as Emergency Medical Services Week

WHEREAS, emergency medical services is a vital public service; and

WHEREAS, EMS practitioners are professional medical providers ready to deliver lifesaving care 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and

WHEREAS, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and

WHEREAS, emergency medical services has evolved to fill critical gaps by providing essential out-of-hospital care, including preventive medicine, follow-up care, and access to telemedicine; and

WHEREAS, the emergency medical services system consists 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; and

WHEREAS, 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; and

WHEREAS, the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice also recognizes State EMS Offices, which serve as the lead state executive branch offices responsible for ensuring a coordinated, systems approach to emergency medical services, overseeing the licensure of EMS personnel, administering the EMS system, and upholding public protection, thereby ensuring effective and responsive healthcare delivery; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the value and accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating the Emergency Medical Services Week;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice, in recognition of this event, does hereby adopt the week of May 19 - 25, 2024, as EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of EMS Week with the theme: EMS WEEK: Honoring Our Past. Forging Our Future.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission encourages the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

ADOPTED by the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice on this 14th day of May, 2024.

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The Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice is the governmental body responsible for coordinating cross-border practice of emergency medical services in the United States. Currently coordinating efforts in 24 states and overseeing nearly 400,000 EMS personnel, the Commission sets standards and regulations across states, promotes the profession, and ensures public protection. The Executive Director noted, "It is an exceptional opportunity for us to celebrate 50 years of EMS Week. While much has been accomplished, we still have many opportunities ahead of us."

Download a PDF of this press release.
Download a PDF of the resolution.

 

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About the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice (ICEMSPP)

The Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice (ICEMSPP), established under the Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA) legislation, is the governing body responsible for overseeing the operations of the EMS Compact. The Commission, comprising appointed Commissioners from each member state, ensures compliance with the Compact's provisions, manages its operations, and resolves interstate disputes. The ICEMSPP's jurisdiction focuses on cross-border EMS activities, maintaining a national database of EMS personnel, and upholding uniform practices across member states to enhance EMS care and public safety.