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.

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.”
How bystander intervention in bleeding emergencies affects EMS care
The International Association of EMS Chiefs calls for national recognition of EMS professionals’ life-saving work and leadership in public safety
The federal EMSC Program continues its mission to enhance emergency services for children nationwide through training, support and recognition
The Empire State Building will shine blue, white and yellow with a signature heartbeat to honor NYC’s EMS workers, in partnership with the New York City Fire Department
This year’s EMS Week theme is “We care. For everyone.” How is your agency honoring your service?
The fleet-centric ambulance manufacturer will observe Paramedic Services Week and National EMS Week with special activities and giveaways from May 18-24
The company will celebrate frontline heroes with engaging contests and special tributes across Canada and the U.S.
How has the EMS Scope of Practice changed since the first EMS Week was celebrated 50+ years ago?
The global campaign trains civilians in tourniquet use, wound packing and more — skills that can mean the difference between life and death before first responders arrive
The theme, “We Care. For Everyone,” celebrates the roles and contributions of EMS providers in the communities they serve
Equipping citizens to put down the cell phone and save lives in an emergency
SGMC Health’s EMS system responds to over 23,000 911 calls across three counties
The James City County Fire Department received the highest state honors for an EMS provider
These social media posts show how various agencies and departments recognized EMS personnel across the country for EMS Week
There are a number of ways that organizations involved in the campaign can participate
Stock up on these bleeding control products and be ready to respond to emergency trauma both on and off duty
How the National EMS Memorial Weekend of Honor recognizes the fallen
On Day 2 of EMS Week, we are talking education – both for providers and community members
EMS providers “embody the best of our Nation — bravery, honor and respect, never failing to answer the call to help others,” President Joe Biden said
Many providers were inspired by their parents, a close friend and, of course, Johnny Gage and Roy DeSoto
A group of EMS advocates are working to enact a passage of reforms called “Rescue EMS” that would make EMS an “essential” service under the law
While you might be able to accurately diagnose every patient you treat, you must also prioritize your own physical and mental health
Kelly Grayson: “Paramedics save lives, EMTs save paramedics"; championing the role of EMTs
It’s important to foster effectiveness, professionalism and excellency; as well as core values of human decency, empathy, kindness and respect
Reflecting on how far EMS has come in 50 years
EMS leaders hold the blueprints as we enter the era of evidence-based practices
In the spirit of today’s theme, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable members of the EMS community who go beyond the call every shift
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
This day’s theme highlights the pediatric clinical care provided by EMS and the need for increased specialized training for our youngest patients
A life-changing moment helped Paramedic/Firefighter Meryah Wilson realize she was equipped to deal with emergencies
Larry Ganske and Kris Kruckman look at what has changed in EMS since they started