Where Emergency Care Begins: It’s EMS Week In Escambia County

May 22, 2023

It’s Emergency Medical Services Week in Escambia County.

The county commission issued a proclamation designating the week recently. EMS Week was first established by President Gerald Ford in 1974 . This year, Escambia County will be celebrating EMS Week with the theme, “Where Emergency Care Begins.”

“Our team continues to meet the challenges of the ever-increasing demand placed on Emergency Medical Services,” said EMS Chief David Torsell III. “The tireless effort of our EMTs and Paramedics is a testament to the dedication they provide to the citizens of Escambia County every day.”

Last year, Escambia County EMS responded to 74,060 calls. That’s an average of about 8.5 calls per hour, 24 hours a day for 365 days.

Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

4 Responses to “Where Emergency Care Begins: It’s EMS Week In Escambia County”

  1. Heidi Lipe on May 23rd, 2023 11:28 am

    To be an EMT or an EMT-Paramedic is a difficult career choice. They spend their shifts in ambulances which were never designed for comfort. They respond to scenes in inclement weather and deal with less than ideal situations. More often than it should occur they are called to respond only to find the patient is using them as a taxi service. They make do with what they have. Feelings cannot linger in order to get by from call to call. They get tired physically and emotionally on a daily basis. Many people do not realize that many, many hours of training and education that are required to continue to perform their job. They are required to have the knowledge and skills to care for people across the age spectrum. Sure, there is occasional joy; reviving a cardiac arrest, rapid intervention for a trauma patient to increase the potential for survival, bringing new life into the world. Hugs and thank you are few and far between both in the field and at the hospital. Why do they continue with this career choice? Being an EMT or an EMT-P is a career choice often taken for granted unless they are urgently needed. To say thank you for your service should be shouted out not just this week but each time they respond to help someone in need.

  2. Laura Cook on May 23rd, 2023 4:07 am

    Thank you for your service, I feel that if I needed you you wold come without hesitation. Hwy 97 at Davisville.

  3. Bill T on May 22nd, 2023 10:37 am

    There is a lot of people who don’t realize how important these people are until you need them !!! Keep up the great work !!!!

  4. Me on May 22nd, 2023 2:29 am

    Thank you all for your service!