National EMS Week 2027

Recognizing the People
Who Make EMS Possible

May 16–22, 2027

Celebrating EMS Professionals

National EMS Week recognizes the clinicians, communications professionals, educators, leaders and support personnel who make emergency medical services possible in communities across the country.

Established in 1974, EMS Week brings communities and healthcare professionals together to recognize EMS professionals, increase public understanding of the EMS system and support the people who provide essential care every day. The observance is led nationally by the American College of Emergency Physicians in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.

More Than a Week of Recognition

EMS Week is an opportunity to recognize the workforce while educating the public about the full role of EMS. Agencies can use the week to provide community education, strengthen workforce wellness, conduct training, recognize outstanding service and honor EMS professionals who died in the line of duty.

Sunday, May 16

Health, Wellness and Resilience Day

Focus on the physical and mental well-being of EMS professionals. Agencies can share wellness resources, discuss fatigue and stress, strengthen peer-support programs or create opportunities for clinicians to reconnect and recharge.

Activity ideas: Peer-support education, wellness screenings, fitness activities, stress-management training or a team meal.

Monday, May 17

EMS Education Day

Highlight the continuing education required of EMS clinicians and the public education programs EMS agencies provide. This is also an opportunity to introduce students and career changers to education and employment pathways in EMS.

Activity ideas: Continuing education courses, station tours, career presentations or community programs addressing falls, burns, poisoning and drowning prevention.

Tuesday, May 18

EMS Safety Day

Promote practices that protect EMS professionals, patients and the public. Safety Day encourages agencies to identify risks, strengthen prevention efforts and reinforce a culture in which safety is part of every response.

Activity ideas: Roadway and vehicle safety training, lifting and injury-prevention education, equipment inspections, situational-awareness exercises or workplace violence prevention.

Wednesday, May 19

EMS for Children Day

Raise awareness of the specialized knowledge, equipment and communication skills needed when caring for children. Agencies can use this day to strengthen pediatric readiness and help families prevent childhood injuries.

Activity ideas: Pediatric simulations, equipment reviews, child passenger safety education, bicycle safety programs or family emergency-preparedness events.

Thursday, May 20

Save-A-Life Day

Give community members the knowledge and confidence to act before EMS arrives. Early CPR, bleeding control and appropriate use of an automated external defibrillator can make an important difference during a time-sensitive emergency.

Activity ideas: Hands-only CPR demonstrations, Stop the Bleed classes, AED education, public first-aid training or a community blood drive.

Friday, May 21

EMS Recognition Day

Recognize the EMS professionals whose clinical skill, leadership, service and professionalism strengthen their agencies and communities. Meaningful recognition should reflect the many roles required to make an EMS system successful.

Activity ideas: Employee awards, years-of-service recognition, a team appreciation meal, patient reunion or public acknowledgment from community leaders.

Saturday, May 22

EMS Remembrance Day

Honor EMS professionals who died in the line of duty and recognize their families, colleagues and agencies. This day provides an opportunity for the EMS community to reflect on their service and preserve their memory.

Activity ideas: A memorial ceremony, moment of silence, Wall of Honor, tribute to surviving family members or memorial scholarship.

EMS Week Planning Resources

Use these national resources to plan community education, workforce recognition and lifesaving-skills programs. Check the official EMS Week website for updated 2027 materials as they become available.

Share How Your Agency Is Celebrating

SCEMSA invites EMS agencies across South Carolina to share their EMS Week activities, recognition programs, community events and photos. Your agency’s work may be featured through SCEMSA’s website, newsletter or social media channels.