Escambia County Recognizes National EMS Week 2026

Observed May 17-23, this year's National EMS Week theme is "Improving Outcomes, Together." The theme recognizes the impact every EMS clinician has on the lives of their patients, by providing quality medical care that makes a measurable difference well before the patient reaches the hospital.

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners will adopt a proclamation officially recognizing May 17-23 as EMS Week in Escambia County at the Thursday, May 21 BCC Meeting.

"Escambia County EMS has experienced tremendous growth over the years, and that success is a direct reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the men and women who serve our residents and visitors every single day," EMS Chief Chris Watts said. "Our EMTs, paramedics, nurses, dispatchers, and support staff consistently rise to meet the challenges of this profession with compassion, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility to the community. Whether responding to emergencies, providing critical patient care, or supporting families during difficult moments, they demonstrate what it truly means to serve others. I take great pride in the exceptional care our teams provide and the sacrifices they make to protect the health and safety of Escambia County. EMS professionals are often the first to arrive in someone's greatest moment of need, and their lifesaving work has a lasting impact on countless lives throughout our community. During EMS Week, we are honored to recognize and celebrate these dedicated professionals for their service, commitment, and the vital role they play each and every day."

The mission of Escambia County EMS is to provide exceptional, evidence-based out-of-hospital care, ensuring the safety, trust, and well-being of the communities we serve. We serve our communities by providing professional, patient-centered care, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and empowering our team to perform at the highest level.

Escambia County EMS provides a vital public service to ensure that residents and visitors have access to quality emergency care, which dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate to those who experience a sudden illness or injury.

The dedicated EMTs, Paramedics, and every member of Escambia County EMS work hard every day to rise to the many challenges they face, even if it means spending countless hours away from their families and friends. During EMS Week, Escambia County has the opportunity to recognize local EMS heroes for their unwavering commitment to serving their community.

"EMS is where medicine meets humanity - not in the hospital, but on the street, in living rooms, on highways, and in moments people will never forget," Escambia County Medical Director Dr. Ben Abo said. "EMS professionals carry no capes, only compassion, clinical excellence, and the willingness to run toward chaos when others run away. Every shift, they write the first lines of survival stories for strangers and family alike. EMS Week is a reminder that outcomes begin long before the emergency department doors ever open."

For more information about Escambia County EMS, visit MyEscambia.com/EMS, or follow Escambia County EMS and Emergency Communications on Facebook.

To learn more about EMS Week 2026, visit emsweek.org.