Wake EMS to Promote Three R's During National EMS Week

5/16/2005

EMS Week, the annual national event that recognizes the dedication and hard work of everyone working in emergency medical services (EMS), will take place May 15-21. The theme for EMS Week this year is centered on the three R's that describe EMS, "Ready, Responsive and Reliable." It also honors the commitment and dedication of the nearly 2,000 personnel providing emergency medical care throughout Wake County.

Looking to continue the Wake County's model EMS success story is new director Skip Kirkwood, who joined the County in April, coming from Area Ambulance in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Kirkwood's knowledge and experience includes serving as an advisor for public safety organizations and specialized consulting firms in the areas of operations analysis, weapons of mass destruction, bioterrorism and related matters.

During EMS Week, Wake County EMS personnel will be honored through the presentation of awards for outstanding service in various areas as determined by their peers. They will also be making public appearances at local malls to educate the public in various areas of EMS operations. Wake EMS personnel will be at Triangle Town Center Monday through Wednesday and Crabtree Valley Mall Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Wake County's EMS system has been recognized by the State Office of EMS as a model system and boasts some of the most highly trained, well-educated professionals in the business. These personnel operate within a system that is progressive following protocols that are on the cutting edge of pre-hospital healthcare. Wake EMS has a survival rate of better than 20% for victims of sudden cardiac arrest – three times the national average – and the system continues to look for ways to improve.

To keep up with rapid growth, Wake EMS has strengthened communications with other public safety agencies through the County's 800-megahertz radio system and has obtained grants, purchased equipment and undergone extensive training to be prepared for any large-scale incident such as terrorist activity. Equipment has been tested, upgraded and purchased to ensure personnel have the tools they need to perform lifesaving measures that once were delayed until arrival at the hospital.

back to current news items