Wisconsin Office of Rural Health celebrates EMS Week

The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health (WORH) is introducing EMS F.O.R.W.A.R.D., a detailed plan to address the issues highlighted in the nationally-recognized EMS Week, running May 17–23.

Developed by WORH’s Rural EMS Outreach Program Manager, James Small, the initiative draws on decades of field experience and technical support to rural agencies. EMS F.O.R.W.A.R.D. outlines a framework to strengthen the reliability, sustainability, and resilience of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across Wisconsin, with a call for coordinated, long‑term system improvement.

The EMS F.O.R.W.A.R.D. initiative aligns with Wisconsin’s historic motto, “Forward,” and uses the acronym F.O.R.W.A.R.D. to outline seven essential components of a strong EMS system: Funding, Organization, Reliability, Workforce, Accountability, Resilience, and Development. The framework provides communities, agencies, and policymakers with a clear structure for sustaining EMS services across the state.

“EMS agencies are facing unprecedented challenges — from staffing shortages to rising call volumes to increasing financial strain,” said James Small. “The F.O.R.W.A.R.D. framework gives people a common language and a shared strategy to move EMS into a stronger, more sustainable future.”

Throughout EMS Week and beyond, EMS professionals, local leaders, and community members are encouraged to advocate for EMS system improvement, share stories of EMS impact, and highlight the essential role EMS plays in public safety and community health.

The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health and its EMS Outreach Program are available to assist communities in understanding and implementing the F.O.R.W.A.R.D. framework. WORH provides technical assistance, leadership development, data support, and facilitation for agencies and municipalities working to strengthen their EMS systems.

“Every community in Wisconsin depends on EMS,” Small remarks. “This week is not only about recognition — it’s about action. We’re asking EMS responders, local officials, and residents to join together and move Wisconsin EMS forward.”