PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
Monday, May 16, 2016

Cathleen D. Bennett
Acting Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

Christie Administration Recognizes New Jersey’s 30,000 EMS Professionals

2016 EMS Week Theme is EMS Strong: Called to Care

Marking National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week (May 15-21), New Jersey Acting Health Commissioner Cathleen Bennett recognized the nearly 30,000 EMS professionals throughout the state for their commitment and dedication.

"Whether it is responding to 1 million 9-1-1 calls a year or to hurricanes, blizzards and floods, our EMS professionals put their lives on the line every day and are available 24 hours a day,” Commissioner Bennett said. "It is fitting that we recognize and honor their valiant and distinguished service during National Emergency Medical Services Week."

Governor Chris Christie issued a proclamation expressing his appreciation for New Jersey's EMS professionals and the services they provide that protect the health and safety of residents.

In addition to the nearly 30,000 certified EMTs staffing licensed and volunteer ambulance services, New Jersey has more than 1,600 certified paramedics who staff Mobile Intensive Care Units and respond to the most critically ill and injured patients.

This year marks the 43rd year that the American College of Emergency Physicians is sponsoring National EMS Week. This year’s national theme, “EMS Strong: Called to Care,” is designed to raise public awareness of the life-saving role emergency medical responders play around the country.

Staff from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) will recognize the state’s EMS professionals by handing out personalized thank you notes throughout the week. In addition, Acting Commissioner Bennett will thank the state’s EMS professionals and encourage them to continue a “culture of safety” in a video that will be posted to the Department’s website and sent to EMS units statewide.

This year marks the 32nd anniversary celebration of the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program nationally and the Department of Health's 24th anniversary of its EMSC program. Children require specific equipment, supplies, and medications that may not always be available in emergency systems designed for adults. May 18 has been designated as EMS for Children Day, recognizing national efforts to improve pediatric emergency care while encouraging everyone to be advocates for child safety and injury prevention.

The New Jersey OEMS was formed in 1967 and is one of the oldest offices of its kind in the country.

Follow the New Jersey Department of Health on Twitter at twitter.com/NJDeptofHealth and on Facebook at facebook.com/NJDeptofHealth.

Last Reviewed: 5/16/2016