National EMS Week, observed May 17-23, recognizes the essential role EMS professionals play in delivering timely, lifesaving care across communities. Hospitals and health systems are critical partners in this work, ensuring EMS teams have the tools, training, and coordination needed to respond effectively. Across the country, these efforts are strengthening emergency care delivery and improving outcomes for patients:
Care coordination sits at the heart of effective emergency response. At Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health has expanded the use of a digital communication platform that connects EMS teams directly with hospital clinicians. By streamlining workflows and enabling real-time collaboration across critical service lines, the health system is improving response times and supporting better patient outcomes. The approach was designed with simplicity in mind. “We still made sure to keep the workflow simple so that the communication was clear and easy for the two providers in the back of the ambulance with a critically ill patient,” said Alex Rosario, Clinical Supervisor at HUMC EMS.
Beyond coordination, the field faces a pressing need to expand and develop its workforce. AdventHealth is addressing this directly through a new paramedic training program at AdventHealth Redmond. The 45-week program equips EMTs with enhanced clinical training and hands-on experience, helping build a stronger pipeline of highly trained paramedics while improving care delivery across the region. “Launching this program allows our team members to expand their knowledge and skills so they can better serve our community and care for patients during some of life’s most critical moments,” said Nina Piatt, EMS captain and paramedic program director.
Equally important is ensuring that trained EMS professionals have the capacity and equipment to reach patients when it matters most. Ascension is expanding emergency transport capacity through a targeted investment by the Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Foundation, funding two new ambulances for Ascension St. Vincent Evansville. This addition helps reduce transfer wait times and improves patient flow, ensuring more timely access to appropriate levels of care across the region.
As National EMS Week highlights the dedication of EMS professionals, these examples underscore the vital role hospitals play in supporting and advancing emergency care. Through continued investment, innovation, and collaboration, health systems are helping ensure patients receive the right care at the right time, when it matters most.