ADHS is joining groups across the nation in marking EMS Week, which honors the Emergency Medical Services providers who are rising to the challenge during the month of May. It’s part of National Trauma Awareness Month.
Governor Doug Ducey signed a State Proclamation recognizing EMS Week and EMS for Children Day.
This year’s theme for EMS Week is Rising to the Challenge. In Arizona, our EMS providers have done that every day over the past year, responding to 1,097,187 incidents (86% medical and 14% injury/trauma), administering 12,943 doses of naloxone for 7,635 suspected opioid overdoses, and assisting in COVID-19 vaccination.
Because this consistent exposure to emergencies has an impact on physical and mental well-being, ADHS is among those supporting resilience among EMS providers and everyone else involved in the trauma system.
Our Bureau of EMS & Trauma System has a resilience webpage connecting individual providers and employers with resources that can help with the all-too-common side effects of working in trauma care. These include self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, marital and family difficulties, leaving the field – even self-harm and suicide. To help, the site provides information on resilience, stress, self–care, testing yourself, peer support, conferences and education opportunities, details, and resources from the 2019 EMS Resiliency, Wellness, and Safety Summit.
We’re grateful to all heroes who rise to the daily challenge of providing emergency medical services to Arizonans. If it’s taking a toll on your well-being, know there are resources available through your employer, ADHS, and many others.
