National Emergency Medical Services Week was created in 1974 to celebrate our emergency services personnel for the important work they do. This is the perfect time to recognize Forest Service employees who respond to their colleagues during an emergency medical need. Please join us in recognizing the dedication of these employees who may have to act, on any given day, to provide lifesaving services for others.

I am proud to be affiliated with the Emergency Medical Program, helping our EMS teams to establish and maintain their regional programs, while ensuring our Forest Service employees have practitioners who are credentialed and trained to respond to any medical emergencies. This past year has been challenging for all of us, yet the regions have been responsive to ongoing local challenges and national pandemic needs.

This year, approximately 800 employees have been credentialed in the EMS program. Seven regions, as well as Law Enforcement and Investigations have implemented their programs within their individual forests and jurisdictional areas. Currently, 70 of our forests have embedded EMS personnel ready to respond to our employees’ needs. At last count, we also have engaged in discussions and agreements with approximately 80 doctors (mostly volunteer) nationally to provide local medical direction under the watchful eye of our new Forest Service National Medical Director, Dr. Michelle Curry.

The Forest Service has a noble mission to protect natural resources, and our EMS providers protect those who carry out our mission in the field. As the EMS team perform their professional duties, their commitment to perform to the best of their abilities is a tribute to the Forest Service’s core values of service, conservation, interdependence, diversity and safety. Please help me celebrate the important contributions of our EMS members in safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of all Forest Service employees.

Thank you for the work you do every day, and stay safe!