Eastern Maine Medical Center will celebrate National Emergency Medical Services Week, which began Sept. 17, to recognize efforts of emergency services professionals throughout the region.

Jean Callum, administrator of Ambulatory Services for EMMC, said that specially designed coffee mugs will be distributed to emergency medical technicians and ambulance crews, fire and police personnel, and the center’s emergency department staff.

Emergency medicine is a new field and one that has developed at a remarkable pace, according to EMMC officials. Lynne Gagnon, R.N., Emergency Department head nurse, said that the week would be a time to educate the public in such services. Included in the education will be visits to area grade schools by a nurse and ambulance crew.

Also during the week will be the first publication of a magazine for emergency medical professionals, the Journal of Maine EMS.

The EMMC Emergency Department will be host to “Beat the Grim Reaper,” a game for EMS teams planned to test emergency knowledge. It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, in Mason Auditorium.