EMS Week & EMSC Day History

In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities. This week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's frontline.

EMS Week is presented by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in partnership with the National Associations of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). Together, NAEMT and ACEP lead annual EMS Week activities.

In 2001, “National EMS for Children Day” was first celebrated as part of National EMS Week. EMSC Day is now celebrated annually on the Wednesday of EMS Week.