EDITORIAL: Thank you, EMS

May 24—Today marks the last day of the 50th EMS Week—a celebration of emergency medical responders and their work.

Like many first responders, EMS workers—including paramedics and emergency medical technicians—are usually encountering people on the worst days of their lives. They show up at car wrecks, fires, falls and other accidents, as well as for a variety of medical crises. They are always at the ready, prepared to deploy at a moment's notice. They are the calm, reassuring presence that keeps you going until you can receive treatment at a hospital. Sometimes, they are literally the difference between life and death.

We hope we never need them, but we are beyond grateful to have them when we do. So today we thank them for all their hard work and dedication. And we acknowledge how taxing the job can be, both physically and mentally. This work is not for the faint of heart, and it takes a special person to keep showing up for people on their worst days.

Happy EMS Week. We don't say it often enough, but we appreciate you.