April 28 is the Day of the emergency medical worker: history, congratulations

Every year on April 28, Russia celebrates the Day of the Emergency Medical Worker, a professional holiday for doctors who are the first to visit the sick and injured in accidents. In 2024, it falls on a Sunday. Read about how the first mobile medical teams appeared and how to congratulate the perpetrators of the celebration in the Izvestia article.

Ambulance Worker's Day in 2025

Ambulance Worker's Day was included in the list of public holidays quite recently — five years ago, in 2020. Before that, it was celebrated informally. The proposal to create a professional celebration was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting with the heads of regions on countering coronavirus.

The date for the holiday was not chosen by chance — on April 28, 1898, the first ambulance stations appeared in Moscow. There were only two of them and they worked at police stations. Each station had a carriage for departures, a portable set of medicines and dressings. Rooms were allocated for doctors, in which one of the doctors was on duty around the clock.

Initially, ambulance workers accompanied law enforcement officers on calls and provided assistance to victims in fights and accidents. Medical measures were carried out on the spot or in the hospital at the police station.

It was impossible to call a doctor at home at that time. In addition, due to the lack of telephone service and the small number of ambulance crews, the ambulance served only those who suffered as a result of any accidents. If a person felt unwell, he was forced to seek hospital treatment, regardless of the severity of the condition.

The first emergency rooms for the sick at home appeared only in 1926. Doctors traveled to patients on motorcycles with sidecars, and later passenger cars were allocated for this purpose. At the beginning of the 20th century, the quality of on-site medical services also increased, as specialists with higher education began to work in ambulance teams. And in the 1960s, specialized ambulance teams appeared: neurological, pediatric, toxicological, etc.

Today, calling an ambulance is one of the most widespread medical services. It is part of the primary health care system and is provided free of charge. The team members do not just deliver the patient to a medical facility. They carry out a comprehensive diagnosis and, if necessary, carry out the necessary measures to preserve the patient's life and health. Thanks to their efforts, thousands of people are saved every day.

How to celebrate the Day of the ambulance worker

Ambulance workers often celebrate their holiday at work — people get sick and injured every day, regardless of the date on the calendar. The specialists are congratulated by colleagues, representatives of the management of medical institutions, heads of regions and other officials.

On this day, master classes, lectures and seminars on first aid are held for students of medical universities and colleges. Interviews with doctors and paramedics who talk about the specifics of working in the ambulance are published on social networks. Medical team members are invited to photo shoots, professional meetings, and educational events.

Some public organizations are launching information campaigns for the public, during which they explain the algorithm of actions in emergency situations. Sometimes volunteers prepare symbolic gifts and treats for ambulance workers.

Ambulance Worker's Day: how to congratulate

Working in an ambulance team is hard work, often fraught with danger. Doctors and paramedics are among the first to arrive at the sites of accidents, accidents, and fires. They are on the front line during epidemics and seasonal outbreaks of diseases. Therefore, on this holiday it is important to express gratitude to those who guard the health of all residents of the country. You can do this in person or via messenger. Here are some examples of congratulations in your own words:

"Happy Ambulance Worker's Day to you! Thank you for continuing to save lives day after day and not giving up, despite the difficulties. You are a true guardian angel for your patients. I wish you good health, optimism, family happiness and joy!"

"On this spring day, I want to congratulate the ambulance staff on their professional holiday. You are our heroes, who have proved by your own example that you do not need a cape and a supersuit to perform feats. Thank you for your hard work! I wish you a peaceful sky, good health and an inexhaustible supply of vitality!"

"Congratulations on the Day of the ambulance worker! Don't let your strength leave you, and there is always a place for small joys and personal happiness in life. I wish you good health, fortitude, grateful patients and free roads!"