Annual picnic held to thank first responders during National EMS Week
This week is National EMS Week, a time to thank our first responders.
UPMC Hamot is doing its part in showing gratitude for emergency care practitioners with a free meal.
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Hamot hosted their annual EMS picnic, where all local and regional volunteer and professional providers were invited for lunch.
A UPMC representative said a free meal is the least they can do, as many of them help others make it through what might be their worst day.
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'These folks are the ones that on a drop of a hat, the least convenient time or whatever it may be, are the ones jumping out of bed going to take care of people in their time of need. The professionalism they show, the competence they show with doing what they do is amazing,' said Don Holsten, senior manager of pre-hospital care at UPMC. 'And ultimately, what we want to do there is say thank you to them for what they do. They're the most selfless people around.'
Holsten said if it were up to him, National EMS week should be every week, adding that we couldn't survive without EMS care and support.
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