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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 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
“If you’re reading this and you’re close to your own breaking point, hear me”
Tuesday’s theme aims to foster a culture of safety, collaboration and preparedness within the EMS industry and in local communities
This symbol shows that we belong to something important and we are part of the power, strength and knowledge of every EMT
Participants in the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride honor the fallen and support their loved ones
Educating the public about when it is appropriate to call EMS – and how quickly we should get there
Join the EMSC Program honoring EMS clinicians during EMS Week
The real role of EMS should be to train ourselves out of a job
5 heartwarming reunions reflecting the profound impact medics have on the patients they save
Industry leaders weigh in on celebrating EMS Week amidst the forces shaping the EMS landscape
NYC celebrates the life-saving efforts of paramedics and EMTs
Because of EMS, emergency care begins closer to the point of illness or injury than ever before
“We have a duty to care for those who care for us,” President Joe Biden said
On Day 2 of EMS Week, we are talking education – both for providers and community members
The event celebrates EMS providers and builds awareness of their important role in communities
Take our survey to measure how your department stacks up when it comes to supporting employees
Drs. Watkins, Glomb and Fallat share lessons learned from EMSC Day webinar
Members of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Division of Safety and EMS pose in front of the iconic American symbol
From truly serious matters to silly moments, here’s a look at how providers observed the annual week that shines a light on their service
The events include the National EMS Memorial Service and the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride
Reflect on the past 5, 10, 15 years to see how far EMS has come
The event includes exhibits, music, speakers and talk about Dr. Frank Boston, a WWI veteran and the first African American man to start an ambulance corps
President of the Austin EMS Association, Capt. Selena Xie is always looking for ways to elevate the EMS impact on the community
The “Unmasking Our Heroes” exhibit and video share the stress and community support FDNY EMS personnel experienced in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic
In a statement, President Joe Biden declared May 15-21 as EMS Week, and highlighted the commitment and sacrifice of the nation’s providers
Reflecting on the pain of 10 killed in a hate-driven shooting, 100,000 dead of drug overdoses and 1 million lost to COVID-19
Identify the risk factors that can diminish resilience and learn how to address six key areas of life that impact health and wellbeing
Rob Lawrence discusses legislative advocacy with the presidents of the Florida, California and Wisconsin EMS associations
Transitioning EMS mental health care from reactive to proactive
National EMS Memorial Foundation and National EMS Memorial Bike Ride
TikTok sensation Anna Muller shares how paramedics saved her life after she made a difficult 911 call
In emergency services, the efforts of the crew and lessons learned on the ground are just as important as the outcome