First responders have been serving the front lines across Michigan for decades, perhaps never so diligently as they have during the course of the coronavirus pandemic. With that selfless service to their fellow residents in mind, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared this week to be Michigan EMS Recognition Week.
Whitmer says that as a thank you to the emergency medical service personnel on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, she has proclaimed May 16th-22nd as Michigan EMS Recognition Week.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy for Health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, says, “As an emergency medicine physician I know how important our EMS heroes are in the community and the critical role they plan when Michiganders are in need,” andadds, “Michigan EMS professionals have gone above and beyond the call of duty during this pandemic and deserve our recognition for their tireless dedication.”
Michigan EMS providers stand ready to help residents in any type of emergency, completely focused on saving the lives of others. Their efforts help improve the survival and recovery rates of people who experience sudden illness or injury.
Jack Fisher, President of the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services and Executive Director of Medic 1 Ambulance in Berrien County, says, “Michigan EMS is proud to be serving on the front lines of the pandemic, providing lifesaving health care and public safety services to Michigan residents,” adding, “We stand ready to help Michiganders in need of medical assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and appreciate the recognition during EMS Week.”
EMS fills critical health care gaps by providing important out-of-hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care and access to telemedicine. EMS agencies have played an essential role during the pandemic, reducing hospital stays by treating COVID-19 patients at home when possible.
Michigan is home to 28,820 EMS providers, 812 life support agencies and more than 3,867 licensed life support vehicles, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness. For more information, you can visit online at: http://Michigan.gov/ems.
