The state Department of Public Health (DPH) today celebrated the 50^th Anniversary of the nation’s modern Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and kicked off national EMS Week, by honoring six EMS personnel and an EMS organization at a State Capitol ceremony. The theme of this year’s EMS week (May 15-21) is "Called to Care" and is a part of a larger campaign, EMS STRONG, by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), to recognize and inspire EMS personnel and strengthen the profession nationally.

"Every day, the dedicated and committed professional and volunteer EMS staff in our communities, make Connecticut’s EMS system work," stated DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino. "I am grateful to the men and women who provide all Connecticut residents top quality EMS services twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They have chosen to answer the call of a career that demands passion, purpose and heart, day in and day out. EMS personnel put themselves at risk to keep us safe, protect us from harm and provide oftentimes life-saving medical attention. I congratulate the winners of this year’s Recognition Awards and thank all of the men and women who demonstrate amazing care for the well-being of others."

The following individuals and organization were presented with awards today by Commissioner Pino: Trumbull EMS (Governor’s Award), Maria Wilson, President of the Eastern EMS Council (Connecticut Public Health Commissioner’s Award), Joe Soto, Treasurer of the Southwest EMS Council (Gillooly-Lawton Award), Audrie Babineau of the Colchester-Haywood EMS (George A. Ganung Volunteer of the Year Award), Erin Maloney of Enfield EMS (Distinguished Achievement Award), William Begg, M.D., of Newtown, Danbury Hospital’s EMS Medical Director (Dr. Mark E. Quigley Award), and State Representative JP Sredzinski of Monroe (Legislator of the Year Award). For more information on the awards and EMS week, please visit: www.ctemscouncils.org

"National EMS Week is our opportunity to recognize the contributions made by Connecticut’s emergency medical services personnel, who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of the medical front line. As our Nation and State face the challenges of a rapidly evolving healthcare system, our EMS providers have never been more important," added Raffaella Coler, Director of DPH’s Office of Emergency Medical Services. "We encourage all Connecticut residents to take the opportunity during National EMS Week to celebrate and support local EMS providers’ commitment to our communities."

In 1966, the National Academy of Sciences released a report that found the mortality rate for people killed on the nation’s roadways was near epidemic proportions. The findings and recommendations in the report led to the development of the state-of-the-art EMS system our nation enjoys today.

As part of EMS Week, one day is dedicated to focus on the needs of children. Wednesday, May 18, 2016 is National EMS for Children Day. The Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, encourages EMS organizations to focus their activities and efforts specifically on child safety and injury prevention.