Recognizing Our EMS Heroes During National EMS Week (May 17–23)
5/1/2026
As we celebrate National EMS Week, May 17–23, I want to take a moment to recognize and express my deepest gratitude to the dedicated emergency medical services (EMS) professionals who serve the Crossroads region. This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” highlights the power of collaboration, communication, and teamwork in delivering the best possible care to patients when every second counts.
EMS professionals—EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and support teams—are the backbone of our emergency healthcare system. Their skill, courage, and commitment make a life-saving difference in our communities every single day. They work tirelessly, often in the most challenging circumstances, to provide critical pre-hospital care. Whether responding to accidents, medical emergencies, or natural disasters, they are the first line of defense in moments of crisis.
The 2026 theme is especially meaningful because it reflects what we see every day at DeTar Healthcare System: better outcomes happen when we work together. From the moment an EMS call is dispatched to the handoff at the hospital, seamless coordination and communication are essential. EMS professionals don’t just deliver care—they partner with hospital teams to ensure continuity, efficiency, and the highest level of patient safety.
At DeTar, we are privileged to work alongside these remarkable individuals. We see firsthand how they bring comfort to families, stabilize patients in distress, and collaborate seamlessly with our emergency department, physicians, and care teams. Their contributions extend beyond emergency response; they educate the public, advocate for advancements in emergency medicine, and help strengthen the entire healthcare system.
I would like to specifically recognize and thank the EMS crews who serve the Crossroads: Goliad EMS, Cuero Regional Hospital EMS, Calhoun County EMS, Lavaca County EMS, Yoakum EMS, El Campo EMS, Yorktown EMS, Victoria Fire Department EMS, Akin EMS, Refugio County EMS, Sacred Heart, Gonzales County EMS, and Jackson County Hospital EMS. Your partnership is vital to improving outcomes for the patients we collectively serve.
During EMS Week—and every day—we honor these heroes. Please join me in thanking the EMS professionals who serve our communities with such dedication. Their selflessness, expertise, and commitment to working together truly save lives.
With gratitude,
Clayton Ley
Trauma Services Director
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