EMS on the Hill Day 2011

On March 20 and 21, 2012, EMS professionals from across the nation attended EMS on the Hill Day in Washington, D.C. Now in its third year and hosted by NAEMT, EMS on the Hill Day is the only national EMS advocacy event open to all EMS professionals.

At the event, more than 198 EMS practitioners from 42 states and the District of Columbia attended 246 meetings with their U.S. Senators, House Representatives, and their congressional staff to inform them about and lobby for key EMS issues and legislation. This year's successful event included representation from all sectors of the EMS community, sent a consistent message on the important issues facing EMS in our country, and gave EMS professionals the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships with their congressional leaders.
 

Here are a few photos from the event.

Kansas delegation

The Kansas delegation, including NAEMT President Connie Meyer (left center) meets with U.S. Representative Lynn Jenkins. Other members of the delegation are Terry David, Chris Way, Kerry McCue and John Hultgren.
 

Aimee Binning with Senator John Barrasso and Mike Enzie from Wyoming

NAEMT Region III Director Aimee Binning meets with Senator John Barrasso
and Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming.

 

Delaware contingent

The Delaware delegation meets with their Congressman, John Carney. From left to right:
Bruce Egan, Dave Aber, Congressman John Carney, Robert Jones, Mike McMichael.  

 

North Carolina delegation

From North Carolina, NAEMT members Elizabeth Gentry of the Balsam Fire Department (left) and
Lt. Paul Roberts of Haywood Rescue Squad (right) meet with U.S. Representative Heath Shuler.

 

Pennsylvania delegation

The Pennsylvania delegation (from left to right): Ken Erikson, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick,
Todd Vreeland and Jonathan Blatman.

 

You say...

"Making a difference in people’s lives is part of our job, but rarely do we, as EMS professionals, have the opportunity to actually make an impact on our profession. I felt like I actually helped make a difference as a result of our combined efforts on Capitol Hill." Dean Douglas, NAEMT grant recipient   

"I really enjoyed the event... it was great having the time before and after to network and socialize with our groups and all the other providers. All in all, great event. Thanks for putting it together." Jonathan Blatman, NAEMT grant recipient 

"I hope they will have this event year after year, as I felt the goal of EMS having a voice in Washington was met. While a few of us were walking down a side street, a Secret Service officer rolled down his window and said, "Can I ask you a question? What are all these EMS people doing around here today?" I told him - and realized that we were SEEN. It was a great time and eye-opening for both elected officials and attendees." David Aber, EMS Supervisor, Odessa Fire Company, Odessa, Del.

"We were very fortunate and honored to have been able to actually speak to Senators Tom Carper, Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney and their staffs. Each took time out from their busy schedules to sit down and discuss our recent concerns on national EMS issues that affect our nation, state and local communities. We mentioned during the meeting the important topics that concerned us and asked for their support of legislation that will help strengthen our nation's EMS system. Overall, our group thought it was great opportunity for us to attend, take part and see our representatives in Washington, D.C. W. Mike McMichael III, Secretary, DSEMSA, and NAEMT grant recipient