BATTLE MOUNTAIN - Lander County Emergency Medical Services celebrated National EMS Week by throwing a free barbecue for the community on May 25 at the Lander County EMS station at 25 E. Second St.
More than 100 people turned out to celebrate at the event, which was hosted by eight local EMTs and paramedics, said Rick Bell, ambulance coordinator and commander of the Northern Nevada EMS Consortium.
This year's theme for National EMS Week was "EMS: One Mission. One Team." EMT Cassandra Shoopman said the week is held in order to give recognition to EMS providers across the country and to let the public see what emergency crews do.
The food for the barbecue was provided by Battle Mountain General Hospital and consisted of hotdogs, hamburgers, chips and soda.
All of the three ambulances were there for the children to check out. The fly car was there as well, Bell said. Goodie bags were given to the kids, who were also able to try on turn-out gear. Free blood sugar and blood pressure checks were given.
"It was a smash hit," Shoopman said of the event. "It was amazing."
Bell added, "I think it was a huge success and I was pleased with the turnout."
The main organizers of the event were Shoopman and EMT Brandy Bengoa.
Bell said that Lander County EMS consists of five paramedics and 15 EMTs who are a mixture of full- and part-time employees. This was the Lander County crew's first opportunity to take part in national EMS Week. July 1 will mark the local EMS service's one-year anniversary.
"It was our first year as Lander County EMS and it was an important way to give back to the community," Shoopman said.
National EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "frontline."
For more information, contact the American College of Emergency Physicians at www.acep.org/emsweek.[[In-content Ad]]
