This year's National EMS Week, May 17–23, was a moment to pause and recognize the men and women who show up when every second counts. This year's theme, Improving Outcomes, Together, resonated deeply with the work we do in Mobile Integrated Health and Community Paramedicine, a model built on exactly that philosophy.
This week was a reminder that the future of EMS isn't only about responding faster, it's about thinking further ahead. Thank you to every clinician, coordinator, and community partner who is helping build that future, one patient at a time.
Below you'll find some stories of celebration and recognition from this year's EMS Week. But whether or not your city is featured, if you are involved in EMS in any capacity, on the frontlines, behind the scenes, a family member, or anywhere in between, this is for you. The work you do matters, and it deserves to be recognized.
Table of Contents:
Spirit EMS Takes EMS Week to the National Stage
Hutch Ambulance: Built on Teamwork, Rooted in Community
Mount St. Mary's Honors First Responders and Opens New Simulation Lab
Read Time: 3 minutes
Spirit EMS of Greenville, Ohio marked EMS Week by celebrating two of its team members, CDST Director Sarah Stump and Captain Paramedic Will Gardam, who were honored at the American Ambulance Association's Stars of Life Celebration in Washington, D.C. They were among 147 EMS professionals from 34 states recognized for their outstanding contributions before peers, national leaders, and members of Congress. Stump oversees communications, documentation, and care coordination, while Gardam leads multiple field crews across western Ohio and eastern Indiana. Their recognition reflects Spirit EMS's broader commitment to teamwork and collaboration at the heart of this year's theme.
Hutch Ambulance Service in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan marked National Paramedic Services Week by reaffirming their commitment to the 2026 theme, "Improving Outcomes, Together." EMS Chief Cam Hutchinson emphasized that emergency medical services rely on strong partnerships between paramedics, dispatchers, firefighters, police, nurses, physicians, and the communities they serve. Hutch Ambulance is also actively recruiting Primary Care Paramedics as demand for emergency services continues to grow. The organization expressed sincere gratitude to all responders and healthcare partners who work together to improve outcomes every day.
Catholic Health's EMS liaison team honored EMS providers and first responders from across Niagara County at an awards dinner at the Sanborn Fire Co., recognizing outstanding calls submitted by regional partners, with Wendelville Fire Co. named Agency of the Year. The celebration coincided with the launch of a new simulation lab at Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, featuring multiple simulation rooms and a realistic home environment for hands-on EMS training. EMS System Manager Emily James noted that training together improves communication, coordination, and ultimately patient outcomes. The hospital also plans to expand public education offerings including CPR, Stop the Bleed, and NARCAN training.