In light of EMS week, Ascension Saint Thomas River Park hosted its  annual cookout to express appreciation and thanks for the selfless work of the EMT’s. 

Preston Denny, EMS director, spoke about the event and why it is put on every year, stating, “This is a cookout that River Park does to recognize EMS week. They have invited us and all other surrounding EMS agencies to come through for it.” 

The event is held every Wednesday during EMS week, and has been an annual tradition for several years, according to Denny. The cookout, along with grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, offered door prizes as well. Participants could enter their names to be drawn for a chance to win hats, shirts and other merchandise. 

EMS workers are the first lines of medical care during crisis. “When people have a sudden medical emergency at home, they are unable to get in the car and drive. We are able to come get them and it changes people’s lives. It makes a huge difference in their healthcare.” Denny noted that EMS workers help individuals receive healthcare where they would not normally be able to. 

Denny stated that his team is a great group and won the ALS Service of the Year award last year. “They are a great group of people. They enjoy their jobs and care about what they do and the people. I couldn’t ask for a better group.” 

This is the 49th annual National EMS Week. In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our communities.