Celebrating the Heroes Among Us: Happy EMS Week
posted by Chris Meyer on Monday, May 19, 2025
Each year, during National Emergency Medical Services Week, I find myself reflecting on what it truly means to serve our community through EMS. It’s a time to celebrate, yes—but more importantly, it’s a time to recognize the dedication, compassion, and courage of the EMS professionals and volunteers who answer the call when someone is experiencing one of the worst days of their life.
At Spencer Hospital, I’m proud to work alongside an incredible team of EMS clinicians. These professionals bring skill, calm, and heart to every emergency they respond to. From car accidents and strokes to last year’s devastating floods, our team is there, ready and trained to help. We also work in close collaboration with our hospital colleagues, law enforcement, and local fire departments to ensure seamless care from the moment we arrive on scene.
The Power of Volunteers
One thing I always emphasize during EMS Week is the incredible role that volunteers play—not just here in Clay County, but across Iowa. Did you know that out of the 10,712 certified EMS clinicians in our state, 61% are volunteers?
That number says everything about the kind of people we have in our communities. These volunteers spend hours training, often outside of their day jobs and family responsibilities, so they can be there when someone calls 911. Their dedication is inspiring, and EMS in rural Iowa simply wouldn’t function without them.
Making EMS Week Fun for Kids
This year, we wanted to bring EMS Week to life in a way that connects with our younger community members, too. So, we partnered with Spencer area schools to host a coloring contest. The kids have been incredibly creative, and it’s been a joy to see their artwork celebrating EMS.
And the prize? A ride to school in an ambulance—with lights flashing! It’s a fun way to help kids feel comfortable with emergency responders, and maybe even inspire a few future EMS professionals.
A Message from the Heart
To me, EMS Week is about more than appreciation, it’s about awareness. It’s about reminding people that EMS professionals and volunteers are not strangers. We’re your neighbors, friends, and family members. We’re part of the same community we serve.
So if you happen to see an EMS provider this week—whether it’s someone from our hospital team or a volunteer from your town—please take a moment to say thank you. It means more than you know.
To every EMS professional across Clay County and the state of Iowa: thank you. Your commitment saves lives, and I am honored to serve alongside you.
- emergency
- ems