May 19, 2003

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Asst. to the Fire Chief
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Shreveport Fire Department Recognizes Personnel During National EMS Week

The Shreveport Fire Department is taking time to say "Thank You" to their firefighter/ Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and firefighter/paramedics during National EMS WEEK . . .

In Shreveport, the fire department with its 398 firefighter/EMT’s and 152 firefighters/paramedics, provides all EMS medical treatment and transportation within city limits. Last year alone, the fire department answered more than 24,000 EMS calls and treated more than 27,000 patients. Emergency Medical Services Week, May 18-24, 2003 promotes EMS community safety and honors the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of the medical "front line." The theme of this year's EMS Week, "EMS: When It Matters Most," focuses on the commitment and dedication of the 750,000 national EMS providers who provide an essential community service every day.
EMS Week is sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Organizational sponsors include The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Emergency Medical Services for Children program.
Special Shreveport Fire Department EMS Week Celebrations
May 21- Annual Emergency Medical Services for Children Day:On Wednesday the EMS Clowns (Zip and Zoom) will meet up with Sporty the Health and Hospitals clown for a program at the Browne Moore Head Start @ 409 Janet Lane. (corner of Linwood and Janet Lane) The program will teach injury prevention and awareness.
May 24-Annual National Moment of Silence:To honor and remember the nation's EMS providers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in the line of duty, the Shreveport Fire Department will join all EMS agencies across the nation and observe 60 seconds of radio silence at 6:00 p.m. ###