Posted 5/23/01 This is National EMS Week To the editor: National Emergency Medical Services Week, a celebration to honor approximately 750,000 EMS providers nationwide who deliver lifesaving emergency care, is scheduled for May 20-26, 2001. This yearís EMS week theme ñ Answering the Call ñ speaks to the commitment EMS providers make to answering the needs in their communities, and the countless ways they will continue to ensure our health, protection, and physical well-being in the years to come. ìThis job is different from any other job you can have,î says Linnea Barron, Central MN Emergency Medical Services Council Executive Director. ìYou are under tremendous pressure; you have to react quickly; you have to make flawless decisions. A lot of people arenít aware of what EMS providers do and how far their services reach into the community.î National EMS Week honors the lifesaving care EMS providers offer nationwide, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ìThis yearís theme is about the tremendous calling many EMS providers have to serve their communities, and the myriad of ways they educate, protect, and improve our lives. EMS week is a great opportunity to recognize the contributions of the past, and to build upon them for the future,î says Barron. In addition, National EMS Week offers a forum for the public to learn about injury prevention, safety awareness, and emergency preparedness. State and local activities that honor EMS providers and educate the public will be held throughout the week. Bethany Neeser Central MN EMS Council ©Post Review