Governor Gretchen Whitmer is honoring Michigan's EMS Heroes for their lifesaving work on the front lines of the pandemic by proclaiming May 15-21 as EMS Recognition Week. "Michigan's EMS Heroes step up to serve our communities every day," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "During EMS Recognition Week, let's thank our local heroes for always being there when we need it most and helping our neighbors, family, and friends. We must also recommit ourselves to having their backs through our actions, which is why I proposed awarding $50 million in hero pay to first responders throughout the state in my budget for next year. I will work with anyone to get these bonuses enacted and deliver for our first responders in both my words and actions." Michigan EMS providers deliver highly skilled pre-hospital care to residents in need during emergencies. Their work improves survival and recovery rates of people with sudden illnesses and injuries. "Michigan EMS pro
Even after she’s clocked out, Sarah Lewin keeps a Ford Explorer outfitted with medical gear parked outside her house. As one of just four paramedics covering five counties across vast,
Paramedics are often the most highly skilled medical providers on emergency response crews, and their presence can make a lifesaving difference in rural areas where health services are scarce. But paramedics are hard to come by, and a long-standing workforce shortage has been exacerbated by turnover and resignations related to pandemic burnout.