Download a PDF of this Press Release Download Resolution 2026-05 (PDF)
WASHINGTON, DC (1 NOVEMBER 2026)— The Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice today announced its recognition of November 9–15, 2026, as National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Week. Resolution 2026-05 was adopted on behalf of the Commission by its Executive Committee on October 14, 2026, ahead of the week proclaimed by the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF).
Honoring Collegiate EMS
Collegiate EMS organizations give students the chance to serve their campuses and communities as EMS clinicians while they pursue their studies. Like all members of emergency medical services teams, they engage in specialized training and continuing education to provide lifesaving care. In Resolution 2026-05, the Commission commends the collegiate EMS clinicians and organizations across the nation whose service strengthens the EMS profession, enhances community safety, and fosters the next generation of EMS leaders.
“Collegiate EMS is where many of us first learned what it means to answer the call,” said Donnie Woodyard, Jr., Executive Director of the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice. “My own formative years in collegiate EMS taught me responsibility, teamwork, and compassion. These students balance demanding coursework with real emergency response, and that experience stays with them whether they build a career in EMS or go on to medicine, nursing, public service, or other fields. They are the future of our profession, and many will be lifelong advocates for emergency medical services.”
Interstate Practice for Students Who Serve Across State Lines
Many collegiate EMS clinicians live, study, and serve in different states. The resolution recognizes the importance of interstate practice to these clinicians: through the EMS Compact, a qualified EMS clinician licensed in one participating state holds a Privilege to Practice in the other participating states. Students and their agencies can verify a Privilege to Practice online with a National EMS ID.
“Collegiate EMS clinicians bring energy, professionalism, and compassion to their campuses and communities,” said Commission Chair Kraig Kinney. “Many of them live, study, and serve in more than one state, and the Privilege to Practice helps them keep serving wherever they are. My own EMS career began at DePauw University in Indiana and created the pathway to where I am today. On behalf of the Commission, I thank them for their service and encourage every participating state to join us in celebrating National Collegiate EMS Week.”
A Call to Recognize Collegiate EMS
The resolution encourages participating states and EMS agencies to join in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of collegiate EMS organizations, and the importance of interstate practice to the clinicians they train, during this week of national appreciation. The Commission adopted a similar resolution in 2025.
The full text of the resolution is available as an official, signed document: Resolution 2026-05, National Collegiate EMS Week 2026 (PDF). All Commission resolutions are listed on the Resolutions page.
About the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF)
The NCEMSF serves as an umbrella organization for campus-based EMS programs, supporting research, scholarship, and advocacy while providing networking and professional development opportunities. Learn more at www.ncemsf.org.
About the EMS Compact
The Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice is the governmental body established under the Recognition of Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA) to administer and enforce the Compact across participating states. The Commission is committed to protecting the public while advancing a mobile, qualified EMS workforce nationwide. For more information, visit www.EMSCompact.gov.
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