Guardian Air and Flagstaff Medical Center are hosting a picnic for Northern Arizona Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers and their families. The event celebrates the dedication, commitment and service EMS providers give to their communities. The picnic is at 1 p.m., Sunday, June 28 at Sechrist Elementary School, 2230 N. Fort Valley Rd., Flagstaff.

“Guardian Air and Flagstaff Medical Center want to recognize the day-to-day efforts of EMS providers and their families who unselfishly serve their communities,” said Wade Patten, R.N., Guardian Air director. “Last year our community was impacted by the loss of several EMS providers and friends. Recognizing that each and every day EMS providers put their lives on the line for the safety and care of others, we just want to say thank you.”

EMS providers are dedicated individuals who provide out-of-hospital medical care and/or transport to a hospital or other facility in a medical emergency. They often are the first on a scene to offer life saving care to individuals. They are paramedics, emergency medical technicians, nurses, firefighters and police who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in all kinds of circumstances. They travel by air, ground, water and foot to reach those who are in need.

There are 18 EMS agencies throughout Northern Arizona.