Trending Topics
EMS Week 2026

In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation’s communities. NAEMT and ACEP will partner to celebrate EMS Week May 17-23, 2026, to celebrate and recognize the important contributions of EMS practitioners in safeguarding the health, safety and wellbeing of their communities.

Thank you for your sacrifices, dedication and service to your communities. Happy EMS Week from EMS1.

EMS Week: What you need to know

What is EMS Week?

EMS Week is an annual observance in the United States that celebrates the work of emergency medical services professionals, including paramedics, EMTs, and other prehospital care providers, sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). EMS Week brings awareness to the role EMS plays in public health, promotes education about emergency care, and provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of EMS professionals.

When is EMS Week 2026?

EMS Week 2026 takes place from May 17 to May 23.

What is the theme of EMS Week 2026?

The theme for EMS Week 2026 is Improving outcomes, together.

How can EMS agencies celebrate EMS Week?

Common EMS Week activities include community outreach, public education events, social media campaigns, recognition ceremonies and training opportunities.

The new delegated authority model aligns Tribal EMS certification with national standards while reinforcing Tribal self-governance and regional collaboration
The Salty Paramedic cautions medics, don’t lose yourself in EMS
It’s time to match praise with policy for those on the front lines
Organizations across the U.S. recognized the people improving outcomes on the front lines of EMS
After a career-ending health diagnosis pushed him out of the field, Marshall Woodmansee found a new mission in EMS advocacy — and took that message to national industry leaders
“Feeling valued, understood and supported is the bedrock of true appreciation.”
Six EMS personnel and a supervisor received the Kim L. Lifesaver of the Year Award during EMS Week 2026 after treating a critically injured shooting victim before transport
How bystander intervention in bleeding emergencies affects EMS care
Paramedic Will Batalon and EMT Alexis De Costa were recognized during EMS Week after helping rescue seven people from a flooded home on Oahu
The May 20 observance will recognize EMS clinicians who care for children and feature a free webinar on pediatric spinal motion restriction
Many clinicians are already using Compact-state licensure to support interstate work, disaster response and cross-border service
Hall Ambulance highlighted its 1975 launch of paramedic-level care and its role supporting President Gerald Ford’s visit
The dark humor, deep pride and raw truth of life on the ambulance
Inspiring ways to recognize providers’ contributions, educate the community and recruit the next generation
5.11 Tactical, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Carhartt and others offering discounts during National EMS Week
The National EMS Memorial Service will bring together families, colleagues and supporters to honor EMS and air medical professionals who died in the line of duty
“If you’re reading this and you’re close to your own breaking point, hear me”
Celebrate EMS Week, holidays, graduations, promotions and more with these gifts medics will love
The Office of the First Lady honored the dedication and bravery of EMS professionals and their unwavering commitment to serving communities across the nation
Lancaster EMS opened its $6 million headquarters while recognizing the critical role of CPR training and a strong emergency response system
KCFD Station 10 posts with an image of an ambulance and captions from providers about their violent encounters has over 3,000 shares
As 29 new names join the “Tree of Life,” the National EMS Memorial Service offers a moving reminder of courage, community and the need for lasting recognition
EMS leaders urge action on pay, recognition and essential service status during annual celebration
Bleeding control saves lives — here’s how Stop the Bleed training fits into your emergency response protocol
“On virtually every call we run, we have the ability to make someone feel that their existence is important and that their well-being matters, if only by the way we interact with them.”
Columbia Southern University Selects 2025 EMS Professional of the Year
“If the day ever came when I could do this work and it didn’t bother me, that would be the day I needed to quit and find another job.”
“It is the promise woven into every dispatch, every siren, every shift, every person reaching out for help.”
The International Association of EMS Chiefs calls for national recognition of EMS professionals’ life-saving work and leadership in public safety