Dialing 911 in a medical emergency is not something people expect to do, but when they do, they have expectations from a system largely unknown to them. People want and expect high quality, compassionate service, without delay, every time. That system takes dedicated individuals, working under difficult conditions, every day.
Each year, our nation honors the work of Emergency Medical Services professionals, including EMTs, paramedics and other prehospital care providers, and promotes awareness of their crucial role in public health and emergency care.
National EMS Week 2025 is celebrated this year from May 18 to 24.
The national theme for this year is “We Care. For Everyone.” This theme is befitting the dedicated spirit of EMS, responding quickly to provide lifesaving skills and compassionate service regardless of the nature of the call, the time of day or the patient’s ability to pay. The theme also seems to underscore the nature of two significant challenges faced by EMS systems: provider mental health and system funding.
EMS providers frequently face extremely stressful, time-sensitive situations most others will never experience. These stressors are real and may cause long-term consequences to those who serve. By caring as they do, EMS providers often put the needs of their patients and their co-workers ahead of their own. Eventually, these stressors can surface as mental, physical or emotional distress impacting their lives, relationships and even the ability to continue serving.
When someone accesses the 911 system and requests help, the EMS system swings quickly into gear every time, for everyone. Although most EMS systems have one foot in public safety and the other in health care, fiscal sustainability is a constant threat. The medical reimbursement structure is complex, messy and simply cannot sustain the system. Community funding often suffers because of this complexity, as many people don’t fully appreciate how poor medical reimbursement inadequately supplements the funding needs.
Each year, the La Plata County EMS Council looks for ways to both honor EMS providers and engage the community as part of the National EMS Week celebration. This year, we have partnered with regional EMS organizations and various supporters to bring an exciting and informative event to the region.
On May 22, at 7 p.m., we are hosting a free screening of the documentary film, “Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis,” at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. This 55-minute film explores the world of EMTs and paramedics, and the challenges our national EMS system faces. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker and local and state EMS leaders.
We would love to have a strong community presence at this event. Not only is this an opportunity to learn about the realities of EMS, it’s also a great opportunity to show support for your local and regional EMS agencies and the EMTs and paramedics who serve the community daily. The public is also cordially invited to join us at the reception before the film.
Scott Sholes has served the Durango area in EMS for the past 45 years. He is the EMS chief with Durango Fire & Rescue, chairman of the La Plata County EMS Council, chairman of the Southwest Regional Emergency and Trauma Advisory Council, and immediate past president of the Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado.
