Celebrating EMS Week: Honoring our EMS teams in the Rocky Mountain Region

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week is a time to honor the incredible dedication and exceptional skill of EMS providers who operate tirelessly to safeguard our communities.

At AdventHealth’s five hospitals in the Rocky Mountain Region (RMR), the collaboration with EMS agencies is more than just a partnership—it’s a vital relationship built on trust, respect, and a shared mission of whole-person care.

In the RMR, EMS partnerships are the cornerstone of effective, responsive health care. These alliances are not just logistical; they are deeply rooted in collaboration to improve patient outcomes.

David Sanko, the EMS Coordinator for the region, shares, “Every decision that the paramedics make influence whole-person care. These teams are the jack of all trades and masters of none. They are the Swiss Army knives of medicine. They can be put into any environment, trained and be a force multiplier."

The value of these partnerships extends beyond emergency response. AdventHealth provides EMS teams with medical direction, continuing education, and quality improvement initiatives at no cost to the agencies or the communities they serve.

System EMS Medical Director, James Kempema, MD, emphasizes, “Our partnership with EMS is about empowering these incredible professionals with the tools and support they need to succeed. From training to real-time medical guidance, we ensure they have what they need to provide the highest standard of care.”

AdventHealth strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for EMS teams whenever they bring patients to our hospitals. Whether it’s offering them a place to rest, a meal, or a safe space to regroup between calls, AdventHealth aims to show appreciation for their efforts.

“Our EMS partners are not just dropping off patients—they are bringing in people who they’ve already built a trustful relationship with,” said Dr. Kempema. “That trust carries over to us, and it’s our responsibility to honor it.”

As we celebrate EMS Week, we want to take this moment to thank our EMS partners for their unwavering commitment to saving lives. Their work is not just critical to individual patient outcomes; it’s essential to the overall health of our communities.

“From mountain roads to urban streets, these teams show resilience, expertise, and compassion that inspire us every single day. They are the unsung heroes who make a difference in ways most will never fully understand,” said David.

To our EMS providers, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. You are integral to our mission of whole-person care, and your dedication does not go unnoticed. This week, and every week, we honor you as true partners in healthcare. Thank you for your service, your expertise, and your humanity. Together, we are transforming lives and building a healthier future for all.