National EMS Week is May 18-24— A Time to Thank Those Dedicated Volunteers for Making a Difference!

This is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week.  National EMS Week is a time to show gratitude toward Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) and Paramedics who provide lifesaving care across the nation every day. EMS Week is also a time to educate the public about EMS and the essential service they provide to the area communities.  This year’s theme is “We Care. For Everyone.”  

EMS Week began in 1974 after a proclamation was called on the nation to support efforts to improve emergency medical care across the county.  Much has changed in the care provided by emergency medical professionals since that time, but the dedication to help others continues.

The area ambulance services who commonly arrive with patients at Veterans Memorial Hospital (listed in alphabetic order) includes the Caledonia Ambulance, Harpers Ferry Rescue Squad, Lansing Ambulance Service, Monona Ambulance Service, New Albin Fire & Rescue, Postville Ambulance Service, Waterville Rescue Squad, all in addition to the Waukon Veterans Memorial Hospital service.

An NICC class will soon be completed with a number of new graduates who will be joining the area ambulance services, after successful completion of their national registry testing.  Cheryl Livingston, hospital Paramedic, instructed the class.

Yet, EMT’s are greatly needed in EVERY community.  Veterans Memorial Hospital hopes to offer another class in the next year.  With this certification, individuals are able to volunteer on their own community’s ambulance service or rescue squad, as well as be prepared for careers in emergency services. But the satisfaction of helping others and giving back to the community is the real reward for becoming an EMT.

For more information about local EMT service opportunities and future classes, Cheryl Livingston, Paramedic, EMS Instructor, at Veterans Memorial Hospital at (563) 568-3411.