EMS Week 2025 – May 18-24
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) will recognize EMS Week, May 18-24, 2025, to celebrate emergency medical services professionals. EMS Week acknowledges the important contributions of EMS professionals in safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of their communities, and ensures their hard work is fully celebrated and appreciated. This year, the 51st time EMS Week has been observed in our nation, will feature the theme, “We Care. For Everyone.”
“EMS Week celebrates the hard work and dedication of EMS professionals across the nation,” said Dave English, Chief of Blacksburg Rescue. “We spend the rest of the year focused on caring for our community. EMS Week allows us to pause and recognize our volunteers, who sacrifice so much to keep our community safe and care for those in need.”
At a Town Council Meeting on May 13th, the Blacksburg Town Council issued a Proclamation, signed by Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith, to recognize and honor the commitment of Emergency Medical Services and the impact they have on this community.
The EMS Week campaign brings the country together to honor the accomplishments of EMTs, paramedics and other critical team members, in addition to building awareness of their vital role in prehospital medical care, emergency management and community healthcare. The theme, “We Care. For Everyone,” expresses how our nation’s emergency service professionals’ dedication and lifesaving skills are put to the test every day, for everyone–in big cities and in small towns and everywhere in between.
“National EMS Week is a celebration of our EMS profession and the incredible, essential service paramedics and EMTs provide in their communities every day,” said Christopher Way, President of NAEMT. “The communities we all serve are profoundly grateful for your care, your extensive training, and your selfless commitment to enter any situation in order to care for your patients. Your service and medical preparedness should be recognized, empowered and advanced to be of greater benefit to communities during EMS Week and every week throughout the year.”
The Resource Center for National EMS Week (www.emsweek.org) is designed to give agencies helpful tools and ideas to promote EMS Week within their own organization and community. It includes valuable insights from stakeholders in the first responder community and inspiring stories about the profession. EMS Week will feature activities, training and special events around these daily themes:
• Sunday, May 18: Health, Wellness and Resilience Day
• Monday, May 19: EMS Education Day
• Tuesday, May 20: EMS Safety Day
• Wednesday, May 21: EMS for Children Day
• Thursday, May 22: Save-A-Life Day (CPR & National Stop the Bleed Day)
• Friday, May 23: EMS Recognition Day
• Saturday, May 24: EMS Remembrance Day
75 Years of Service – Founded in 1950, this year marks the 75th anniversary of Blacksburg Rescue. This year’s motto – “75 Years of Service”
Open House – BVRS is hosting its annual Open House event on Saturday, May 31st, from 11 AM to 3 PM. This event takes place at the Blacksburg Rescue Station located at 1300 Progress St NW, Blacksburg, VA 24060. The event will take place rain or shine; no registration or RSVP is required. Activities include hot dogs and veggie dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, face painting, extrication demonstrations, technical rescue demonstrations, vehicle and building tours, and various activities for children.
Annual Fund Drive – As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, BVRS relies on the generous support of our community. Over the next few weeks, residents will receive our annual fund drive letter in the mail. Donations may be tax-deductible. www.blacksburgrescue.org/donate
About BVRS
The Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad (BVRS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing prehospital emergency medical and technical rescue services to the Town of Blacksburg, portions of Montgomery County, and neighboring communities. In 2024, BVRS responded to 3,885 calls for service, achieving 100% first-team and 99.3% overall coverage rates while also handling over 100 calls for neighboring agencies. Their 170 active volunteers contributed 89,866 hours of service valued at over $3 million. BVRS actively participates in various community events and provides training to the public and other public safety agencies.
