In life’s most frightening moments, emergency medical service practitioners stand between us and tragedy. EMS Week, which kicks off today, is a time to thank them for everything they do. With skill, courage and dedication, EMS workers serve on the front lines of society, providing care in the most perilous conditions – often at great cost to themselves.AFSCME is proud to represent more than 25,000 of these brave women and men, and has been fighting alongside them for the right to organize, for better working conditions in often hostile workplaces and better mental health treatment.