Open Letter to EMS Providers

On behalf of the members of the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS), I want to thank each of you for all that you do to effectively respond to all kinds of emergencies, every day of the year, all across America. EMS Week is celebrated but once a year, but FICEMS recognizes your support of public health and public safety is unending - and we are privileged to have the opportunity to support your mission at the Federal level.

As Chair of FICEMS, I can assure you that the Committee is dedicated to seeing that the EMS community has both a strong voice and a strong advocate within the Federal government. Through collaborative efforts with the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC), FICEMS now has a formal channel to receive valuable input from frontline EMS providers.

This EMS Week 2009, FICEMS honors those EMS providers who have lost their lives in the line of duty - and salutes all of you who continue to provide this vital public service to our Nation.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kevin Yeskey, MD, FACEP

Chairman, Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS)