This week marks National EMS Week

AUGUSTA, G.A. (WJBF)- This week marks National EMS Appreciation Week. And Doctor’s Hospital is making emergency workers are recognized.

“Our first responders and EMS crews are so crucial. Often, they’re coming on to a scene and they are taking care of those patients right at– really what can be– one of their worst moments,” CEO Doctors Hospital Joanna Conley said.

Working 365 days a year, day and night, some EMS workers I spoke with tell me their duty is patient safety at all times.

“…Being able to get there and be the calm in the storm for those patients, and be able to give them that helping hand, that steady hand, that calm voice and be able to make that impact on that patient’s life is the whole reason why we’re here– it’s the whole reason why we have an EMS week,” Augusta Central EMS Director of Operations Jacob Hanson said.

And that’s why this week honors those who dedicate their lives to making sure they save others.

“It is a special day for us. We spend 24 hours on a shift, usually 48 off, doesn’t matter what the weather is, how hot, how cold it is– we’re out doing the pre-hospital. So, it’s really important to recognize that ‘cause these folks work really hard..,” Senior Director of Operations Gold Cross EMS John Smith said.

Jake Hanson is the Director of Operations for Central EMS and says he knows just how important this week is. He says it’s important for him and his colleagues to have several EMS service men and women together in one area.

“Especially with our hospital partners that we also don’t get to have a lot of communication with– other than patient reports and transfers. So, this allows us to actually have that camaraderie, have that communication with each other and have that fellowship.”

But at the end of the day, Hanson says he’s proud of the job.

“We know that in our hearts, and we know that every day when we come to work, we are making a difference in our lives and it doesn’t– we don’t have to have that one day a week, or that one week out of the year to make that difference.”

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