It’s National EMS Week! Here, Mark Resanovich, Aultman EMS coordinator, and Ross Campensa, M.D., recognize the vital role of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals in patient care.

EMS is the gateway into the healthcare system for many Americans and for some who have no other access. It is their safety net. This is one of the reasons why EMS has expanded its role within the healthcare system. Today, you can find EMS providers in many roles that are beyond the traditional role of 911 first responders.

Today, paramedics are engaged in community paramedicine programs to reduce repeat visits. For example, they may spend time visiting our elderly population to keep people at home longer, but safer. Paramedics may also work with healthcare systems to ensure in-home compliance with home medical care and compliance with the management of patients’ medical conditions.

Across our state, EMS is actively participating in drug addiction services, with some areas of the state providing Suboxone and referral to drug addictive services to those people who are suffering from an addiction.

EMS providers are engaged as the backbone of mobile critical transport. Whether on the ground or in the air, you will find EMS providers as the critical part of that team. Our healthcare delivery system relies heavily on EMS to provide this vital service for our patients. EMS providers are on the forefront of care and specialized transportation to safely move our patients within the healthcare delivery system.

As our society changes, so does the mission of our EMS providers. New technologies, new medications and the expanded scope of practice of EMS have made a dramatic impact on survival of medical and traumatic emergencies.

This year, Aultman Hospital partnered with the Stark County Firefighters Association to sponsor its annual EMS breakfast on May 20. It is an opportunity to recognize all EMS providers in our area, and in addition to that, we recognize services that have made an outstanding contribution to the survival of a patient. This year, Aultman is recognizing the Jackson Township Fire Department for the successful resuscitation of a neonate.

During the week of May 27, 28 and 29, Aultman will host the annual EMS cookout, where we invite all responders and our very own Aultman Emergency Department to share good food prepared by our medical director and EMS staff.