National Emergency Medical Services Week: May 15 – 21, 2016

This week is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, in honor of the dedicated men and women who provide critical day-to-day lifesaving services on the “frontlines” of emergencies across the country. When conditions can change in seconds, dual role firefighters/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics in Montgomery County provide sophisticated, state-of-the-art pre-hospital emergency medical care that can often mean the difference between life and death. The fire department has a rich history of protecting the health and safety of the community through an ‘all hazards’ response model and this week provides an opportunity to recognize EMS contributions of the past and build upon them for a safer tomorrow.

May 17-23 is Emergency Medical Services Week

May 17-23 is Emergency Medical Services Week!  MIEMSS to recognize EMS 'Stars of Life' today in Annapolis.  Among those being honored is our own Becky Ramirez, 911 Dispatcher, who is being recognized as Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Provider of the Year.

National Emergency Medical Services Week: May 19 – 25, 2013

This week is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, in honor of the dedicated men and women who provide critical day-to-day lifesaving services on the “frontlines” of emergencies across the country. When conditions can change in seconds, dual role firefighters/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics in Montgomery County provide sophisticated, state-of-the-art pre-hospital emergency medical care that can often mean the difference between life and death. The fire department has a rich history of protecting the health and safety of the community through an ‘all hazards’ response model and this week provides an opportunity to recognize EMS contributions of the past and build upon them for a safer tomorrow.

This year’s theme, ‘EMS: One Mission. One Team,’ recognizes the integral role of EMS providers with hospital emergency and trauma teams. Annually, 75 percent of all Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service emergency calls are EMS-related and as the public’s demand for emergency medical services has steadily increased over the years, advances in medicine and technology have increased the role of EMS providers in the field.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) has a national reputation for excellence and is continually researching and implementing innovative protocols to improve patient outcomes through advanced pre-hospital emergency medical care. In 2009, the department implemented several critical programs that demonstrate the department’s commitment to saving lives in the community. With strong evidence nationally that pre-hospital care has a profound impact on survival, the department was one of the first in the state to implement and deploy paramedic-staffed engine companies which facilitates faster access, improved pre-hospital care and enhanced patient care during an emergency. In 2010, the department established the Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) program which allows paramedics to transmit critical patient data directly and securely from remote locations to area hospitals using sophisticated technology and equipment. This new technology accelerates the diagnosis process while reducing critical time that ultimately can make a difference in patient outcome and survival.

“In recent weeks, we have seen the critical role that EMS responders play in major events and times of disaster,” said Chief Steven Lohr. “Today’s EMS system brings the first, and often critical, hour of specialized emergency care right to the patient’s side.When you have a medical emergency, you need immediate care. EMS Week provides an opportunity to recognize the often less visible members of our lifesaving team who are often first on the scene of emergencies and  medically complex calls and, on a daily basis, go above and beyond the call of duty to save lives.”

National EMS Week May 20 – 26, 2012

Rockville - - -  Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week will be celebrated throughout the nation May 20-26, 2012.  Montgomery County fire fighters, all of who are paramedics or emergency medical technicians are called to assist on over 100,000 incidents each year.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is a full spectrum life safety agency protecting nearly 1 million people who live and work in Maryland’s most populous jurisdiction.  The theme for this year, “EMS: More than a Job. A Calling,” underscores the commitment and dedication of the nation’s emergency medical service (EMS) providers who serve their communities all across the United States.

"The dedicated men and women who serve as EMS providers in Montgomery County are often first on the scene of local medical emergencies, motor vehicle crashes, disasters of all shapes and sizes or other event that may place them in a hazardous environment,” said Fire Chief Richard Bowers,  Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.


“As this year’s theme implies, our emergency first responders serve on the front lines and are an integral part of emergency health care in our communities while performing an extraordinary service.”
EMS Assistant Chief Diane Zuspan added, "Our EMS team provides an essential service to the communities we serve and we proudly recognize these inspiring and dedicated emergency medical responders who, on a daily basis, go above and beyond the call of duty to save lives, often while putting themselves in harm’s way."


Montgomery County has demonstrated an improved quality of out-of-hospital resuscitation through bystander CPR, AED deployment via public access, pre-arrival advanced care and other continuous quality resuscitation improvements. During EMS Week, Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers wants to especially acknowledge all the men and women of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, bystanders and medical professionals who have been involved in life-saving efforts in the County. 

It's National EMS Week: "Anytime. Anywhere. We'll be there."

It is National Emergency Medical Services Week this week, May 16 – 22. The theme: "Anytime. Anywhere. We'll be there."

The theme is a great one and certainly highlights Montgomery County Fire and Rescue’s year round commitment to all community members that we are ready to serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Thanks to all of the men and women, career and volunteer, of MCFRS who provide outstanding medical care to those we serve each and every day!