Estes Park Health honors emergency professionals during National EMS Week
Estes Park, like many mountain towns in Colorado, has a unique set of requirements when it comes to health care services, and emergency services play a big role in that care. People fall hundreds of feet from rocky slopes or become injured when crossing the path with a protective mother elk. Rushing water during spring snow melt catches people off guard not expecting the torrent of unexpectedly cold water or the high altitude adversely impacts a person’s health unaccustomed to the effects of lower oxygen levels.
These situations, plus the more common emergencies, like heart attacks and strokes, require the expertise of emergency personnel who can identify, stabilize and treat the patient locally rather than transporting them to the next closest hospital more than an hour away.
That is the goal of Estes Park Health’s emergency team – from the paramedics who are certified in backcountry rescue to the emergency department physicians who care for patients suffering from a variety of situations.
“We are proud of our EMS staff and the work they perform 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring the highest quality of emergency care for the entire Estes Valley,” said Guy Beesley, Director of EMS for Estes Park Health. “From our EMTs to our critical care paramedics, our commitment never wanes, and we appreciate the gracious and continued support of the Estes community.”
EMS Week officially started in 1974 when President Gerald Ford authorized National Emergency Medical Services Week to celebrate the important work done by EMS professionals. The event raises awareness not just about the important frontline response performed by EMS professionals but the day-to-day work they do to safeguard entire communities during natural disasters, such as floods and fires, the focus on risk and prevention, and the care the EMS professionals need as well.
EMS Week is presented by the American College of Emergency Physicians in partnership with the National Associations of Emergency Medical Technicians.
This week – from May 18 to 24 – Estes Park Health recognizes all levels of emergency care within our facilities as we celebrate this historic event.
This year, the theme for the event is “We care. For everyone.” to recognize the accomplishments of EMTs, paramedics and other critical team members, in addition to building awareness of their vital role in prehospital medical care, emergency management and community healthcare.
Thank an emergency health care provider this week, because at some point in everyone’s life, a first responder or critical care team member will have an impact on the health of you or a loved one.
The Estes Park Health emergency department is equipped to handle a wide variety of scenarios throughout the year for the residents and visitors of Estes Valley, Colorado. (Photo credit: Dawn Wilson)