Did you know that May 21-27, 2023, is actually the **49th** annual National EMS Week? It all began in 1974, when President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities.

Each year has a specific theme and this year the theme is ** EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins **. The theme reminds the public of EMS' most important mission - to respond appropriately to the most urgent emergencies and to provide critical interventions in the field that save lives and reduce long-term disability. But it also reminds the public that EMS is there for them, whatever their medical need, 365/24/7.

The PCVFA wishes to express its sincere appreciation of all of our county's EMS First Responders ... whether they are members of our VACs (Carmel, Garrison, Philipstown or Putnam Valley) or EMS personnel/members (whether paid or volunteer) within Putnam's volunteer Fire Departments. Thank you all for what you do for our communities.