Today, Congressman Michael Guest (R-Miss), joined by Congressional EMS
Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) and
Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich), introduced a resolution honoring
the commitment and care of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel
during the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week. The
resolution highlights the important contributions of EMS teams to
deliver timely and needed care and support patients in rural and
underserved areas, all while placing themselves in potentially dangerous
situations. Through the resolution, the lawmakers honor the commitment
of EMS personnel and the importance of their role in our local
communities.
“Our EMS personnel and first responders are some of the most important people in our local communities,” said Rep. Guest.
“I am honored to sponsor a resolution to bring attention to our EMS
professionals and be a part of continuing to support these important
services for Mississippi and across the United States through my work on
the House Appropriations Committee.”
"The
brave EMS personnel are the unsung heroes of our communities,
responding swiftly to crises and saving countless lives every day," said Rep. Hudson. "As
we recognize EMS Week, we owe these hardworking men and women our
deepest gratitude for providing critical care with skill and
determination to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others."
“Emergency
medical services agencies play a critical role in every community
across our country. They respond to all kinds of crises – often risking
their own safety – and work around the clock to keep Americans
safe,” said Rep. Dingell. “I’m honored to sponsor this
resolution during the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week to shed
light on the role EMS plays in communities across the country, while
highlighting the importance of supporting them as they support us.”
The
resolution is supported by the National Association of Emergency
Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and the American Ambulance Association
(AAA).
“As we celebrate EMS Week’s 50th anniversary this week, I extend my deepest thanks to all EMS Practitioners for the work they have done and continue to do,” said Susan Bailey, President of NAEMT. “EMS
Practitioners are now providing medical care in a variety of settings.
Our role has become much broader than ambulance transport. EMS
Practitioners provide a full array of emergent, urgent and preventive
patient care to those in need in prehospital and out of hospital
settings. EMS is an integral part of our nation’s healthcare system and
has been proven to be effective in major public health emergencies. This
year’s EMS Week theme is ‘Honoring our Past. Forging our Future.’ Without a doubt, the EMS workforce has risen to the challenges with focus, determination and professionalism.”
“The American Ambulance Association applauds the Members for introducing this resolution,” said the AAA.
“It is important that the country recognize that ground ambulance
services are essential health care services. Paramedics and EMTs are
providing evermore sophisticated medical services to our communities and
deserve our gratitude.”
National EMS Week was authorized in 1974 by President Gerald Ford to highlight the important work that EMS personnel do in communities
across the United States. For the last 50 years, the United States has
highlighted a week each year for our EMS personnel and the important
life-saving work they deliver twenty-four hours a day, seven days a
week, and 365 days a year.
The
origins of emergency medical services can be traced to the beginning of
America during the American War for Independence and the American Civil
War, as well as in World War I and World War II. Mississippians have
also made notable contributions to EMS efforts throughout history. Paul J. Rainey,
who resided in Cotton Plant, Mississippi, sponsored and drove an
ambulance with the famous Harjes Ambulance Corps in Europe during World
War I. Jack Ruby from Olive Branch, Mississippi, drove an ambulance for the Army during
World War II. These early pioneers in war time helped to lead the way
for the modern EMS movement.
Congressman
Guest is honored to lead the resolution to recognize our EMS personnel
and the significant role they play in delivering timely, innovative, and
needed care to patients across the United States. In addition to
Representatives Hudson and Dingell, the following Members of the House
of Representatives joined the resolution as original cosponsors:
Rep.
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (PA-08), Rep. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Rep. Claudia
Tenney (NY-24), Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), Rep. Richard McCormick (GA-06),
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Rep.
Carol D. Miller (WV-01), Rep. Mike Carey (OH-15), Rep. Susan Wild
(PA-07), Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Rep. Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischmann
(TN-03), Rep. John R. Moolenaar (MI-02), Rep. John Joyce (PA-13), Rep.
Darin LaHood (IL-16), Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Rep. Mike Ezell
(MS-04), Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17), Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01), Rep.
Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), Rep. Kelly
Armstrong (ND-at large), Rep. David P. Joyce (OH-14), Rep. Elise M. Stefanik (NY-21), and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-at large).
Congressman
Michael Guest represents Mississippi's Third Congressional District.
Currently serving his third term, Congressman Guest serves as the
Chairman of the Committee on Ethics. He is also a member of the
Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Homeland Security.