It is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week

By Joe Herrell, Training Officer-Campbell EMS

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- This year’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” perfectly represents the teamwork and dedication seen every day across Campbell County’s emergency services system.

Campbell County is fortunate to be served by some of the most dedicated emergency medical providers anywhere in the country. During EMS Week, we pause to recognize the Emergency Medical Responders (EMR), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Advanced EMTs, Paramedics, and Critical Care Paramedics who answer the call day and night to care for our friends, neighbors, and families during some of life’s worst moments.

Across this county, the men and women of Campbell County EMS and LaFollette City Fire Department work tirelessly to provide high-quality emergency medical care. These providers miss holidays, family gatherings, birthdays, and sleep so they can respond when someone calls 911. They see people on their worst days, yet still show compassion, professionalism, and heart with every patient encounter.

EMS is far more than lights and sirens. It is medical knowledge, critical decision-making, teamwork, and calmness under pressure. From basic life support provided by EMRs and EMTs, to advanced airway management, cardiac care, trauma treatment, and critical care transport performed by Paramedics and Critical Care Paramedics, every level of EMS plays a vital role in protecting the citizens of Campbell County.

Most of the responders serving our county are lifelong residents of Campbell County themselves. They grew up here, raise their families here, attend church here, and deeply care about the people they serve. While a few dedicated responders travel from outside the county to help support our EMS system, they too have become an important part of our emergency services family and are greatly appreciated for their commitment to this community.

As someone who has worked in emergency services and also spent my entire life in Campbell County, I can personally say these responders care deeply about this community, because this is their home, too. These are local people serving local people, and that connection shows in the compassion they provide every day.

This week is also an opportunity to recognize the volunteer responders throughout Campbell County, especially the members of Campbell County Rural Fire Service and Jellico Lifesaving Rescue Squad. These volunteers leave their homes, jobs, and families at all hours of the day and night to assist EMS crews on medical calls, motor vehicle accidents, structure fires, and rescues. Their willingness to serve gives EMS additional hands-on scene and helps provide faster, safer, and better care for the citizens of this county.

The volunteer spirit remains one of the strongest parts of Campbell County, and our emergency services system would not be what it is without those men and women who freely give their time to help others. EMS Week reminds us that improving outcomes truly happens together — through teamwork, sacrifice, training, and a shared commitment to serving others.

During EMS Week, please take a moment to thank an emergency responder. A simple handshake, kind word, or prayer means more than most people realize.

Campbell County is blessed with dedicated first responders who continue to answer the call — every hour of every day — in service to this community. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-05/18/2026-6AM)