May 21-27 is National Emergency Medical Services Week, recognizing the service of paramedics across the country. During this week, Rockingham County paramedics are hoping to inspire others in serving their communities. National EMS Week celebrates a profession that serves an important role across the country — a role that Rockingham County paramedic Michael Stanley says isn’t always recognized.
"You've got to have a passion for people," he said. "We come into people's lives during their worst times, you know? [Sometimes] somebody's hurt, somebody's dying, and you know, it's a very important role. I think it's not always known."
Stanley has been working as a paramedic for roughly 13 years. He says over the course of his career a lot about the profession has changed for the better and for worse.