Emergency Medical Services For Children Day
Each year, the American College of Emergency Physicians and The Federal EMSC Program partner to observe Emergency Medical Services for Children Day. This holiday is held on the Wednesday that falls during EMS Week and highlights the importance of improving and expanding pediatric medical care.
United States (Observance)All across the U.S., grassroots activities are designed to bring the public’s attention to this issue, and this has occurred ever since the holiday was first founded in November 1974. This is also a day when people can take the time to thank EMS providers, paramedics, and others who work tirelessly each day to provide emergency care for our children.
The History of Emergency Medical Services for Children Day
In 1974, U.S. President Gerald Ford declared the week of November 3-10, 1974, as National Emergency Medical Services Week, and the Wednesday during that week as the first National EMSC Day. The purpose of this holiday was to underline the need for high-quality pediatric emergency care and the need for better services and more trained personnel. In 2007, this holiday was moved from November to May, where it has remained ever since.
Facts on U.S. Hospitals & Emergency Departments
Below are some facts that we’ve learned about the emergency rooms and hospitals in the U.S. This data comes from the American Hospital Association’s 2021 annual survey.
- There are 6,090 U.S. hospitals.
- There are 2,946 not-for-profit hospitals.
- There are 919,559 staffed beds in U.S. hospitals.
- The total expenses for all U.S. hospitals were $1,161,932,419,000.
Observing Emergency Medical Services for Children Day
Since this is not a public holiday, no businesses or government agencies close on this day. What occurs on this day is that people come together to lobby for better pediatric emergency care in their area and thank EMS workers for all that they do. People also use the hashtag #NationalEMSCDay on their social media accounts to spread the word about it.
United States (Observance)
