Honolulu Hale and the Blaisdell Arena will light up in the colors of orange, blue and white from sundown May 18 through sunrise on May 24 to commemorate National EMS Week as directed by Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

What You Need To Know

  • The theme for this year’s National EMS Week is “We care. For everyone”

  • This marks the 51st National EMS Week, reminding all of the history and contributions of EMS personnel over the decades

  • Events will be held in Honolulu to honor Oahu’s Emergency Medical Services

The theme for this year’s National EMS Week is “We care. For everyone.” This marks the 51st National EMS Week, reminding all of the history and contributions of EMS personnel over the decades.

Events will be held in Honolulu to honor Oahu’s Emergency Medical Services, including a proclamation ceremony with Mayor Blangiardi and a promotion ceremony featuring EMS employees.

“We often take our EMS heroes for granted, as they are always there for us during our most difficult moments,” said Dr. Jim Ireland, Director of Honolulu Emergency Services Department in a news release. “This week, we take the opportunity to thank them for all they do, and for the heavy burdens they carry to care for our island’s sick and injured.”

Oahu’s EMS professionals administer emergency medical treatment to one million residents and millions of visitors each year, according to the City. 

In 2024, Honolulu EMS answered more than 110,000 emergency 911 calls, delivering advanced life-saving medical treatment to more than 89,000 individuals and transporting nearly 65,000 patients to emergency rooms per the release.

President Gerald Ford established the first National Emergency Medical Services Week in 1974 to recognize the work of EMS personnel nationwide and raise public awareness about EMS. The week is observed during the third week of May with various events and activities.