A Brief History of EMS
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have a rich history that dates back over 150 years. The origins of EMS can be traced to the Civil War, where Major Jonathan Letterman established the first organized ambulance corps within the Army of the Potomac in 1862. This innovation allowed for the triage and treatment of wounded soldiers on the battlefield, significantly improving survival rates[1].
In 1865, the first civilian ambulance service was established in Cincinnati, Ohio, followed by New York City in 1869, which boasted a 30-second response time[1]. The early 20th century saw the development of volunteer rescue squads and the use of motorized ambulances, which replaced horse-drawn carriages[2].
The modern era of EMS began in the 1960s, spurred by the publication of the "Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society" report in 1966. This landmark study highlighted the need for a coordinated emergency response system and led to the establishment of standardized training programs for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics[2]. The introduction of the 911 emergency call system in 1968 further revolutionized EMS by providing a quick and reliable way for the public to access emergency services[1].
Over the decades, EMS has continued to evolve, incorporating advanced medical technologies and protocols to provide high-quality pre-hospital care. Today, EMS professionals are highly trained and equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, from cardiac arrests to traumatic injuries.
West Concord Fire Department, which was first formed in 1898 as a volunteer department, added an ambulance in 1969 which was also staffed by volunteers. The West Concord Fire and Ambulance Department has continued to be staffed by volunteers to this day. The West Concord Fire and Ambulance Department covers a service area of 120 square miles of northern Dodge County. Providing services for approximately 2,500 citizens.
The members are trained as Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), as well as Fire Fighters. The members continue to train to maintain high proficiency in their skills and to add advanced skills to provide the best care for the community.
Celebrating EMS Week May 18 – 24, 2025
EMS Week, celebrated annually in May, is a time to honor the dedication and hard work of EMS professionals who provide lifesaving care every day. This week-long celebration, established by President Gerald Ford in 1974, aims to raise public awareness about the critical role of EMS in the community and to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by EMTs, paramedics, and other EMS personnel[3].
Each day of EMS Week is dedicated to a specific theme, such as Health, Wellness and Resilience Day, EMS Education Day, and EMS for Children Day[3]. These themes highlight different aspects of EMS work and provide opportunities for public education and community engagement.
EMS Week is not only a time to celebrate the past achievements of EMS but also to look forward to the future. As we honor the legacy of those who have paved the way, we also strive to advance the EMS system to meet the evolving needs of our communities.
By celebrating EMS Week, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of EMS professionals and reaffirm our commitment to supporting and improving emergency medical services for all.
The West Concord Fire and Ambulance Department is always looking for volunteers to join in serving the community. We are looking for volunteers who are available during the daytime, which is our greatest need, but would be happy to have help anytime. If you are interested or have questions, please contact us via email at ambdirector@westconcordmn.com or call (507) 527-2176.
As we start the summer, I want to remind everyone that the West Concord Pool Passes are available at City Hall or the Pool. The Pool will be hosting an open swim on Juneteenth from 1 pm to 8:30 pm.
[3]: National EMS Week - National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians [1]: EMS HISTORY — EMS Memorial [2]: A Brief History of Emergency Medical Services in the United States
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References
[1] EMS HISTORY — EMS Memorial
[2] A Brief History of Emergency Medical Services in the United States
[3] National EMS Week - National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
