Carbondale Reporter

Illinois State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) recognized and thanked emergency medical service workers on Monday as part of EMS Week.

"Thank you to the EMS workers across the state who save lives and help people through their most critical moments," Windhorst wrote in a May 22 Facebook post. "Happy EMS Week and thank you for all that you do!" 

According to EMS.gov, the annual recognition of National EMS Week began in 1974, when President Ford designated the third week of May as EMS Week to honor EMS clinicians and the important work they do in our nation's communities. This year's EMS week takes place from May 21 through May 27.

This year's theme is "EMS - Where Emergency Care Begins."

“EMS Week is a time to celebrate the health professionals on the frontlines who save lives every day,” said Dr. Christopher S. Kang, President of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), according to a press release by the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians. “Timely intervention from medical professionals, before a patient reaches the emergency department, can make all the difference in a crisis. Teams of dedicated first responders are doing everything they can for patients and their families and communities – overcoming challenges and individual risks and putting patients first to provide exceptional care to anyone who experiences a medical emergency.”

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) President Susan Bailey, MSEM, NRP, said, "During EMS Week, it’s so important to honor the paramedics, EMTs and others in EMS who do so much for their communities.” She added, “‘Where Emergency Care Begins’ reminds the public of EMS’s most important mission – the ability to respond appropriately to the most urgent emergencies, and to provide critical interventions in the field that save lives and reduce long-term disability.” 

Originally elected to serve the 18th District in 2018, Windhorst currently represents the 117th District. He supports limited government, reduced regulatory burdens on employers and incentivized economic development for rural, underpopulated areas.