COLUMBUS, OH (May 20, 2002) – The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division kicks off National EMS Week (May 19-25) by scheduling activities that honor EMS providers and educate the public throughout the week.

This year’s EMS Week theme- "EMS: Help is a Heartbeat Away," emphasizes the responsiveness of emergency medical services around the country, while underscoring the importance of the national

9-1-1 emergency number system. It also addresses the commitment and dedication of the 750,000 EMS providers who serve their community.

"National EMS Week honors the lifesaving care EMS providers offer nationwide, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. EMS Week is a great opportunity to recognize the contributions of the past, and to build upon them for the future," says Laura Tiberi, EMS Executive Director.

In recognition of the recent heroic actions of many EMS, fire and other public safety personnel during and following the events of September 11^th, a special patriotic logo was designed. The red, white and blue "EMS: Proud to Serve" logo was developed to be worn with pride by those individuals who protect the nation’s health and safety at home.

EMS is a vital public service, a system of care for victims of sudden and serious illness or injury. This system depends on the availability and coordination of many different elements, ranging from an informed public capable of recognizing medical emergencies to a network of trauma centers capable of providing highly specialized care to the most seriously ill or injured. The 9-1-1 emergency number, search and rescue teams, and pre-hospital and emergency department personnel are some of the critical elements necessary for the EMS system to work.

Ohio has over 36,000 active EMTs at all levels that include First Responder, Basic, Intermediate and Paramedic.