WASHINGTON — In an effort to establish a memorial for EMS workers who die in the line of duty, the National EMS Memorial Foundation is collaborating with the White House on an online petition to show support for H.R. 2274.
The bill will ensure that a commemorative work is created in the nation’s capital that will recognize the EMS providers who died in the line of duty, and will honor the dedication of EMS members nationwide.
Each year, 850,000 EMS providers answer more than 30 million calls to serve 22 million patients in need of care. Over 600 men and women who served have made the ultimate sacrifice while performing their duties.
“It is frankly staggering to realize that during their careers, EMS providers experience an injury rate of virtually 100 percent.” said Katie Orsino, executive director of the National EMS Memorial Foundation. “EMS providers die in the line of duty at a rate more than twice the national average for all occupational fatalities. Very few other occupations are burdened with similar risk factors.”
Once enough supporters sign the petition, White House staff will review it, ensure it is sent to the appropriate policy experts, and issue an official response.
The petition can be accessed here.
H.R. 2274 is co-sponsored by Congressman Peter King (R-NY), Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA), Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL), Congressman James McGovern (DMA), Congressman William Keating (D-MA), Congressman Ryan Costello (R-PA); Congressman Joseph Kennedy (D-MA).Congressman Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA), and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO).