ACEP and NAEMT Announce EMS Week 2026

Emergency Medical Service Professionals Recognized May 17-23, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC-The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) recognize National EMS Week, May 17-23, 2026, to celebrate emergency medical services professionals.

"EMS professionals are essential partners on the frontlines," said ACEP President L. Anthony Cirillo, MD, FACEP. "Our trusted colleagues are deeply committed and vital to the collaborative efforts necessary to ensure the health and safety of people in every community across the country."

The 52^nd annual EMS Week theme, "Improving Outcomes, Together," acknowledges the need for collective efforts to recognize and enhance support for EMS professionals.

"Each year, National EMS Week is an opportunity to celebrate the incredibly significant role that our EMTs, paramedics, and EMS professionals play in our healthcare and public safety systems every day," said Christopher Way, President of NAEMT. "Every community served should be extremely grateful for the expertise, commitment to care, and passion for service that you bring to bear. Our communities and healthcare system are better and stronger because of you! Happy National EMS Week 2026 and thank you for all that you do!"

EMS Week will feature special events around these daily themes:

• Sunday, May 17: Health, Wellness and Resilience Day
• Monday, May 18: EMS Education Day
• Tuesday, May 19: EMS Safety Day
• Wednesday, May 20: EMS for Children Day
• Thursday, May 21: Save-A-Life Day (Community Blood Drive, CPR & National Stop the Bleed Day)
• Friday, May 22: EMS Recognition Day
• Saturday, May 23: EMS Remembrance Day

Visit https://www.emsweek.org for more information, resources for EMS agencies, and inspiring stories directly from the first responders.

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About ACEP
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education, and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million people they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.acep.org and www.emergencyphysicians.org.

About NAEMT
Formed in 1975 and over 110,000 members strong, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) is the only national association representing the professional interests of paramedics, advanced emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technicians, emergency medical responders and other professionals providing prehospital and out-of-hospital emergent, urgent, or preventive medical care. For more information, visit www.naemt.org.