May 13, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2016-12) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-7163/Fax: (251) 208-5843 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org NATIONAL EMS WEEK MAY 15-21 National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week is May 15-21 and this year’s theme is “Called to Care”. In 1973, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities. Back then, EMS was a new profession, and EMS practitioners had only just started to be recognized as a critical component of emergency medicine and the public health safety net. EMS is now firmly established as an essential public function and a vital component of the medical care continuum. On any given day, EMS practitioners help save lives by responding to medical emergencies, including heart attack, difficulty breathing, a fall or accident, drowning, cardiac arrest, stroke, drug overdose or acute illness. EMS may provide both basic and advanced medical care at the scene of an emergency and en route to a hospital. EMT’s and Paramedics care for their patients' medical needs and show caring and compassion to their patients in their most difficult moments. Mobile Fire-Rescue is the primary EMS provider for the City of Mobile and its jurisdiction. National EMS Week is the perfect time to honor your local EMS professionals and promote awareness of their everyday service to the public. ###