National EMS Week celebrated in Little Rock

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- A parade of EMS lights could be seen Wednesday running through the capital city.

They all came together to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of emergency medical services.

EMS workers from around the state gathered in Little Rock for the event.

The yearly event is held from May 21-27 and honors the front-line workers who are often the first lines of care.

There are roughly 8,100 licensed EMS providers in Arkansas, which include EMT, Advance EMT and paramedic providers.

They also do more than just transport patients to the hospital, they are health care clinicians.

“They are educated, and they are more than just ambulance drivers we actually have an emergency room on wheels, if you will.” Arkansas EMS Director Christy Kreese said. “And we treat the medically ill and injured across the state of Arkansas, 24/7.”

The event is typically held at the State Capitol but was moved to the Association of Pharmacists building because of a small fire at the Capitol Building last week.

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