This article was written by myself, Jeremiah Escajeda, and Hawnwan (Phil) Moy

The tragic death in March of FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo — mowed down by a crazed manwho jumped into her ambulance — highlighted the dangers that first responders face daily.

This is National EMS Week, a time when we recognize the important work that Emergency Medical Service members like Yadira do in our communities.

They are there 24/7, whenever you need them, despite the risks.

Being a first responder is a dangerous job. EMS providers are three times more likely to be injured in the line of duty than the average U.S. worker.

Tears and hugs as first responders reunite with those they saved

Most pre-hospital provider injuries are sprains from the physical effort of moving patients and attending to motor vehicle accidents.

But Department of Labor data from 2003 to 2007 show a notable number of injuries and fatalities occur as a result of assault.

Read more.