Sen. Curry's full remarks from the 2023 EMS Week Celebration event

Below are the complete remarks given by Senator Chip Curry at the 2023 EMS Week Celebration, held Thursday, May 25, 2023 at the Maine EMS Memorial and Education Site at the State House Complex.

Good afternoon,

Thank you all for coming out to join us on this beautiful day to celebrate and remember. We are here today to honor our Emergency Medical Services professionals – the unsung heroes of our healthcare system.

Like many of you here, I too, have a personal story about the crucial role EMS workers play in our lives. A few years ago, when my father suffered a stroke, it was the quick, professional, and caring response of our local EMTs that ensured he received immediate, life-saving care. This is not unique to my story; it is a shared experience among us all.

Everywhere in the state, EMS professionals are on the frontline of medical emergencies, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are often the first point of contact in our most critical times of need, providing immediate medical treatment with skill, dedication, and compassion. Despite the crucial role they play, they are often under-recognized and under-supported. Too often, we only think about these heroes when we desperately need them, when seconds count, and their actions can mean the difference between life and death. 

Our EMS departments are facing serious challenges. Antiquated funding models, staffing shortages, low pay, and lack of resources are threatening the viability of many service providers across the state. Since 2013, Maine has lost nearly 1,500 EMTs and paramedics – that’s over 20% of that workforce. 

Last year, along with Speaker Talbot Ross, I had the honor of serving as the co-chair of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Emergency Medical Services. This Commission included Representative Salsbury, Senator Farrin, and, most importantly, numerous leaders within Maine’s EMS community that brought decades of experience. The Commission was born out of our shared commitment to confront these critical issues head-on, ensuring that our EMS departments get the unwavering support they need to thrive.

Our collaborative efforts have already succeeded in raising awareness of the challenges facing EMS in Maine. The commission proposed numerous initiatives designed to meet the immediate crisis and chart a path for the long-term sustainability of our emergency medical system. These initiatives are all working their way through the legislative process, and I am cautiously optimistic that we will be able to pass substantial EMS legislation this session.

Working in EMS is both physically and emotionally demanding. Long and irregular hours, coupled with the physical strain of caring for patients, can lead to fatigue and injury. Moreover, the emotional toll of being exposed to human suffering, trauma, and loss on a near-daily basis is immense. 

It’s essential that we recognize that the individuals behind the uniforms who carry out this heroic work are not immune to the emotional and physical impacts of their profession. In honoring your dedicated service, we also commit to supporting your financial, physical, and psychological well-being.

And it’s not just the workers we honor today, but their families too. The dedication, sacrifice, and commitment extend beyond the individuals wearing the uniform. To the families of our EMS workers: we see you, we value you, and we appreciate you. 

Finally, let us remember those who have given their lives in the line of duty. As we mark this EMS Week, we honor your memory, we thank you for your service, and we pledge to uphold your legacy through our continued commitment to strengthening and supporting Maine’s Emergency Medical Services.

Thank you.