The week of May 15-21, 2016 is National EMS Week. Beginning back in 1974, EMS week was created to recognize the efforts and dedication of Emergency Medical Service providers and services. A lot has changed since 1974!

Berwyn Fire Company provides EMS services to our community with a group of very dedicated individuals. We have providers that range from Prehospital Nurses to Paramedics to Emergency Medical Technicians and Emergency Medical Responders. All of the people, regardless of paid or volunteer are held to the same standard of quality patient care. With a fleet of 3 ambulances, one responder SUV and an ATV, our staff handles 2200 EMS Emergencies annually. All of these are 911 dispatched. In addition, our EMS reponds to the bulk of 900 fire calls that the department handles. One of our fire engines is licensed as an Advanced Life Support responder. Each Engine, Truck & chiefs vehicle has EMS Supplies and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Several of our volunteer providers also have AEDs in their personal vehicles and respond to Cardiac Arrest dispatches as part or our C.A.R.E. Team (Cardiac Arrest Response Enhancement). Our volunteers and career staff put in hundreds of annual training hours. Our fire company based EMS system also allows us to work hand in hand with our firefighters, who also respond on many medical calls throughout the year.

This year's theme of EMS week is EMS Strong - Called to Care. We could not be more proud of our EMS providers who continue to need to be strong willed to handle seeing some of the worst situations imaginable. Yet they still go, still care and still provide exceptional service. Compassion in difficult, stressful times is not easy yet our providers are often times praised for their calm and comforting demeanor.
The EMS Strong campaign states: Every day, you’re called upon to help others through one of the most frightening times of their lives. Every day, you’re called upon to provide a sense of security and relief during chaotic and challenging situations. Every day, you’re called upon to do the work that only a select few can do. Every day, you’re CALLED TO CARE.

This week, we take a moment to thank our EMS providers from Berwyn and our surrounding agencies who help to make our community a safer place and touch the lives of so many.