There might be no year where it is more vital to recognize the work of emergency medical services and paramedics, those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
National EMS Week is May 17-23. Whether they work at a hospital, with a fire department, for a private service or a med-flight operation, these brave men and women put their lives on the line with every call they respond to, never knowing if the person they help might be infected with a virus they might catch and take home to their own families.
Frisbie Memorial Hospital is the only hospital-based ambulance service in the area. Gary Brock, director of emergency medical services and emergency preparedness, heads the unit. In April, the Frisbie service celebrated its 40th anniversary, except it could not celebrate because of COVID-19.
“We hope we can have a celebration when this is under control,” said Brock.