How to show your appreciation for EMS workers
Emergency Medical Services is a system that provides emergency medical care to patients in need. The Office of EMS defines its efforts as a system of coordinated response and emergency medical care that encompasses multiple people and agencies. The system includes law enforcement first responders, emergency services dispatch workers, transportation providers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, nurses, and more.
According to the 2020 National EMS Assessment from the National Association of State EMS Officials, there were 1,030,760 licensed EMS professionals in the United States in 2020. EMS responders face many potential job hazards and sometimes put their own lives on the line to address patient emergencies.
Exposure to hazardous bodily substances and chemicals; lifting patients and equipment; treating infectious illnesses; and riding as passengers in high-speed transportation efforts are just some of the dangers EMS workers encounter every day.
EMS responders work tirelessly to help people in need. They often encounter people in dire situations and are routinely exposed to potentially traumatic situations. Still, many continue to show up to work each and every day.
In recognition of the invaluable services they provide, here are just a few ways anyone can show their appreciation for EMS workers in their community.
• Prioritize accident and injury prevention. One of the ways to give EMS workers a break is to reduce the need for their services.
By following safety guidelines and conducting yourself in a safe and responsible manner, you can reduce the number of accidents that require EMS workers to respond. While not every incident can be avoided, prioritizing safety can greatly reduce instances that call for emergency responses.
• Offer your gratitude. When you see EMS responders on the job or around the neighborhood, offer words of thanks for all they do to keep your community safe. Your words of encouragement and appreciation can provide support and inspiration to EMS workers.
• Rally local youths. Children in school or at home can create thank you cards depicting the hard work of EMS workers. Drop them off at a nearby location or display them around the community.
• Offer store discounts. Business owners can offer year-round discounts to EMS responders and greater discounts during the month of May, when National EMS Week is celebrated
• Use social media to spread the word. Celebrate those in the EMS community by sharing examples of their hard work, dedication and compassion on social media.
• Buy workers lunch. Contact a local EMS agency or visit a nearby first aid squad and deliver a catered lunch. Go the extra mile and enlist neighbors to help finance this gesture.
EMS workers have stressful and demanding jobs. Taking time out of one’s day to thank them can remind EMS professionals just how much they are appreciated.