Sonya Ward, EMS Specialist
Office of EMS and Trauma Systems
(501) 661-2273

May 14, 2003

Little Rock - The events of September 11, the anthrax scares and recent terrorist threats at home and abroad have made Arkansans critically aware of the important role that Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers--paramedics, emergency medical technicians, first responders, fire fighters, 911 dispatchers, emergency department nurses and doctors, EMS flight crews and the police--play in our lives.  

By Governor's Proclamation, May 18 - 24 has been designated as EMS Week in Arkansas.  The Arkansas celebration is to coincide with the National EMS Week observed in all fifty states.  This week is to honor EMS providers and to raise public awareness about health and safety issues, including how to prevent injuries and what to do in a medical emergency.  

The state's theme-- “We’re ready!”--is being promoted by the Arkansas Ambulance Association and Arkansas EMT Association in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Health, Office of EMS and Trauma Systems, to emphasize that EMS in this state is ready to respond to any and all needs.  

Local EMS services are hosting open houses, offering free blood pressure checks and raising local awareness.  The statewide activities will culminate on May 21 with an EMS "Parade of Lights" beginning at 10:00 a.m. and running from War Memorial Stadium on Markham Street to Capitol Drive, and an EMS Rally on the steps of the State Capitol at 11:00 a.m.  Following the rally, the Arkansas Department of Health, Office of EMS and Trauma Systems and Arkansas EMT Association will host a reception at the ADH Office of EMS, located at 5800 W. 10^th Street, Suite 800. For more information contact the Office of EMS at (501) 661-2262 or your local EMS service.

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