Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services celebrates National Emergency Services Week providing HCEMS Paramedics and Advanced EMT’s with lunch and a chance to fellowship with other EMS providers within Region 3 for the state of Tennessee.
Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service hosted a family day for Region 3 for the State of Tennessee Emergency Medical Services and First Responders during National EMS Week. The national theme for 2016 is “Called to Care”.
Each year, the third week of May, Emergency Medical Services is celebrated for its professionalism in providing emergency care to the sick and injured. This year’s Hamilton County celebration was held at the Vulcan Recreational Park on Shallowford Road in Chattanooga. All of Region 3 Emergency Medical Services were invited by HCEMS to take time from their busy schedule to enjoy a free cookout style lunch that provided them with freshly cooked hamburgers, hotdogs, desserts and soft drinks.
HCEMS Director Ken Wilkerson said, “The men and women in emergency medical services dedicate their lives in providing professional quality emergency care to the citizens in their time of need. This is just a small token to show appreciation for their professionalism and the many hard working hours they spend working, and training away from their families on a daily basis. This is an event that was made possible by the service for the service."
A volunteer committee of two persons from each of the three A, B, and C shifts along with four administrative personnel was formed to plan and schedule a two day cookout event for all agencies in district three. The HCEMS committee also planned an entire day on Saturday for a day dedicated to the families of the over 134 paramedics, and advanced EMTs employed by HCEMS. This day gave the family members with EMS personnel the opportunity to enjoy special time with various activities, games and prizes for the entire family.
This event was supported by generous donations from two local hospitals, Erlanger and Parkridge, who provided all products of meat, produce and trimmings for the celebration meal. Local businesses also provided various door prizes, and funding for the special games, and activities enjoyed by the family members of the EMS providers attending this event.
Deputy Chief John Combes said, “We wanted to allow the HCEMS personnel to enjoy a special day with their family, for their many hours of hard work providing quality care for our citizens in Hamilton County and to let them know that they are truly appreciated for what they do. It was also to say thank you to the families of the men and women of HCEMS for allowing them to be who they are and their many hours away from their family. The committee did an excellent job in planning and coordinating this three-day celebration, and I congratulate them for their efforts in providing a quality event that was enjoyed by all who attend."