When we have an emergency occur we are trained to dial 911. What typically happens afterwards, is a well orchestrated chain of events that usually conclude at a nearby hospital. Yet many people have no idea what happens behind the scenes, so that those who are in need of help can receive what they need, so as to see another day.

There is nothing simple about “pre-hospital care” nor the care that you receive at the hospital emergency room. No two calls are exactly the same. There are human beings with families behind those illnesses, injuries and accidents. There are human emotions in the eyes of those in need, their family members and the care providers. We may live in an almost robotic state these days, but all emergency medical providers are professionals, be they paid or volunteer.

There are hundreds, and for some providers, thousands of hours of training and refreshing involved so as to be certified to respond to emergency calls and provide care. New York State EMT Certifications are only good for three years. This means every 2.5 years refresher training is mandated and concludes with a written state exam. That test puts a lot of stress on the EMT.

And speaking of stress, let's not forget that each call for help begins with pressing 911. The 911 Center dispatchers receive that call and act upon it with their training, dispatching the most appropriate care necessary to assist those in need. So the next time you hear a siren wailing in the distance, think of the 911 dispatchers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, air-medical providers, ER nurses and doctors who will be taking care of whoever is in need without hesitation, be it 2 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If anyone has ever had a thought about getting involved in the medical profession, be it pre-hospital care (being an EMT or paramedic) or becoming a nurse or physician, you will find an inner peace that will give you a satisfied feeling that what you do really matters.

May 17-23 is National EMS Week. Many fire departments and ambulance corps will be having open houses and demonstrations of what they do. Stop by, visit, and/or get involved. Join me in honoring our own hometown heroes as we say thank you for your dedication to EMS.

Roman Rotko

Auburn

Rotko is Cayuga County

EMS coordinator