DHSS Recognizes New Jersey's Emergency Medical Responders as Part of Emergency Medical Services Week

 Department of Health and Senior Services

The lifesaving services being provided by EMS personnel to thousands of individuals every day in the Garden State are being recognized by the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services during “Emergency Medical Services Week” May 15-21, 2011.  Governor Chris Christie issued a proclamation thanking the more than 25,000 EMS providers throughout the state for the services they provide to protect the health and save the lives of state residents.
 
The commemoration is sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians as an opportunity to educate the public and raise awareness about the critical role played by emergency medical responders around the country. The nationwide theme of the week is “EMS. Everyday Heroes.”
 
 “New Jersey’s Emergency Medical Services professionals are among the finest in the nation and in the last year alone, responded to more than one million calls, answering our residents needs 24 hours a day,” said New Jersey DHSS Acting Commissioner O’Dowd. “New Jersey has thousands of talented and dedicated EMS providers and it is fitting that we are recognizing their valiant service during National Emergency Medical Services Week.”
 
A single day during the week – May 18 – is being designated as EMS for Children Day, recognizing nationwide efforts to improve pediatric emergency care while encouraging everyone to be advocates for child safety and injury prevention.
 
The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride also begins this week to recognize those EMS professionals who have been injured or lost their lives in the line of duty. To bring awareness to the EMS profession and to raise funds to assist families of fallen EMS professionals, the ride will begin in Vermont, Maine and Kentucky on May 15 and will conclude on May 22. There is one end point in Washington, D.C.
 
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Medical Services was formed in 1967 and is one of the oldest such offices in the country.
 
New Jersey has more than 25,000 certified Emergency Medical Technicians staffing licensed and volunteer ambulance services in the state. In addition, New Jersey has more than 1,600 certified paramedics who staff Mobile Intensive Care Units and respond to the most critically injured patients.

Please click on the link to view the Governor’s proclamation for “Emergency Medical Services Week.” http://www.nj.gov/health/ems/proc/proclamation_ems_week.pdf

Please click on the link to view the Governor’s proclamation for “Emergency Medical Services Day for Children.” http://www.nj.gov/health/ems/proc/proclamation_emsc_day.pdf
 
For more information on New Jersey’s Office of Emergency Medical Services, visit www.nj.gov/health/ems.