emergency medical services week emergency medical services week emergency medical services (ems) week, or ems week, was originally authorized by president gerald ford on november 4, 1974 for the week of november 3–10. since 1992, ems week has moved to the third week of may. in 2023, the 48th annual celebration for ems week is scheduled for the week of may 21-27. locally, the leadership of ems agencies, hospitals, and representatives from local or state legislature recognize ems personnel during the week through events such as cook outs, giveaways, awards, and public recognition.. past themes 2006 - ems: serving on health care’s front line. 2007 - extraordinary people, extraordinary service. 2008 - your life is our mission 2009 - a proud partner in your community 2010 - anytime. anywhere. we’ll be there. 2011 - everyday heroes 2012 - ems, more than a job, a calling 2013 - ems: one mission. one team. 2014 - dedicated. for life. 2015 - ems strong 2016 - called to care 2017 - ems strong — always in service 2018 - stronger together 2019 - ems strong – beyond the call 2020 - ready today. preparing for tomorrow. 2021 - this is ems: caring for our communities 2022 - ems strong - rising to the challenge