Community Bulletin
For more than 120 years, the Elkins hospital now known as Davis Medical Center has been where the Potomac Highlands turns for care. Today that includes expert kidney care close to home — sparing many patients a drive out of the region. Read more →
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program is observing National EMS Week, which runs May 17-23.
This year’s national theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” highlights the partnership between traffic safety initiatives and the first responders who provide life-saving care on West Virginia’s roadways.
While the GHSP focuses on preventing crashes through education and enforcement, EMS professionals are the essential “Fifth E” of highway safety — providing the post-crash care that often makes the difference between a tragedy and a recovery.
“Our mission is to ensure that every West Virginian reaches their destination safely, but when the unthinkable happens, we rely on the expertise and courage of our EMS partners,” said Jack McNeely, director of the GHSP. “The theme ‘Improving Outcomes, Together’ is more than just a slogan; it’s a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility. When drivers choose to buckle up and put their phones away, they aren’t just protecting themselves – they are helping our EMS providers do their jobs more effectively.”
“The road is an EMS provider’s office, and it can be a dangerous one,” McNeely added. “As we celebrate their dedication this week, we ask every driver to honor them by staying alert, driving sober, and giving them the space they need to save lives.”
During National EMS Week and every day, the GHSP encourages West Virginians to:
- Move over and slow down: It’s the law. Protect those who are protecting us on the roadside.
- Always wear a seat belt: Proper restraint significantly improves patient outcomes by reducing the severity of injuries before EMS arrives.
- Thank a first responder: Acknowledge the EMTs and paramedics in your community who work 24/7 to keep our state safe.
For more information about the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program, visit highwaysafety.wv.gov.
