May 21-27 is National EMS Week, and Callaway County EMS is taking the time to recognize the individuals who are dedicated to the community.
The theme for National EMS Week 2023 is "Where Emergency Care Begins."
In a Facebook post, Callaway County EMS states that the EMS team springs into action once a call for help is received no matter what.
"They are often the first to arrive on the scene, bringing with them medical expertise, comforting words, and a reassuring presence when it's need the most," Callaway County EMS stated.
The Callaway County EMS professionals begin providing emergency care. They are described as "the first link in a chain that stretches from the moment of crisis to the hope of recovery."
The Facebook post thanks everyone involved with Callaway County EMS -- the paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, administrative personnel and more -- for their dedication, courage and compassion.
During EMS Week, Callaway County EMS encourages everyone to remember that emergency care begins with them.
"Thank you for being on the front lines, for your selfless service, and for your unwavering commitment to our community," the post states. "You exemplify the heart and soul of EMS, and for that, we are forever grateful."
The 2023 National EMS Week has a different theme for each day of the week, according to ems.gov. Sunday is health, wellness and resilience day; Monday is education day; Tuesday is EMS safety day; Wednesday is EMS for children day; Thursday is save-a-life day; and Friday is EMS recognition day.
EMS Week began in 1974, when President Gerald Ford authorized the week to "celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities," according to emsweek.org.