It’s National Emergency Medical Services week, a time to recognize those who have dedicated their lives to an important public service. Ambulance and first responder groups fall under the Emergency Medical Service, or EMS, category, and according to one individual in the field, it’s important to remind young people that it’s a career option.

Washington County Ambulance Director, Richard Young, says they work with Kirkwood Community College on a program that gives students a chance to ride along with an ambulance crew to see what it’s like. Young explains it allows some to realize it isn’t for them before they start a program, and also prompts other students to look at becoming an EMT or Paramedic more seriously.