From fitness competitions and therapy dogs, to student spotlights and 25-year service awards, agencies across the country are recognizing the people behind the patch during National EMS Week 2026.
Observed May 17-23, 2026, EMS Week — led by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians and the American College of Emergency Physicians — highlights the lifesaving work EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers and other EMS professionals provide every day. This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” focuses on the teamwork that drives emergency care in communities nationwide.
Across social media, EMS agencies, fire departments, hospitals and law enforcement agencies shared messages of appreciation, showcased provider wellness initiatives and highlighted the dedication it takes to serve on the front lines of emergency care.
FDNY EMS providers showcase strength and skills
The New York City Fire Department kicked off EMS Week with its 24th Annual FDNY EMS Week Competition at the EMS Academy, where EMTs and paramedics competed in hands-on skill challenges and a Strongperson competition.
Family and friends gathered to cheer on participants as crews demonstrated the physical and technical skills required on the job every day.
“Competition, camaraderie and FDNY EMS skills on full display,” the department wrote in its post.
Marion County Fire Rescue highlights teamwork in patient care
Marion County Fire Rescue recognized the role EMTs and paramedics play in improving patient outcomes across Ocala and Marion County.
The agency highlighted the work of its single-certified EMS providers, praising their compassion, professionalism and ability to make quick decisions during emergencies.
“Behind every call is a team, and our EMTs and Paramedics are an essential part of that mission,” the agency wrote.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police thank Medic crews
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department used EMS Week as an opportunity to recognize Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Medic) crews for their partnership in serving the community.
“As National EMS Week kicks off, we want to take a moment to recognize our first responder brothers and sisters over at Mecklenburg EMS Agency - Medic,” CMPD wrote. “Our officers are proud to stand beside you in service to this community.”
EMS students recognized for sacrifice and resilience
Robeson Community College’s EMS department spotlighted the dedication of EMS students balancing coursework, clinicals, jobs and family responsibilities while preparing for careers in emergency medicine.
The program noted that many students work long shifts in EMS, the fire service, law enforcement or healthcare before heading straight to class.
“They show up tired. They show up stressed. They show up exhausted,” the department wrote. “But they still give everything they have because they care about helping people on someone else’s worst day.”
GTCC EMS Program used EMS Week to recognize not only frontline EMS providers, but also the educators and mentors helping prepare the next generation of EMTs, AEMTs and paramedics.
The program highlighted the sacrifices EMS professionals make daily — from long shifts and missed holidays, to difficult decisions made during emergencies — while emphasizing the resilience and teamwork that define the profession.
“EMS Week is more than a celebration, it’s a recognition of the men and women who answer the call on someone’s worst day and bring skill, compassion, and calm to moments of chaos,” the program wrote.
GTCC also recognized its adjunct faculty members, many of whom continue to serve as active EMS providers while teaching students in the classroom and lab.
“Our adjunct faculty are more than instructors, they are active providers, leaders, and role models who bring real-world experience, passion, and excellence into the classroom and lab,” the program wrote. “Their dedication helps build not just competent clinicians, but professionals who carry forward the values and legacy of EMS.”
Pennsylvania EMS providers honored for 25 years of service
Penn State Health Life Lion Critical Care recognized Flight Paramedic Smith and EMT Barnett after both received the Emergency Health Services Federation Star of Life Award during a ceremony at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Rotunda.
The award honors EMS professionals with 25 or more years of service in the profession.
“For decades, Smith and Barnett have answered the call in moments when people needed help the most,” Life Lion wrote.
Hospitals highlight EMS partnerships
Hospitals and healthcare systems across the country also used EMS Week to recognize the critical role EMS professionals play in patient outcomes before patients ever reach the emergency department.
ThedaCare thanked ambulance crews, first responders, flight teams and emergency personnel across the region for the care they provide during critical moments.
“From local ambulance crews and first responders to ThedaStar and emergency teams throughout the region, your skill, compassion and quick action make a difference in some of life’s most critical moments,” the health system wrote.
The organization also highlighted its partnerships with EMS agencies throughout the communities it serves, noting the importance of coordinated emergency care “when every second matters.”
Los Robles Health System used EMS Week to recognize the role EMS providers play in getting patients to definitive care during time-sensitive emergencies such as trauma, stroke and heart attacks.
The hospital system highlighted its Level II Trauma Center, ER STEMI program and Comprehensive Stroke Center while emphasizing the importance of EMS-to-hospital coordination.
“This EMS Week, we’re highlighting the important role EMS teams play before a patient ever reaches the hospital,” the system wrote.
Memorial Health System in Ohio used EMS Week to recognize the compassion and humanity EMS clinicians bring to patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“Every EMS clinician carries one call with them forever, not for its heroism but for its humanity,” the organization wrote, highlighting the lasting impact providers experience throughout their careers.
The post reflected on moments EMS crews remember long after calls end — from helping stabilize a child struggling to breathe to comforting patients and families during emergencies.
“Thank you for caring for everyone in our communities,” the organization wrote. “We appreciate you.”
Acadian Ambulance celebrates the many roles in EMS
Acadian Ambulance reflected on its 55 years of service while recognizing the wide range of professionals who make EMS possible.
The company’s post highlighted dispatchers, EMTs, paramedics, flight crews, nurses, students and support personnel, noting the diversity of situations EMS providers respond to every day — from cardiac arrests and mass casualty incidents to community events and public education.
“This week, we celebrate you,” the agency wrote.
STAR Flight highlights specialty critical care partnerships
Travis County STAR Flight used EMS Week to spotlight its specialty team transports and decades-long partnerships with regional healthcare systems across Central Texas.
For more than 20 years, STAR Flight has partnered with teams from Dell Children’s Medical Center, St. David’s HealthCare and Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin to transport neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care and high-risk obstetric patients by helicopter.
The agency said the partnerships allow crews to rapidly transport specialized critical care teams — including nurses, respiratory therapists and physicians — to critically ill patients across the region, from Austin-area urgent care centers to remote hospitals more than 180 miles away.
“These teams are able to bring the highest level of care to the patient and continue it during transport to a specialty resource hospital,” the agency wrote.
STAR Flight also recognized the crews and specialty care partners involved in the program, noting that “countless lives have been saved over the years” through the collaboration.
Wake County EMS spotlights provider wellness and peer support
Wake County EMS focused on the importance of health, wellness and resilience during the first theme day of EMS Week.
The agency highlighted mental health resources available to providers, including 24/7 access to a psychologist, peer support teams and therapy dogs Stryker and Zillie.
“It’s a tough job that most don’t understand unless you’ve been in it,” the agency wrote. “Take care of yourself, physically and mentally.”
EMS providers thank crews nationwide
SideTrax EMS recognized EMTs, paramedics, nurses, dispatchers and emergency medical professionals who staff concerts, festivals, rodeos, racetracks and other events.
The company thanked providers for being “the calm in the chaos” during emergencies and acknowledged the long hours and difficult calls EMS crews face.
“We appreciate you — this week and every week,” the company wrote.
EMS Week tributes also extended beyond public agencies and hospitals. Medical supplier Henry Schein Medical released a video titled “First to Respond: Celebrating EMS Professionals,” honoring EMTs and paramedics for the compassion and dedication they bring to communities every day.
“If you have that desire to help someone, there’s no better career,” one provider says in the video.
The tribute highlights the often unseen work EMS professionals perform during some of the most difficult moments in people’s lives while thanking crews nationwide for their service during EMS Week.
EMS Week celebrations
EMS Week includes daily themes recognizing different aspects of emergency medical services, including provider wellness, education, pediatric care, CPR awareness and remembrance of fallen EMS professionals.
The 2026 EMS Week theme days were:
- Sunday: Health, Wellness and Resilience Day
- Monday: EMS Education Day
- Tuesday: Safety Tuesday
- Wednesday: EMS for Children Day
- Thursday: Save-A-Life Day (CPR & Stop the Bleed)
- Friday: EMS Recognition Day
- Saturday: EMS Remembrance Day
