This is the 47th annual celebration of EMS Week since its inception and the third EMS week since the fateful spring of 2020. This years’ theme, rising to the challenge, reminds us of the dedicated EMS professionals who, in these past two years, have done just that: risen to the challenge.

The pandemic has been a cyclone for ambulance services everywhere. There was the calm before the storm. Then health systems exploded: overrun hospitals, paramedic shortages, and supply deficiencies. The past two years haven’t been easy. We know EMS agencies are working incredibly hard.