During National EMS Week, St. Vincent holds a neighborhood barbecue

Billings, Montana – St. Vincent Healthcare held a community barbecue in recognition of the 49th Annual National EMS Week to express its gratitude to the Billings EMS community and all of its providers.

EMS week, which is observed annually during the last week of May, is a time to express gratitude to first responders for their dedication to duty and to raise awareness of the significant part they play in the community.

According to Calvin Claassen, a firefighter with the Billings Fire Department who has received EMT training, a simple grin is sometimes the best expression of gratitude for a first responder.

“We work a 24/48 schedule and so we work long hours but at the same time the public should know that we are always there for them. It’s just that when you see us driving on the road, give us a wave, give us a smile, we love to see the community out there,” emphasized Claassen.

According to Eric Fisher, Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator at St. Vincent Healthcare, the community barbecue was first held in 2014 as a way to honor the dedication of Billings EMS providers.

“We never really had much of this for years and years. In fact, actually it really did kind of start probably around 2014. We recognize that we needed to make sure that we say thank you for the day in and day out accomplishments of these guys. They make a lot of sacrifices. EMS with St. Vincent—This is a partnership. We look at them as an extension of our hospital. So, number one, we want them to provide good quality care and we want to make sure they are recognized for that,” added Fisher.

Spend some time this week connecting with the Billings and neighborhood EMS community to express your support and gratitude.