UT Health East Texas EMS to Participate in National EMS Moving Memorial
Tyler, Texas (July 8, 2022) — UT Health East Texas EMS crews will help escort a temporary EMS memorial through Smith County on Monday as it makes its way across the country as part of a multi-state procession of this year’s temporary National EMS Memorial, known as the Tree of Life.
The procession of this year’s installment commences in Dallas and progresses to Arlington, Virginia, for the 2022 National EMS Weekend of Honor July 22-24, during which the National EMS Memorial Service will pay tribute to 72 EMS and air medical fallen from 26 states across the U.S. Among those to be recognized is David Eads, a UT Health East Texas EMS paramedic who was killed in a crash while on duty Nov. 17, 2021.
“It is especially meaningful for our crews to take part in escorting the moving memorial this year since one of our own paramedics tragically has been added to the memorial,” said John Smith, UT Health East Texas EMS CEO. “We are honored to pay tribute to David Eads and all others who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.”
Note: The procession is expected to leave Lewisville, Texas, at 10 a.m. and travel through Smith County on I-20 around 11:30 a.m. or noon on Monday.
About UT Health East Texas
UT Health East Texas provides care to thousands of patients each year through an extensive regional network that includes 10 hospitals, more than 50 clinics, the Olympic Plaza Tower, 13 regional rehabilitation facilities, two freestanding emergency centers, regional home health services covering 41 counties, an EMS fleet of more than 50 ambulances and four helicopters, and a comprehensive seven-trauma center care network, including the region’s only Level 1 trauma facility.
As a partner with The University of Texas System, UT Health East Texas is uniquely positioned to provide patients with access to leading-edge research and clinical therapies while training and educating the next generation of physicians and other health professionals. The nationally recognized UT System also includes The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, as well as three other major university medical centers located throughout the state.
Worked 5 years in EMS and got hurt on the job and had to go on Disability, I miss it everyday! I think is awesome that a memorial for our fallen brothers and sisters is being taken across the United States.