Greenwich Emergency Medical Service Celebrates EMS Week

Information via Greenwich Emergency Medical Service Executive Director Tracy Schietinger

GREENWICH, CT — With EMS Week upon us, we commemorate its 50th anniversary with a sense of pride and gratitude. In 1974, President Ford issued a call to the nation, urging support for initiatives aimed at enhancing emergency medical care nationwide. This included the establishment of the first national EMS Week, a tradition we proudly uphold to this day. It serves as a reminder for us to honor the unwavering dedication of those who tirelessly provide life-saving emergency medical services to our community.

Greenwich Emergency Medical Service (GEMS) is privileged to celebrate EMS week with the brave and skilled Paramedics and EMTs that serve this community. Founded in 1986, GEMS is an independent non-profit organization that is the sole provider of high quality and compassionate care to the people of Greenwich. We provide 24 hours a day every day the highest level of advanced life support care possible. We provided that care over 6,300 times in fiscal year 2024. From childbirths to cardiac arrests to major traumas we will be there for the people of our community.

Beyond our core emergency services, GEMS is deeply intertwined with the fabric of our community. From patrolling Tod’s Point during the summer months with our bicycle units to partnering with the Greenwich Police Department on their patrol boats, we extend our reach to safeguard the safety and well being of our residents. Our active participation in local events, including parades and youth sports, underscores our commitment to being an integral part of Greenwich life.

GEMS takes great pride in its role as an educator and advocate for EMS awareness within the
community. We offer vital training programs such as CPR classes in schools and businesses, EMT courses throughout the year, and even babysitter certification classes. With over 150 AED units
strategically located across the town, GEMS strives to foster a Heart Safe Community. Through
initiatives like our Explorer Program, we actively engage with high school students, nurturing a passion for EMS education and inspiring the next generation of EMTs.

As we come together to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of EMS week, let us unite in celebrating, thanking, and supporting our dedicated GEMS providers and all those who stand behind them. Together, let us honor their unwavering commitment to serving Greenwich with excellence, compassion, and unwavering dedication.