AUGUSTA - State lawmakers including Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, and Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, joined Maine Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and Friends of EMS for Maine for the annual Maine EMS Week Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony at the State House on Thursday.
The event commemorated National EMS Week, which was first celebrated in 1974, one year after the landmark federal EMS Act of 1973 established the country's current EMS network.
"Emergency medical service departments are critical to the health, safety and future of our communities," said Jackson. "But too often we take their very presence for granted. It's an essential service you hope you never need but take great comfort in knowing that it's there knowing that someone will show up when you call 9-1-1. As we celebrate EMS week, I thank our first responders for their commitment to the people of Maine. The work you do each and every day is nothing short of heroic."
"Access to emergency medical response services across Maine is an essential part of our health care system," said Talbot Ross. "In some cases, it's quite literally a life-or-death situation. On this 50th anniversary of EMS Week, we honor the unwavering commitment and courage of our emergency medical service providers who answer the call of duty every day. Their dedication to saving lives and serving our communities is a testament to their selflessness and bravery."
"I am privileged to have the opportunity to recognize the contributions of EMS providers across Maine," said Curry. "Having the opportunity to work on the Blue Ribbon Commission on EMS, I have seen firsthand how essential these services are to the people of Maine, and how important it is that they have the resources to retain employees and continue to provide lifesaving emergency care."
"On this 50th anniversary of national EMS week, it is an honor to recognize the incredible contributions that our EMS providers make to our communities," said Salisbury. "They put their lives on the line to deliver care to Mainers in crisis, responding to emergencies and providing critical intervention in the field to save lives. They deserve more than just our gratitude and recognition, which is why I am committed to continuing to do all I can to support these individuals and their essential work."
Contact:
Lisa Haberzettl [Jackson, Curry], 207-251-3548
Mary-Erin Casale [Talbot Ross], 207-415-4965
Katie Adams [Salisbury], 207-776-2122