During National EMS Week, May 21-27, people are celebrating emergency medical service professionals for dedicating their lives and careers to serving others when medical emergencies happen.That includes emergency medical technicians, paramedics and firefighters. The Warren County Ambulance District celebrates EMS Week every year to recognize teams and celebrate their relationship with the community.The district hosts community blood drives, contests and an Explorers programs for youths who are interested in a career in public safety. The department has contributed to the Tribute to Veterans Memorial and many members serve on various boards and committees throughout the county.That is in addition to school visits, presenting safety courses and responding to emergency calls.Members of the department know and get to know the community, said Tim Flake, operations chief for the district.“When you call for an ambulance, sometimes you want to know who’s coming along with it. That’s a comforting feeling for a lot of people,” Flake said.“These guys do their best when people call 911,” he added.As the executive assistant for the Warren County Ambulance District, Jackie Stewart knows a lot of paramedics.“They each have different personalities but they all have a common goal — wanting to be there to help people when there’s an emergency,” Stewart said. “They put so much heart into patient care.”The Warren County Ambulance District responds to about 4,200 emergency calls a year. The service area is about 240 square miles.Within the area, crews respond to emergencies along Interstate 70 and two-lane roads in the winding, rolling hills of wine country during any kind of weather or any time of day.All the while, medics are tending to patients in the back of a fast-moving, shifting or bumpy ambulance, sometimes under the worst roadway conditions.“It’s challenging, but they get used to it pretty quick. It’s part of their training,” Flake said. “We do a driver’s training course every year.”Along with driving tests, continuing medical education classes are required to keep their credentials up to date.“The training never stops,” Flake said.During EMS Week, staff are treated to ice cream socials with their families, goody bags, giveaways, lunches and more.“We really reach out to make sure everyone knows we appreciate the job they do,” Flake said.The district recently held its annual coloring contest. The next event is a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at the Elks Lodge, 1101 E. Veterans Memorial Parkway in Warrenton.Warren County Ambulance District has about 45 full- and part-time employees at three locations, two in Warrenton at 604 Fairgrounds Road, which is home to the administrative office, and 26091 South Highway 47. A third is located at 111 W. South Second St. in Wright City.A fourth will be operating soon on Bell Road in Wright City. An open house will likely be held in June.Warren County Ambulance District was formed Aug. 6, 1974.EMS Week