It’s the 50th anniversary of EMS Week and to celebrate this momentous occasion, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History is presenting “EMS Day at the Museum.” This day of events will explore the history of emergency medical services in the United States.
Wednesday, May 22, 12 to 4 p.m.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC
First Floor West & Warner Bros. Theater
This special exhibit will trace the roots of EMS, beginning with field-care during Revolutionary and Civil War battles, to the very specialized care provided by modern-day emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Historical objects from the museum’s archives and vintage ambulances will also be on display. The exhibit will highlight Pittsburgh’s Freedom House Ambulance Service, one of the nations first ambulance services to offer emergency medical care, founded in 1967 and staffed by Black paramedics. The afternoon events will include a panel discussion about the life-saving medical care delivered by our nation’s EMS clinicians, featuring important figures in EMS, including John Moon, one of the Freedom House paramedics. Learn more
The following day, Thursday, May 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the 50th anniversary celebration will continue on the National Mall (on 9th Street between Madison and Jefferson) with the following events:
- Antique ambulances on display
- Hands-on Hearts CPR training
- Stop the Bleed and tourniquet application training
- Table demonstration of the new DC Fire & EMS Whole Blood Program
- Presentations from national EMS organizations (1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
Join representatives from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Emergency Medical Services (NHTSA’s OEMS), NAEMT and the DC Fire and EMS (DCFEMS) Foundation as they host these two special events. #EMSWeek2024