In celebration of Emergency Medical Services Week, the Hawaii Fire Department is sponsoring its 10^th annual EMS Family Fun Run/Walk and Health Fair on Sunday, May 30, 2010.  The event will take place at Liliuokalani Park, and the public is invited to participate.

This year’s proceeds will benefit the Hawaii Island branch office of the American Lung Association in Hawaii, and also help a County of Hawaii employee and supporter of EMS Week since its inception, recently diagnosed with leukemia.

The 5K Family Fun Run and 2-Mile Walk begins and ends at Liliuokalani Park in Hilo.  The route proceeds from Lihiwai Street to the lighthouse tower at Bayfront Highway, then back along the same route to the park.  The 2-mile walk also begins at the park to a shorter turn-around point and back.  Both events will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 30.  A Keiki Fun Run, a non-competitive event for children ages 3 to 10, will be held within Liliuokalani Park following the 5K run.

Applications may be obtained at the Spencer Health and Fitness Center, the Fire Administration office located at the County Building, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2501 in Hilo, at any district fire station, or by calling 932-2900 during normal business hours.

The entrance fee is $20 for adults, and $10 for youth, students & seniors (60+).  Deadline to guarantee a shirt is May 19, 2010.

Awards will be presented following the completion of the event.  All participants will also become eligible to receive random drawing prizes.  HMSA, Spencer Health and Fitness Center, KTA Super Stores, and Clif Bar are major sponsors of the event.

The family fun run/walk will also kick off various events and displays that will continue throughout the day.  The American Heart Association (blood pressure screening), Ululani Pharmacy (blood sugar/cholesterol screening), Big Island Asthma Coalition-East Hawaii (asthma awareness and education), Hospice of Hilo, Tri Fit (personal fitness assessment administered by Keaau High School students), and the County of Hawaii Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (Keiki ID) are among the agencies that will provide their services to the public. 

The Hawaii Island branch office of the American Lung Association in Hawaii will have volunteers and staff on hand to assist with the event as well as to provide information about their services.  For more information on the organization, please call Sally Ancheta at 935‑1206.

EMS Week, which is celebrated nationwide, will bring together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety, and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of the medical “front line.”  This year’s theme, “Anytime.  Anywhere.  We’ll Be There.” underscores the commitment and dedication of the 750,000 EMS personnel who provide an essential community service every day. 

The Emergency Medical Services Week coordinators are Fire Captain/Mobile Intensive Care Technician Lance Uchida (Central Fire Station, telephone 961-8325) and Battalion Chief Jerry Lum (telephone 961-8348).  The fun run/walk race director is Firefighter/Mobile Intensive Care Technician Jesse Ebersole (Kawailani Fire Station, telephone 959‑7012).

The County of Hawaii’s Emergency Medical Services Division, a State-funded program, provides 24-hour quality pre-hospital emergency medical care and services to the residents and visitors on Hawaii.  Last year, EMS responded to 15,559 calls for assistance island wide.  To learn more about your local EMS Division, please call 961-8319.

Event organizers welcome your support of EMS.  Please join your Fire Department on May 30.