Sunday is the beginning of National EMS Week when the U.S. recognizes those who serve in emergency medical services.
According to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), National EMS Week was started in 1974 by then-President Gerald Ford.
This year in particular, the week is a good opportunity to honor the service that EMTs and paramedics provide to society in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, "one of the most daunting and demanding challenges our country has ever faced," a proclamation signed by President Trump on Friday said. "This week, we recognize these heroic men and women for their efforts to deliver life-saving care and compassion to their fellow Americans, and we acknowledge that our country is a safer and healthier place because of their work," the proclamation said. However, EMTs don't all get paid the same.