EMS Week got off to a start in Swift Current with a barbeque in the park.

Over at the Hutch Ambulance offices, in their garage right next to Rotary Park, folks were able to come out for hot dogs and refreshments as they got their celebration of Emergency Service Workers underway. 

Helping out on the grill and mingling with friends and family was Cameron Hutchinson, owner of Hutch Ambulance. 

Cameron Hutchinson, owner of Hutch Ambulance. Cameron Hutchinson, owner of Hutch Ambulance. 

"The theme this week is diversity," shared Hutchinson. "We're filling a lot of spots that we weren't filling before COVID and that kind of thing. We're really expanding the profession in Canada." 

Joining the Hutch crews were members of the Swift Current Fire Department, locals in the area, and families of those who work in EMS every day. 

"They're a fabulous group here," praised Hutchinson. "The teamwork between the Fire Department, Rural and City RCMP, and our first responders, rules. We have a great partnership, and we work quite a bit together.

For just $5, people were able to grab a hotdog and a drink and enjoy some shade. They even had one of the lights of the ambulance going, flagging the interest of folks travelling down Cheadle Street East. 

If anyone wants to show some appreciation to these hard-working men and women, be they Ambulance, Fire Department, or RCMP, they are encouraged to reach out with perhaps some kind words, some refreshments, or maybe even some lunch. 

"I think our guys would appreciate that a lot," said Hutchinson. "We always have guys on base if they're not out on a call. If folks want to stop by and say hi or send us a message on our Facebook page, that'd be awesome."