Celebrating EMS Week 2023 – Day 5: Save-A-Life Day

It's on agencies to provide opportunities for community members to learn the skills needed to potentially save the life of a stranger or loved one

Earlier this year, NFL player Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after a sudden cardiac arrest. The emergency response and his subsequent health rebound put EMS in the spotlight; suddenly, discussions on the importance of early CPR and AED training for the public were hot topics.

Similarly, the increased frequency of mass casualty incidents and the accompanying publicity demonstrates a need for community members to be prepared to act in the event of an emergency – to save a life.

The goal of today's theme is empowerment; it's up to you as an EMS provider to empower local citizens to learn the skills needed to potentially save the life of a stranger or loved one in an emergency.

During critical moments before professional medical assistance arrives, every second counts. EMS providers could be delayed by demand or an active threat. By equipping community members with the basic skills and information needed to respond effectively in the moment, we empower them to become active participants in the chain of survival.

Check out our "EMS Week: Save-A-Life" video below, as well as gathered resources to help your communities stand ready, take action and make a life-saving impact.

Citizen emergency training

CPR

Effective training

CPR class instruction tips: 5 ways to make it great

Follow these tips to make BLS Healthcare Provider class memorable and effective for students

AED training

Stop the Bleed training

Reduce risk

Stop the Bleed – Save a Life

Reduce your community’s risk by training citizens how to control bleeding

Get more EMS1 on YouTube

Find exclusive content, video podcasts and the latest EMS news hot takes on the EMS1 YouTube channel

About the author

Rachel Engel is an award-winning journalist and the senior editor of FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. In addition to her regular editing duties, Engel seeks to tell the heroic, human stories of first responders and the importance of their work. She earned her bachelor's degree in communications from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, and began her career as a freelance writer, focusing on government and military issues. Engel joined Lexipol in 2015 and has since reported on issues related to public safety. Engel lives in Wichita, Kansas. She can be reached via email.