EMS Week honors first responders who save lives

CBS 13's April Hettinger explains why the community should take the time to recognize EMTs

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - There are plenty of workers that are worthy of the community's recognition, and this week it's time to honor those first responders who save lives.

It's National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. Fire departments across the desert southwest show up within minutes to perform life-saving measures, so now it's time for the community to express their gratitude.

"We feel appreciated that people care for the job that we do, going out there and helping the community, and now it's like the community giving back to us," said Captain Javier Hernandez of Somerton Cocopah Fire Department (SCFD).

The 47th annual observation will also recognize Rural Metro Fire Department, the San Luis Fire Department and EMTs in Imperial County along with the Yuma Fire Department.

"COVID-19 has offered some huge challenges for our responders and like the true professionals they are, they have done a fantastic job, they've served the community non-stop," said Fire Captain Steve Irr of the Yuma Fire Department.

Albert Hernandez was awarded EMT of the Year along with Emergency Paramedic of the Year Carlos Munoz, both Yuma firefighters.

"It's been a particularly hard year for us as first responders so, yeah, I mean it's nice," Hernandez stated.

Captain Javier Hernandez of SCFD shares some of his most rewarding experiences serving the community.

"We might take a patient to the hospital when they're sick, and then a couple days later or next week we go to the supermarket for groceries and then we see them, and they actually come up to you and they thank you firsthand and let you know how appreciative they are because of how you transported them," Captain Hernandez explained.

Don't forget to give a thank you if you run into an EMT. Captain Hernandez says if you want to help them out, pull to the right if you see lights and sirens.