SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – On behalf of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Regional West Medical Center salutes emergency medical service (EMS) workers across the panhandle. Working in conjunction with over 50 paid and volunteer emergency services, Regional West recognizes the endless hours of commitment from these workers who provide care to their friends and neighbors.

Celebrated May 18 through 24, EMS week is a time to recognize EMS professionals while educating the general public on common health care problems that result in medical emergencies. The theme for this year’s EMS week is, “Your life is our mission” to honor the 24-hour commitment to protect the public.

This year during EMS week, Wednesday May 21 will be dedicated as EMS For Children day. In honor of EMS for children day, Regional West offers some tips if your child needs emergency care:
-- Try to stay calm. You are the best resource that emergency personnel have when they gather information about your child’s health history, current medications and the circumstances surrounding the event.
-- Children will model their own behavior on their parents’ if their loved ones are visibly upset, crying or not in control, they will probably become upset and difficult to treat.
-- Children will go through many developmental stages on their way to adulthood. Some may be very shy when approached by strangers, some become very protective of their bodies, and as they approach adolescence, they may become reluctant to talk about their health in front of their parents. EMS providers may separate loved ones and the patient if they feel it is in the best interest of the patient.

When confronted with an emergency situation, many adults are not sure how to react. Some key things to remember:
-- Drivers should slow and pull to the right when emergency vehicles approach with lights and sirens behind your vehicle. In addition, it may be helpful to do the same when you spot emergency traffic coming from the opposite direction.
-- Taking a first aid or CPR class may make you feel more capable of dealing with emergency situations. Many are offered through local hospitals or organizations like the Red Cross.
-- Don’t delay calling or directing someone else to call 911 in an emergency.

As summer rapidly approaches, Regional West wishes you and your family active and fun-filled warmer months. Congratulations to the region’s EMS providers spanning the panhandle and eastern Wyoming.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,400 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 40 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is one of only three Level II Trauma Centers in the state of Nebraska.