Emergency medical responders are being honored across the country this week as part of EMS Week 2015.
According to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, President Gerald Ford authorized the first EMS Week in 1973. At that time, EMS practitioners were only just starting to be recognized as an important part of public safety and emergency medicine. Today there are more than 800,000 EMS personnel working in the U.S., the NAEMT reported.
From May 17 to 23, communities are recognizing these men and women who tirelessly provide aid in medical emergencies.
In the middle of a busy work week, it is important that first responders take time to relieve their own stress.
New this year is a partnership between the NAEMT and the American College of Emergency Physicians. The groups combined to create a promotional campaign for this year's EMS Week called EMS Strong to further recognize and celebrate the contributions of emergency medical technicians.
According to the ACEP, the EMS Strong campaign aims to make EMS Week a daily reality, increasing the visibility of emergency responders in communities and among other health professions.
The campaign website described "EMS strong" as when a responder can break away from the mythical hero expectations of the public, acknowledge that on some days his or her best may not be enough and continue moving forward to the best of his or her ability. It is the strength to remain composed when everything else is in chaos, and the empowerment to run in when others run out.
EMS Week does not recognize superhumans. It recognizes normal people who rise to extraordinary challenges every day when duty calls.