Innate myeloid immune cells, and neutrophils in particular, serve as first line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria and fungi. Given their short life span during steady-state conditions, myeloid cells – with, in some cases, the exception of tissue macrophages – need to be constantly regenerated from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. During severe systemic bacterial infection, myeloid cell turnover is dramatically increased due to their unique modus operandi in combating invading pathogens involving release of lytic enzymes and neutrophil extracellular traps. Consequently, steady-state hematopoiesis is switched to emergency hematopoiesis by launching a unique hematopoietic response program that is aimed at greatly increasing myeloid cell output to meet the higher demand. In this review, we will discuss well-established as well as recently emerging concepts around the regulation of this fundamental process.