Gov. Tate Reeves has declared this week, May 19-25, as Emergency Medical Services Week in Mississippi.

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of National EMS Week, a time to show gratitude to Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics who provide lifesaving care across the nation every day. EMS Week is also a time to educate the public about EMS and the essential service they provide to communities.

Members of emergency medical services teams remain vigilant, ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their quick response and emergency care can dramatically improve the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury.

The EMS system is far-reaching and consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out-of- hospital medical care providers. The members of EMS teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills each year.

The Mississippi State Department of Health and the Office of Emergency Medical Services invite the public to celebrate EMS Week’s 50^th Anniversary on Tuesday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson to learn all about EMS. The event will feature EMS vehicles, equipment, educational booths, vendors, and live safety demonstrations.

The Trade Mart is located at 1200 Mississippi St. in Jackson on the Mississippi Fairgrounds.