National EMS Week to Run May 14-20

While volumes have been written and spoken about Katrina, the man who headed the largest mutual aid EMS call said he can't say enough about crews who showed up to lend a hand.

And, Ken Bouvier said he knows that when the next call goes out for assistance, regardless of the location, EMS providers from around the country will be on the way.

Bouvier, head of EMS special operations in New Orleans, said the response was incredible. "I actually met a crew who drove in from Mexico City. That was something, all the way to New Orleans to help us."

The display of caring and dedication once again thrust EMS into the international spotlight. Fittingly, he said, this National EMS Week theme is "EMS: Serving on Health Care's Front Line."

The 33rd annual Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians, will be celebrated throughout the nation May 14-20, 2006.

"As this year's theme emphasizes, the brave men and women who serve as EMS providers are often first on the scene of a disaster, a motor vehicle crash or other event that may place them in a hazardous environment," said Dr. Frederick Blum, president of ACEP in a prepared statement. "It's important that we take the time to honor these front line medical responders for often going above and beyond the call of duty to save lives, while risking their own."

According to ACEP's EMS Week web site, events will include national and local activities to honor EMS providers and to raise public awareness about health and safety issues, including how to prevent injuries and what to do in a medical emergency. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention join ACEP as organizational sponsors of EMS Week.

Bouvier said while their own families' fate was unknown, EMS crews in New Orleans continued to do their jobs for days straight. "They assisted the elderly, cuddled frightened children and saw some of the most horrific scenes imaginable."

What made things even more difficult, the men and women knew these victims. They were neighbors, friends, acquaintances, relatives, fellow citizens. Stress counseling started during the operation, and Bouvier said it was imperative that they took care of their own. Without it, they would not have been able to function for as long as they did.

He said there aren't enough words to thank people from around the country who took time off from their jobs and traveled to New Orleans. Their efforts will not be forgotten. The president of the National Association of EMTs, Bouvier said his organization is working to represent those on the front lines.

"Our 750,000 EMS personnel are facing numerous challenges including staffing shortages, yet they continue to perform professionally. They deserve much more than a reward for a good job... That's why we're working so hard to make sure they are represented as an equal on the federal level. We deserve nothing less."

While he is taking time to applaud EMS' contributions in the smallest villages to the largest cities, he said he's still wondering what the future holds for his hometown. Although a recent plan calls for a full-scale evacuation, he doubts that can happen.

"While I think people will be more apt to heed the warning, I think there will still be trouble getting people out. With the price of gas now, many people may not be able to afford to leave."

Bouvier said some people also may not leave because of their jobs. "Hardware stores and big stores like Wal Mart want to stay open to sell supplies."

There are things to be worked out, and plans to be fine-tuned. But, he said mutual aid is something he doesn't have to worry about. "I know people will come if we call for help. Just work within the system when you get here, and we'll be OK."