PRESS RELEASE

From the Office of the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein

Date: May 22, 2018                              

CONTACT: Mary C. St. Mary/Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov

Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925

National Emergency Medical Services Week

Open House on Thursday, May 24th Offers Free Trainings

ERIE COUNTY, NY— May 20--26, 2018, is the 44th annual National Emergency Medical Services (“EMS”) Week.  Since its inception in 1974, EMS Week highlights and celebrates the important work EMS practitioners do in our nation's communities, and to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line." 

 “This week provides an excellent opportunity to recognize and appreciate the selfless work of Emergency Medical Services personnel in Erie County,” said County Executive Mark Poloncarz. “In a crisis situation, first responders bring their lifesaving training and skills to the scene, assisting in whatever way the situation demands. Their contributions and commitment to our community should be celebrated and supported every day.”

In the spirit of this year’s EMS Week theme of Stronger Together, Erie County has partnered with Catholic Health and other organizations to recognize the efforts of the EMS community and increase the community’s awareness of the importance of vital EMS activities in Erie County.

An Open House, cohosted by Catholic Health and Erie County will be held

Thursday, May 24th from 12:30--5:00 PM at the Mercy Comprehensive Care Center

(397 Louisiana St., Buffalo 14204). 

A proclamation and press conference at 12:30pm will kickoff this interactive event, followed by an afternoon of free demonstrations and trainings opened to the public. All are welcome to attend and take advantage of available free trainings, including:

• Hands Only CPR
• Stop the Bleed
• Opioid Overdose Recognition and Narcan Training

Ongoing activities from 1—5pm include:

• Car Seat Safety Check
• Touch a Truck and Ambulance Hands-on Tours
• Blood Pressure Screenings
• Information and Advice on Emergency Preparedness

“In light of recent active shooter events, it is important for the public to know how to stop severe bleeding and perform CPR,” said Daniel Neaverth, Commissioner Erie County Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “These skills can truly be the difference between life and death.”

Since early 2015, the Erie County Department of Health (“ECDOH”) has trained thousands of people how to recognize an opioid overdose and use naloxone (Narcan®) to reverse.

“I have no doubt that having naloxone in the hands of family and community members, as well as first responders, has been a factor in decreasing the number of fatal overdoses in Erie County from 2016 to 2017,” said Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “However, even one fatal opioid overdose is too many. I strongly urge Erie County residents to receive naloxone training that may save a life.”

For more information:             

Erie County Department of Emergency Services

Erie County Department of Health

American College of Emergency Physicians

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians

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