During the week of May 17, Trinity Health Of New England recognized National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, an annual observance established in 1974 to honor the lifesaving work of EMTs, paramedics and first responders. This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” was a reminder of the collaboration at the heart of emergency care, bringing together dispatchers, public health, fire and law enforcement partners, as well as clinical teams to improve patient outcomes.
EMS Week was recognized at Mercy Medical Center and across the region.
Throughout the week, we celebrated the skill and dedication of EMS professionals who serve our communities every day. As first on the scene, their decisions and expertise set the course for the care that follows and their impact is felt far beyond the initial call.
At Saint Mary’s Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital, EMS Week was marked by both celebration and reflection. Saint Mary’s hosted an EMS Week Dinner and CME session, while Saint Francis recognized excellence through its EMS Champion Awards. These moments offered a chance to gather, share learnings and acknowledge the important work being done across the region.
A highlight of the week was the ambulance dedication ceremony held at Saint Mary’s, in memory of two members of the team who were lost over the last year. Their passion and commitment to caring for others continue to inspire those who worked alongside them. Now, two newly dedicated ambulances carry their legacy forward, a visible reminder of the lives they touched and the example they set every day.
This year also brought attention to advancements shaping pre-hospital care. Teams across our region have embraced innovative tools and approaches, including efforts to make Whole Blood available in the field, an initiative that improves outcomes and saves lives.
In the Springfield Market, colleagues at Mercy Medical Center and Johnson Memorial Hospital found their own ways to celebrate and support EMS providers. At Mercy, EMS and Emergency Department teams enjoyed meals from local food trucks. At Johnson, a barbeque dinner was paired with an interactive session focused on mental health and self-care, led by Brian Pasqurell, LCSW. The discussion highlighted the signs of mental illness and substance use, understanding the role of stigma and identifying strategies for self-care. It was an important reminder that supporting those who care for others is essential to sustaining this work.
