INDIANAPOLIS - To focus Hoosiers' attention on the commitment emergency medical personnel make to the communities they serve, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is joining national, regional, state and local organizations to support EMS providers.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has proclaimed the week of May 20-26, 2012 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week to recognize the countless lives saved by quality early medical treatment from the men and women of the emergency medical services community. This year's theme is "EMS: More Than a Job: A Calling."
"EMS week brings together local communities and medical personnel to promote safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's front line," said IDHS Chief of Staff Mike Garvey. "It also provides an opportunity for individuals and families to reinforce safety precautions like wearing bike helmets." Garvey is an EMS professional with more than 30 years of experience.
The EMS system in Indiana is regulated by the state EMS Commission, a governor-appointed board whose policies and procedures are supported by IDHS. IDHS provides training and credentials to all first responders throughout the state, and certifies training institutions and all emergency medical transports. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure that all required medical equipment on those transport vehicles is present and properly maintained.
Emergency care personnel, including emergency physicians, emergency nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, educators and administrators, engage in many hours of specialized training to improve their lifesaving skills. Members of emergency medical services teams are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to the needs of their communities, greatly improving the survival rate and recovery of those who experience sudden illness or severe injury.
For more information about Emergency Medical Services and tips on how you can help emergency care personnel, visit www.in.gov/dhs/3177.htm<http://www.in.gov/dhs/3177.htm>.
For general safety and disaster preparedness information, visit www.GetPrepared.in.gov<http://www.GetPrepared.in.gov>.
IDHS: Leadership for a Safe and Secure Indiana ###
Media Contact: John Erickson or Emily Norcross (317) 234-6713, pio@dhs.in.gov<mailto:pio@dhs.in.gov>
Follow www.twitter.com/IDHS<http://www.twitter.com/IDHS>