Prairie State Wire

SPRINGFIELD – This week, from May 19-25, 2024, marks National EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Week. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is commemorating the occasion with its annual awards recognizing outstanding service in providing emergency medical assistance.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first National EMS Week, established in 1974. Then-President Gerald Ford authorized the creation of Emergency Medical Services Week to honor professionals who provide essential life-saving care during medical emergencies.

“EMS professionals have one of the most challenging and difficult jobs in health care,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “I am thrilled to celebrate these hardworking and dedicated professionals not just during this EMS week but every week. We thank you for all your service and the daily impact you make in improving the health and safety of Illinois residents.”

Each year, IDPH recognizes exemplary service in the field of EMS in Illinois. This year there are three honorees:

Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago was honored for swift action that averted catastrophe at an apartment building. On January 19, 2024, Lurie ER staff treated two pediatric patients with similar symptoms, including vomiting and headache. Staff noted that both children shared the same address and that their symptoms were consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning. Multiple EMS units responded to the address after a 911 call, discovering high CO levels in the building. Twenty-six units were evacuated, multiple patients were transported to hospitals, and no fatalities resulted from the incident.

Billy Stoffel, an emergency medical technician (EMT) with Southwestern Illinois EMS System based in Belleville, was honored for 50 years of service. Stoffel was first licensed in 1974—the inaugural year of National EMS Week—and initially worked for an ambulance company operated by a funeral home before transitioning into today's modern EMS system. He has worked continuously since then, including spending the past 43 years at MedStar Ambulance.

Michael Markovich was also recognized for his 50 years as an EMT with Southwestern Illinois EMS System. Like Stoffel, he began his career with an ambulance company operated by a funeral home and has worked for several ambulance companies across Southwest Illinois. He has been an EMT at MedStar Ambulance for the past 21 years.