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On October 28, you'll have the chance to show your appreciation for first responders with National First Responders Day! This day was created in 2017 to recognize the incredible courage and selflessness of these individuals who put their lives on the line every single day. From firefighters and police officers, to dispatchers and emergency medical technicians - this holiday is all about honoring those brave men and women who help keep us safe.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Emergence of Formal Firefighting</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 1800s, firefighting departments started becoming more organized with formal units established in cities across the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1865</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of Police Force</div><div class='timeline-text'>The New York Police Department, as an example, was formally established in 1865, providing a template for other cities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1968</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Adoption of 911 System</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States adopts 911 as the national emergency number, enabling rapid response by first responders during crises.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1973</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Emergency Medical Services Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Emergency Medical Services Act was passed in 1973 to improve and expand the delivery of emergency healthcare services.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>9/11 Attack Highlights Role</div><div class='timeline-text'>The heroic role of first responders was highlighted during the tragic events of September 11, 2001 – laying a foundation for greater appreciation.<div></div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of National First Responders Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States Congress designates October 28 as National First Responders Day to pay tribute to these selfless individuals.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Send a thank you card</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write a heartfelt note of thanks to your local first responders. Whether it is the fire department, police, or EMS, they all deserve a little appreciation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a donation</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Donate money or supplies to your community first responders. Local foundations and charities often accept donations on behalf of first responders.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put together a fundraiser or charity event in support of first responders in your community. You could host a car wash, bake sale, 5K run/walk, or any other type of event to raise money.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for ways to volunteer with your local first responders. This could involve helping out with administrative tasks or providing assistance during an emergency situation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Help spread awareness about the important work that first responders do by sharing stories and information on social media or with your friends and family.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It recognizes and honors first responders</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National First Responders Day honors the brave men and women who make it their mission to serve and protect us in our times of need. It's a time to recognize and express gratitude for all that they do for our communities, from responding to emergency situations to providing medical assistance and more!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps build awareness of first responder issues</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National First Responders Day is also an opportunity to build awareness around important issues such as resource shortages, budget cuts, long shifts, dangerous working conditions and other challenges that first responders face. By educating ourselves on these topics, we can better support our heroic first responders.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It supports local heroes</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating National First Responders Day is not only a great way to show our appreciation for first responders (including police officers, EMTs, fire crews and more), but it is also a great way to give back to the community by supporting local heroes through volunteer programs or donations.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>First Responders are continuously trained in an variety of areas</h3><p class='facts-content'>First Responders undertake rigorous and continuous training, not just in handling emergencies but also in areas such as conflict management, negotiation, crisis intervention, and mental health awareness, all contributing towards their highly proficient response prowess.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Golden Hour principle underpins first responder actions</h3><p class='facts-content'>The ‘Golden Hour’ in trauma medicine refers to the vital first sixty minutes after a traumatic injury during which there is the highest likelihood that effective medical treatment will prevent death. First Responders play a crucial role in this critical window of time.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>First Responders often serve multiple roles</h3><p class='facts-content'>In many smaller communities, First Responders often play multiple roles, serving as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services providers due to resource limitations. Their dedication across these roles is commendable.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>First Responders include unsung heroes like dispatchers too</h3><p class='facts-content'>First Responders are not just those actively present at the scenes of emergencies. Dispatchers, who coordinate emergency response and provide vital information to case handlers, also form an integral part of this group and deserve equal recognition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Volunteer First Responders form a significant proportion</h3><p class='facts-content'>A substantial number of first responders in many areas, particularly in rural communities, serve as volunteers. These individuals balance their regular employment with a passion to serve their communities, highlighting the depth of their commitment.</p></div></div>
National First Responders Day is celebrated on October 28 every year. In 2024 National First Responders Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Oct 28
Saturday
2024
Oct 28
Monday
2025
Oct 28
Tuesday
2026
Oct 28
Wednesday
2027
Oct 28
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