There’s nothing quite as alarming as the blaring siren of an ambulance or fire truck fast approaching. Whether you’re in your car or safely in your home, knowing that someone—somewhere—may be in a life-threatening situation automatically increases our level of alertness.

Simultaneously, that siren is also reassuring:  we are relieved to know that the “right” people are rushing to whoever is in distress. We count on the professionals in the ambulances, fire trucks and medevac helicopters to get to the scene quickly and to know what to do in a thousand different scenarios—and, thankfully, they do.

This year we will honor these professionals May 17-23 during National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. Hospitals all across the country will show their appreciation to first responders, EMTs (emergency medicine technicians) and paramedics, and also to registered nurses involved in air-ambulance transport.  Their commitment to providing care at the scene of both accidents and fast-onset illnesses, as well as during transport, saves lives. Any person or family who has been on the receiving end of EMS knows the difference these individuals make in our communities and across the country.

Brownwood Regional Medical Center is privileged to honor all hard hardworking caring Emergency Medical Service personnel with a come and go breakfast on May 22 and provide refreshments throughout the week.

If you have the opportunity to thank an EMS provider May 17-23, please do. Their dedication should never be taken for granted.

Lexie Feist, RN

Director-Emergency Department / Trauma Center

Brownwood Regional Medical Center