I smile each year when we send a photographer over to LifeNet on Ouachita Avenue and get a photo of someone filling their plate with food during the ambulance service's annual appreciation dinner.
My dad proudly wore the uniform of an EMT up to the day he retired, and there will always be a special place in my heart for the men and women who sacrifice so much to care for others. I grin because I have a lot of fond memories of him enjoying a plate of food during his shift at that same substation, ofttimes donated by some kind soul who wanted to show their love and support for those laboring on behalf of others. I spent a lot of time over there on Ouachita, which at the time was part of St. Joseph's Lifemobile, before dad retired. Before that, dad had worked for the former city-county ambulance service.
I'm kind of the black sheep in the family, you see, having never ventured into the medical profession. My mom, who died of cancer when I was very young, was a well-respected surgical nurse at St. Joseph's, while my grandmother on my father's side was an equally well-respected floor nurse at Levi.
My brother likewise worked for a while in the medical field, but I guess that particular gene skipped me entirely.
I have a lot of respect for all of them and the sacrifices they made, working long hours, holidays and weekends, many times in less-than-ideal conditions and weather.
There was a physical toll, as well; my dad injured his back on a patient lift one day, which led to back problems that plagued him the rest of his career. He finished out as an ambulance dispatcher, which was a great relief to me, although it still meant long overnight hours away from home for him, at a time in their lives when many people are already retired.
EMS Week is a national celebration held each year during the third week of May to recognize the medical personnel and public safety professionals who provide lifesaving services daily, according to LifeNet's annual news release about the event.
LifeNet Inc. hosts the appreciation dinner during the week to honor our local EMS, firefighters, police and first responders. This year's event was catered by Smokin' In Style BBQ.
"EMS Week allows us the opportunity to thank each person who impacts the chain of survival when sudden illness or injury happens in the community," says Jason Gartner, general manager of LifeNet's Hot Springs Division.
"We recognize the teamwork that happens between EMS, law enforcement, firefighters and first responders. It takes all of us working together to ensure lifesaving care happens quickly in our community."
From motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters and crimes to sudden cardiac arrests, strokes or unexpected injuries, each agency works together to ensure the fastest medical response is available across the community, the release said.
"Often, the only time we get to come together is during a traumatic event," Gartner said. "Our annual EMS and First Responder Dinner during EMS week allows our EMS staff to come together with first responders and law enforcement in a non-stressful situation, where we can say thank you to each person in our community who assists in providing lifesaving care."
This year's theme for EMS Week is "Stronger Together," and that couldn't be a more appropriate statement. We're safer, as a community, because of the sacrifice of the men and women who work together to provide emergency medical services to us when the need arises. Thank you, on behalf of my family, for all that you do.
Editorial on 05/26/2018