MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Each year, the nation takes a week out of its busy schedule to honor the dedication, hard work and sacrifice of those individuals working in the fields of the emergency medical services. This year is no different.
National EMS week was appropriately named "Help is a Heartbeat Away."
This year, the week-long tribute focused on the individuals whose actions spotlighted the occupational field during the Sept.11 attacks in New York and Washington D.C.
"EMS week will honor the rescuers and medical teams who answered the calls to the World Trade Center and Pentagon rescue efforts, and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives," said American College of Emergency Physicians President Michael, L. Carius, MD. "The courage and heroism displayed during these disasters is emblematic of the bravery, commitment and sacrifice EMS providers bring to their jobs 24/7, 365 days a year."
The emergency medical technicians of the Parris Island Fire Rescue Department participated in the Depot's Summer Safety Expo 2002 Tuesday and Wednesday.
"It's really important for us to get out to events like this to make sure the public is aware of our services," said Kelvin Canaday, Depot fire chief.
The EMT's took time during the expo to educate the public about injury prevention, safety awareness and medical emergencies. They also had static displays to show the different types of equipment used during emergency calls.
Although no other local events were planned, plenty of other events were planned on a national level for the local EMT?s to participate in.
One of the more sentimental tributes was organized by the National EMS Memorial Service out of Roanoke, Va. They organized the 3rd Annual National Moment of Silence in which all EMS and communications agencies observed 60 seconds of radio silence in honor of the nation's EMS providers who have given their lives in the line of duty.
For more information, log on to www.acep.org/emsweek/.