Happy EMS Week: Improving Outcomes, Together
posted by Chris Meyer on Wednesday, May 20, 2026
This EMS Week, we recognize and celebrate the EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, first responders, and volunteers who provide lifesaving care every day. With this year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” we are reminded that emergency care is truly a team effort. At Spencer Hospital, we also take this opportunity to thank not only our own ambulance crews, but all the individuals and agencies throughout Clay County who work together during emergencies—from dispatchers answering 911 calls to first responders arriving on scene and hospital teams preparing for patients.
Providing Care When Seconds Matter
Every day, our EMS crews respond to emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems, vehicle accidents, farming incidents, falls, severe illnesses, and severe weather events. In these moments, seconds matter, and EMS professionals are trained to begin treatment immediately.
EMS is much more than transportation to the hospital. Providers deliver advanced medical care at the scene by assessing patients, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, communicating with hospital staff, and making critical decisions to improve patient outcomes during some of life’s most stressful moments.
The Heart Behind the Work
EMS work can be challenging, but it is also deeply meaningful. Our crews often meet people on some of their hardest days, while also witnessing resilience, gratitude, and compassion.
A strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie among EMS professionals and first responders helps carry them through the job, united by the shared goal of helping others when they need it most.
Connecting With the Community
EMS Week is also a chance to connect with our community in meaningful ways. This year, Spencer Hospital Ambulance Service again partnered with local schools for an EMS Week coloring contest, inviting students to create artwork featuring ambulances, first responders, and emergency care.
Winning students get the exciting opportunity to ride to school in an ambulance. This year’s overall winning design from Brynlee Cady of Sacred Heart Catholic School was also featured on new EMS Week t-shirts worn by our ambulance team.
We are grateful for all the creative entries and for every student who participated. Programs like this help children see EMS professionals as trusted helpers in the community.
Thank You for Your Service
At the heart of EMS is service to others. EMS professionals are your neighbors, friends, and members of the community who answer calls at all hours because they genuinely want to help people in times of need.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all EMS teams throughout Clay County and across Iowa for their dedication, professionalism, and compassionate care. Thank you for everything you do to serve our communities every single day.
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- ems