SC Missouri News

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael Guest (R-Miss), along with Congressional EMS Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) and Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich), introduced a resolution today to honor emergency medical services (EMS) personnel during the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week. The resolution acknowledges the critical contributions of EMS teams in providing timely care, especially in rural and underserved areas, often under hazardous conditions.

“Our EMS personnel and first responders are some of the most important people in our local communities,” said Rep. Guest. “I am honored to sponsor a resolution to bring attention to our EMS professionals and be a part of continuing to support these important services for Mississippi and across the United States through my work on the House Appropriations Committee.”

"The brave EMS personnel are the unsung heroes of our communities, responding swiftly to crises and saving countless lives every day," said Rep. Hudson. "As we recognize EMS Week, we owe these hardworking men and women our deepest gratitude for providing critical care with skill and determination to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others."

“Emergency medical services agencies play a critical role in every community across our country. They respond to all kinds of crises – often risking their own safety – and work around the clock to keep Americans safe,” said Rep. Dingell. “I’m honored to sponsor this resolution during the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week to shed light on the role EMS plays in communities across the country, while highlighting the importance of supporting them as they support us.”

The resolution has garnered support from both the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and the American Ambulance Association (AAA).

“As we celebrate EMS Week’s 50th anniversary this week, I extend my deepest thanks to all EMS Practitioners for the work they have done and continue to do,” said Susan Bailey, President of NAEMT. “EMS Practitioners are now providing medical care in a variety of settings. Our role has become much broader than ambulance transport. EMS Practitioners provide a full array of emergent, urgent, and preventive patient care to those in need in prehospital and out-of-hospital settings. EMS is an integral part of our nation’s healthcare system and has been proven effective in major public health emergencies.”

“The American Ambulance Association applauds the Members for introducing this resolution,” stated AAA representatives. “It is important that the country recognize that ground ambulance services are essential health care services. Paramedics and EMTs are providing evermore sophisticated medical services to our communities and deserve our gratitude.”

National EMS Week was established in 1974 by President Gerald Ford to emphasize the vital work performed by EMS personnel nationwide. For five decades, this week has been dedicated annually to recognizing their life-saving efforts.

The history of emergency medical services dates back to America's early conflicts such as the American War for Independence, Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Notable Mississippians like Paul J. Rainey who served with Harjes Ambulance Corps during WWI, and Jack Ruby who drove an ambulance during WWII contributed significantly to modernizing emergency medical practices.

Congressman Guest leads this resolution recognizing EMS personnel's crucial role in delivering prompt, innovative care nationwide.

The following House Representatives joined as original cosponsors: Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick (PA-08), Rep. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), Rep. Richard McCormick (GA-06), Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Rep Carol D Miller (WV-01), Rep Mike Carey (OH-15), Rep Susan Wild (PA-07), Rep Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Rep Charles J "Chuck" Fleischmann(TN-03) ,Rep John R Moolenaar(MI-02) ,Rep John Joyce(PA-13) ,Rep Darin LaHood(IL -16 ),Rep Brittany Pettersen(CO -07 ) ,Rep Mike Ezell(MS -04 ) ,Rep Mike Lawler(NY -17 ) ,Rep Trent Kelly(MS -01 ) ,Rep Patrick Ryan(NY -18 ) ,Rep Blaine Luetkemeyer(MO -03 ) ,Rep Kelly Armstrong(ND-at large ),Rep David P Joyce(OH -14 ),Rep Elise M Stefanik(NY -21 ),and Rep Lisa Blunt Rochester(DE-at large ).

Congressman Michael Guest represents Mississippi's Third Congressional District currently serving his third term as Chairman on Ethics Committee also member on Appropriations & Homeland Security Committees.

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