As a thank you for the life-saving health care EMS practitioners provide every day, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed May 19-25 as EMS Recognition Week in Michigan.

EMS practitioners stand ready day or night to help residents in need of help. They provide critical pre-hospital care to Michiganders in both emergencies and other health care situations including preventative medicine, follow-up care, other transportation needs and more. The efforts of EMS workers help improve the survival and recovery rates of people who experience sudden illness or injury.

“The work EMS personnel do is essential to the health and safety of our communities,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Paramedics and EMTs are there when we are at our worst and need them most, and we owe them so much gratitude during this week and all year round.”

Though Michigan is still dealing with an EMS staffing crisis, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services EMS workforce grants approved in the Fiscal Year 2022 state budget are helping alleviate this problem. So far, 432 Michigan EMTs have completed or are in the process of completing paramedic training programs throughout the state. Residents interested in a career in EMS can get involved or learn more at GotWhatItTakes.org.

“Michigan’s EMS heroes are proud to serve their communities and provide lifesaving pre-hospital care to residents in need,” said John Clayton, president of the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services and EMS manager at MyMichigan Health in Midland. “Working in EMS is a tough but rewarding career and we encourage young people to consider serving their community and joining EMS.”

Michigan is home to 29,253 EMS providers, 798 life support agencies and 3,998 licensed life support vehicles, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division of EMS and Trauma within the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, EMS and Systems of Care. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/ems.