Recognizing May 19-25 as Emergency Medical Services Week

Delaware County Council joined Regional EMS Director Patrick O’Connell, President of the Delaware County Health Council Chief Bruce Egan and members of the Delaware County EMS Community on May 15 to recognize May 19-25 as Emergency Medical Services Week.

Each year, thousands of Delaware County residents require the services of emergency medical services personnel. Emergency Medical Services are a vital public service comprised of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, dispatchers, firefighters, emergency physicians, air medical personnel, nurses and others. Delaware County’s EMS community is readily available and coordinates emergency medical services of the highest quality for citizens to prevent death and reduce suffering and disability which may arise from critical illness or injury.

Established in 1974, May is recognized as national EMS Week, a week dedicated to recognizing EMS workers around the country who work to save the lives and improve the health of citizens. This year, May 19-25 is designated as 2019 national EMS Week, with the theme “EMS Strong: Beyond the Call.”

“While we commend the heroic efforts of our dedicated EMS workers every day, this week is set aside to pay tribute to them and shine a spotlight on their work,” said Vice Chair Colleen Morrone.

The EMS community in Delaware County was recognized in the 2018 “State Emergency Medical Services Annual Report” for having the quickest response time to emergency scenes. The report, released by the Pennsylvania Department of Health - Bureau of EMS indicated that out of 67 counties Delaware County EMS responders had the quickest response time and were safely on location at emergencies within six minutes of being dispatched. This reflects the dedication and compassion these responders display for the health and safety of our communities.