Governor to Declare National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week

To honor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) practitioners and professionals statewide who work around the clock on the front lines of medical care, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) will join Gov. David Ige for a proclamation signing ceremony designating May 20 to 26 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Hawai‘i. The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 25 at 10:30 a.m. in the governor’s ceremonial room.

“Every day across our state, women and men work with expertise and speed to provide lifesaving services to people they have never met before,” said Alvin Bronstein MD, DOH EMS and injury prevention systems branch chief. “During EMS Week in Hawai‘i, we recognize the daily heroism of our EMS providers and express our gratitude for their efforts to keep us healthy and safe. Because of this state coordinated system, 9-1-1 care is available for residents and visitors anywhere in the state.”

The department’s EMS and Injury Prevention Systems Branch administers, maintains, and operates a State comprehensive emergency medical services system throughout Hawai‘i that is designed to reduce medical emergency deaths, injuries and permanent long-term disability. Four county agencies make up the system and each county has the required personnel, facilities and equipment to provide lifesaving emergency care.

EMS practitioners undergo thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills. Depending on their level of training, they can perform a variety of medical tasks, from installing airway devices to administering medication, all of which can be effective in the life-saving process.

The theme for this year’s National EMS Week is “EMS Strong: Stronger Together.” National EMS Week is supported by the American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.