The thousands of Missourians who work in Emergency Medical Services are being honored for the lifesaving care they provide.
Today is EMS Recognition Day, which wraps up National Emergency Medical Services Week. Christopher Samson, president-elect of the Missouri College of Emergency Physicians, explains some of these workers are now serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, while others are providing critical care for other emergency calls.
"Sometimes they are risking their lives, because the pre-hospital setting can be more dangerous than anywhere else," says Samson. "And when you're providing health care, they sometimes are entering the unknown and they don't really know what to expect on every call they go through."
Samson says personal safety precautions are especially important for EMS workers, and that wearing Personal Protective Equipment masks, gloves, and eye protection are essential for first responders during the crisis.