National EMS Memorial

The National EMS Memorial Foundation’s mission is to honor the heroism, courage, and enduring sacrifice of all past, present, and future EMS Providers and to remember and celebrate the lives of those killed in the line of duty.

The National EMS Memorial Foundation will honor EMS Providers across all of the various service delivery models including federal, state, tribal, military, volunteer, local and private EMS.

The National EMS Memorial Foundation will honor EMS Providers across all of the various service delivery models including federal, state, tribal, military, volunteer, local and private EMS.

Throwback Thursday: 1928—Rural volunteer service begins with Roanoke, VA life-saving and first aid crews. Other states follow, but quality and kind of service varies widely.

EMS Memorial Monday: Is that July sun beating down on you? Want to support a great cause and look stylish at the same time? How about purchasing a NEMSMF hat?

All proceeds go towards building the National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Visit our official store today! https://www.emsmemorial.org/shop

Throwback Thursday: 1981—Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act consolidates funding into preventive health block grants to states, reduces compliance with federal guidelines, and abolishes the lead federal agency.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Thomas Jefferson

The National EMS Foundation wishes you and your families a safe and happy 4th of July.

EMS providers have been on the frontline of our Nation’s opioid epidemic for years. A vital part of each of these calls is making sure no discarded needles are left behind as we treat and transport overdose patients.

Collecting used, uncapped needles on the street puts the provider at high risk of exposure to countless blood borne pathogens, but they assume that risk so the community doesn’t have to.

Throwback Thursday: In 1862—Major Jonathan Letterman established the U.S. Ambulance Corps within the Army of the Potomac to triage wounded on active battlefields rather than retrieving them after battle ended. Based on its success saving lives, Ambulance Corps were adopted throughout the Union Army.

EMS Memorial Monday: Remember to visit our online store!

All proceeds go directly toward establishing the National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor the Commitment, Service, and Sacrifice of our Nation’s EMS Providers.

https://www.emsmemorial.org/shop

The National EMS Memorial Foundation’s mission is to honor the heroism, courage, and enduring sacrifice of all past, present, and future EMS Providers and to remember and celebrate the lives of those killed in the line of duty.

Throwback Thursday: In the 1990s, organizations associated with EMS recognized the need for nationally coordinated information sharing and a “unified EMS voice.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Association of State EMS Officials, and the National Association of EMS Physicians comprehensively reviewed and evaluated the current EMS landscape. They produced the EMS Agenda for the Future to prioritize ideas, legislation, goals and objectives for the coming decades.

There are 24 steps in the process to build a memorial in Washington, D.C.. Where are we now?

STEP 11:
Memorial sponsor submits alternative site study and accompanying preliminary environmental analysis to NPS or GSA for approval of preferred site. After consultation with NCMC, NPS or GSA approves a preferred site on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior or the Administrator of GSA, depending on whose land is affected.

Throwback Thursday: In 1967, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and AT&T worked together to create a universal emergency phone number. They knew the number needed to be unique, easy to dial, and easy to remember. After some research, it was discovered that "911" had not yet been designated as an office code, area code, or service code, and fit all the criteria they were looking for. "911" became the official number to dial if you had an emergency in 1968.

Throwback Thursday: March 16th, 1864, Congress passed Public Law #22 (An Act to Establish a Uniform System of Ambulances in the Armies of the United States.) Among the conditions of the Act, a Captain was made Commander of all the Ambulances, Medicine, and other Wagons in the Corps. His job was to "instruct his men most easily and expeditiously of moving the sick and wounded, and to require in all cases that the sick and wounded shall be treated with gentleness and care." The Secretary of War, E.D. Townsend, Assistant Adjutant-General, penned these instructions. www.civilwarhome.com

Throwback Thursday: The Star of Life symbol was originally used by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a certification stamp for ambulances, paramedics, or other EMS personnel. Dr. Leo Schwartz, who was in charge of the EMS branch of the NHTSA, created and named the logo. It was patented on February 1, 1977.

The six points of the star each have a meaning: Detection, Reporting, Response, On Scene Care, Care in Transit, and Transfer to Definitive Care.

The snake climbing the rod in the middle is the Rod of Asclepius, a Greek god associated with healing and medicine.

EMS Memorial Monday: The Pittsburgh Pirates will be hosting a First Responders Appreciation Series September 9th - 11th at PNC Park against the Miami Marlins.

A portion of all tickets purchased on behalf of EMS will be donated to the National EMS Memorial Foundation to establish a permanent National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor, recognize, and remember the Nation’s EMS heroes.

The special ticket package includes a First Responders Day cap.
Click here to buy tickets: https://www.mlb.com/pirates/tickets/specials/first-responders

The National EMS Memorial Foundation recognizes our Nation's veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Please join us as we remember and honor our heroes this Memorial Monday. Their bravery and service will never be forgotten.

EMS Week: Honoring our Past. Forging our Future.

In 2018, recognizing the commitment, service, and sacrifice of the lost or disabled members of the EMS Provider community, Congress passed Public Law 115-275 authorizing the National EMS Memorial Foundation to establish a fitting and permanent National EMS Memorial in Washington, DC.

Check out our website to follow our progress!
https://www.emsmemorial.org

This year’s EMS Week slogan is “Honoring our Past. Forging our Future.”

With the future in mind, we are happy to share the final three sites under consideration for the permanent memorial. We have visited over 300 potential sites in our search for the perfect location in Washington, D.C.

One of these three locations will be the home of the National EMS Memorial!

EMS Week: Honoring our Past. Forging our Future.

The Decades of Expansion: The 1980s saw an accelerated transformation of the EMS system through formalized professional qualifications and integration as a front-line medical resource. The increasing scope of services provided by EMS providers drove another major development in the ‘80s: physician oversight was necessary for effective first-line treatment coordinated as part of the medical-care continuum. The position of Emergency Medical Director arose with the primary responsibility and authority to provide medical oversight for all aspects of EMS to ensure quality patient care.

EMS Week: Honoring our Past. Forging our Future.

The Dawn of the Modern EMS System: In 1966, the National Academy of Sciences published Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society. This landmark report would radically change emergency services and help launch the modern EMS system. It pulled no punches about the state of emergency services at that time: “Few are adequately trained in the advanced techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, childbirth, or other lifesaving measures, yet every ambulance and rescue squad attendant, policeman, fire-fighter, paramedical worker and worker in high-risk industry should be trained.”

EMS Week: Honoring our Past. Forging our Future.

Dr. Jonathan Letterman, ‘Father to Battlefield Medicine.’ As late as the Civil War, standard practice was to wait for a battle to end before tending to the injured. Often times it would take days to remove the wounded, resulting in horrific suffering and many avoidable deaths.

In 1862—Major Jonathan Letterman established the U.S. Ambulance Corps within the Army of the Potomac to triage wounded on active battlefields rather than retrieving them after battle ended. Based on its success saving lives, Ambulance Corps were adopted throughout the Union Army. Letterman is considered the father of US EMS.

EMS Week: Honoring our Past. Forging our Future.

For more than 150 years, dedicated people have made themselves the first line of defense in dealing with medical emergencies. Under the threat of battle or navigating the peacetime urban, suburban, and rural environments, they have consistently demonstrated the Commitment, Service, and Sacrifice that are the hallmarks of Emergency Medical Services.

Happy EMS Week!

May 19-25, 2024 marks the 50th Anniversary of EMS Week.

This year's theme, “Honoring Our Past. Forging Our Future,” is a great opportunity to appreciate the foundational work of those who came before us, while we work towards strengthening EMS for the future.

Throwback Thursday: Next week is National EMS Week. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) helped establish a National EMS Week back in 1974 under President Gerald Ford when he dedicated the week to acknowledge the important work of EMS Providers. In the beginning, the week was held in November but later moved to May so as not to conflict with Fire Prevention Week.

EMS Memorial Monday: The Pittsburgh Pirates will be hosting a First Responders Appreciation Series September 9th - 11th at PNC Park against the Miami Marlins.

A portion of all tickets purchased on behalf of EMS will be donated to the National EMS Memorial Foundation to establish a permanent National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor, recognize, and remember the Nation’s EMS heroes.

The special ticket package includes a First Responders Day cap.
Click here to buy tickets:
https://www.mlb.com/pirates/tickets/specials/first-responders

Happy Mother's Day to all the EMS Mother's out there! Whether you're a provider or the mother of a provider, the National EMS Memorial Foundation hopes you can enjoy this special day surrounded by those you love.