LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – As a thank you to the emergency medical service personnel on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed May 16-22 as Michigan EMS Recognition Week.
“As an emergency medicine physician I know how important our EMS heroes are in the community and the critical role they plan when Michiganders are in need,” chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said in a statement. “Michigan EMS professionals have gone above and beyond the call of duty during this pandemic and deserve our recognition for their tireless dedication.”
Officials say Michigan EMS providers stand ready to help residents in any type of emergency, completely focused on saving the lives of others., and that their efforts help improve the survival and recovery rates of people who experience sudden illness or injury.
“Michigan EMS is proud to be serving on the front lines of the pandemic, providing lifesaving health care and public safety services to Michigan residents,” Michigan Association of Ambulance Services president Jack Fisher said in a statement. “We stand ready to help Michiganders in need of medical assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and appreciate the recognition during EMS Week.”
EMS fills critical health care gaps by providing important out-of-hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care and access to telemedicine. EMS agencies have played an essential role during the pandemic, reducing hospital stays by treating COVID-19 patients at home when possible.
Michigan is home to 28,820 EMS providers, 812 life support agencies and more than 3,867 licensed life support vehicles, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/ems.
