National EMS Week Underway in Hinsdale

The following is a release from the Hinsdale Fire Department:

In recognition of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, which runs from Sunday, May 20, through Saturday, May 26, the invites the community to stop by the fire station at 121 Symonds Drive to meet the firefighters and paramedics. Residents can also receive a free blood pressure check or glucose screening between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the year at the fire house.

EMS Week, an annual event, is designed to bring together local communities and healthcare personnel to emphasize life safety, nutrition and health, to honor the dedication of all emergency-care providers, and to serve as a reminder of the emergency and non-emergency services that are always available to the community. This year’s theme is, “More Than a Job. A Calling.”

The Hinsdale Fire Department is made of 22 members, 19 of which are dual-trained as firefighters and emergency medical technicians at the paramedic level.

Some of our members have held a paramedic certification for over 20 years and have received numerous awards and service citations for their lifesaving efforts. In addition to weekly training and continued education in EMS throughout the year, the fire department responds to more than 2,400 emergency calls (approximately eight calls a day) annually, nearly half of which are for ambulance requests.

The Fire Department encourages the people who work and live in Hinsdale to celebrate EMS Week by implementing the ideas listed below.

• Learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
• Create a family emergency plan
• Teach children their home address and how to call 911
• Remain calm and listen carefully to instructions when talking to the 911 operator
• Create a list of current prescriptions you are taking and carry any identifying medical condition information with you
• Follow state law by slowing down and moving to the opposite lane when you see an emergency vehicle on the road
• Always wear your seatbelt

For more information about EMS Week or to register for CPR Training, please visit our website at www.villageofhinsdale.org or call the Hinsdale Fire Department (630)789-7060.