• May 19th, 2020

EMS professionals have long served at the frontlines of our healthcare system, ready for any emergency. For nearly half a century, we have celebrated the dedication of our nation’s emergency medical services professionals during National EMS Week.

This year we mark this occasion during a most extraordinary time. Instead of hosting awards ceremonies and recognition events, EMS organizations in communities across the United States and around the globe are busy tackling a pandemic like nothing we’ve ever seen–one that tests us as individuals, and as a profession.

This year’s National EMS Week 2020 theme is “Ready today. Preparing for tomorrow.” This theme is so appropriate! As the continually evolving threat of COVID-19 has shown us, we don’t always know what tomorrow will bring. Yet you and your colleagues throughout the first responder and healthcare communities have lived by these words, ready for whatever comes your way, and always preparing for what might come next–even when it’s the unexpected.

I want to thank every EMS clinician and everyone who works hard to support them, including the administrative and logistics staffs and the family members whose own sacrifice makes it possible for you to perform your duty. As director of the NHTSA Office of EMS and leader of the EMS/Prehospital Team within the FEMA Health Systems Resiliency Task Force, I can assure you that your commitment and professionalism have not gone unnoticed. The entire Office of EMS staff is inspired by you to help you be even more ready the next time the tones sound, to support the advancement of local and State EMS systems, and to prepare for future challenges.

Thank you!
Jon R. Krohmer, MD, FACEP, FAEMS
Director, Office of EMS
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration