ASSUMPTION, Ill. (WAND) — It's EMS Workers Week and people across the community are showing appreciation and support for Emergency Medical Responders.

In Assumption the entire ambulance service is made up of volunteers that come together to support the community in an emergency when their support is needed most. Alex Stringer, Chief of the Assumption Ambulance Service said, "Having emergency medical responders and EMS systems is extremely important, especially in rural communities just because resources are limited."

The need for volunteers is greater than ever. All volunteer departments are looking for new members to be able to smoothly and efficiently serve their communities. 

"The need is bigger than we know, people are getting older, people are living longer, people are getting sicker, and in the rural communities' people are very prideful and sometimes wait too long to call," said Stringer.

Local teams like the one in Assumption are hard at work trying to recruit and train the next generation of volunteers. Later this month they will host a training course in Stonington to get the next group of volunteers certified to provide emergency medical care.

"We are always looking for volunteers and people to help," said Stringer. "If you have ever thought about it ask your local department, reach out to them and see how you can help."

The biggest struggles working within the rural communities are distance and a lack of resources. But the team in Assumption is very focused on serving their community. 

"It is very rewarding. Most people you will find on our squad think of others first and they really find fulfillment and joy in helping others."

Chief Stringer says that volunteering with your local department is a great way to learn responsibility and autonomy. 

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