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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.

“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.”
“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.”
During a difficult time for public health, people are using social media to honor EMS providers for their work and sacrifices
The poster bearing the slogan “Ready Today, Preparing for Tomorrow” will be displayed throughout the city during National EMS Week
Studies from the SARS outbreak in 2003 reveal first responders may be more at risk for PTS due to quarantine and stigmatization
Award the EMTs and paramedics at your agency for their Joe Exotic singing talent, Carole Baskin level dedication or Don Lewis MIA act in honor of EMS Week
Organizers seek broad participation to acknowledge the fallen and those serving during social distancing
Two EMTs bridge the generational divide, learn from each other
EMS Week offers a chance to talk to your community about where EMS is today – and where it’s headed tomorrow
Whitley County EMS was awarded an Award for Excellence in Pediatric Care by the Kentucky EMS for Children Pediatric Recognition Program
EMSSTAT paramedics serve as Norman, Moore and Goldsby’s first medical responders and have earned the American Heart Association’s highest level of recognition every year since 2015
From large cakes to colleague tributes, EMS providers around the country were recognized for their service and dedication to their communities
In recognition of National EMS Week and National Stop the Bleed Day, staff from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American College of Emergency Physicians provide critical bystander training to federal workers
Canton Firefighter/Medic Benjamin Lasure was awarded Paramedic of the Year for action he took when called May 6 to a burning house
Mike Ragan reunited with Ed Sparks, one of the EMS professionals who saved his life as part of the kickoff to National EMS Week
Who are the coffee fiends, tech junkies and bathroom radar detectors in your EMS agency?
Examples of successful volunteer EMS organizations show volunteerism is an essential pillar of EMS service delivery
From data sharing of real-time clinical feedback, to rounding with medical directors, learn how to tackle and treat burnout in paramedics and EMTs
Advocate for EMS provider mental and physical health not just during EMS Week, but all year long
Find a mentor, start with what’s important and train like you fight to accelerate your EMS training and become an expert
CPR
To celebrate National EMS Week, NAEMSP is challenging EMS agencies across the country to come up with the most creative and educational CPR video
EMS industry members demonstrated what it means to be “Stronger Together” by motivating each other through social media
From memorial statues to challenge coins, first responders are feeling the love from states around the country
EMS1 leaders reflect on the fitting theme of EMS Week 2018, and how their colleagues have furthered their own careers and contributions to the field
In honor of EMS Week, North Stonington Ambulance taught kids about the EMS industry by demonstrating on stuffed animals
Celebrating those who spend their days and nights helping others when they need help the most during EMS Week 2018
Departments are marking the occasion by enhancing their training skills, teaching lifesaving lessons and reminding providers to always have their partner’s back
The Empire State Building will be illuminated in yellow, white and blue with a red and white halo at sunset
You know who they are – recognize the Ferdinand Magellans, Yodas and Cliff Clavens of your agency during EMS Week
The three organizations are working together to offer free training during National EMS Week
Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro unveiled the poster, which promotes this year’s “Stronger Together” theme
It’s important to brush up on protocols, equipment and other areas of EMS after taking some time away from the field