South King Fire and Rescue has declared May 16-22 “EMS Week” in Federal Way and Des Moines.

This is the 40th year of emergency care to the residents of King County. It has dramatically improved the survival and recovery of those who experience a sudden illness or injury. Emergency Medical Services teams provide lifesaving care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

SKFR has two paramedic units and one medical services officer ready for life threatening emergencies. Having a paramedic unit housed in the fire station cuts their response time in half.

Of the 16,000 calls for service in 2009, SKFR responded to emergency medical calls 71 percent of the time with an average response rate of three to five minutes, according to the fire department.