EMS out and about — main station is in Utulei for Flag Day Week
![The three Emergency Medical Technicians, D. Asaeli, S. Tooala, and T. Amituanai, who were patrolling the East side in their unit during the fautasi race in Satala. Flag Week is usually a busy week for the EMS, so 5 EMS vehicles are divided throughout American Samoa to look out for the public in case of any emergencies. [Photo: Ese Malala]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_normal_image/public/field/image/EMS-0018_0.jpg?itok=QP6xlxI7 "The three Emergency Medical Technicians, D. Asaeli, S. Tooala, and T. Amituanai, who were patrolling the East side in their unit during the fautasi race in Satala. Flag Week is usually a busy week for the EMS, so 5 EMS vehicles are divided throughout American Samoa to look out for the public in case of any emergencies. [Photo: Ese Malala]")
Flag Day Week is the busiest celebration for Amerika Samoa and Manu’a, with people out and about — pese & siva practices, fairs, night performances for the Arts Council program, work on the run, leaving town for the 4-day weekend, and basically enjoying the energy of a community in the grips of fautasi fiva.
And, with all the excitement and pride happening, let’s not forget the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) that’s out there patrolling various locations and events, to make sure nothing severe is happening.
According to an Emergency Medical Technician, every year, Flag Day Week is their busy time because locals who are out and about either watching Flag Week or participating in an event, get dehydrated, heat exhaustion, high blood pressure or chronic pains — which is something they could prevent from happening.
Debbie an EMT, told Samoa News, “We are here to help you but please prevent yourself from getting hurt. Stay hydrated, and if you know you’re sick, stay indoors and eat moderately to avoid your blood pressure going high if you want to enjoy Flag Week.”
EMT said that the EMS main station for Flag Week is in Utulei and so far they’ve helped nearly 20 people with their blood pressure and dehydration in the last 3 days.
“Please stay hydrated, the sun is out and we want everyone to carry a bottle of water with them, to avoid heat exhaustion or dehydration, which will cause them to faint and become more sick. And also for those who have high blood pressure, eat with moderation while you’re out and about trying out food at the trade fairs.”
Mrs. Asaeli of EMS also told Samoa News, “We know we will have people that will be drinking, please drink responsibly and do not drink and drive. Watch out for your children on the roads during the fautasi races and other events. To have a safe Flag Week, let’s work together and be safe. Look out for each other and have a blessed Flag Week.”
EMS’ main station will be in Utulei for the rest of the long weekend and they also said if you see them and you are injured let them know, they are willing to help you. There are 5 EMS vehicles out in different locations from east to west and the public is advised to give them a call at anytime when in need of help.