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A Thanksgiving message: Be close to those you hold dear

The crash in Newark, N.J., Monday which took the life of a fellow EMT comes on the heels of another horrific crash involving a police chase.

In both instances, the ambulances were not involved other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It’s just sad, especially during the week where families come together to be thankful for what they have.

So far the National EMS Memorial lists 11 line-of-duty deaths for 2012; this makes 12. (We don’t have an exact number because EMS LODDs are not required to be reported to one centralized location, unlike the fire service or law enforcement.)

The majority have been from traffic collisions. On this somber note, wherever you sit down this Thanksgiving, give thanks for the things we enjoy and be close to those you hold dear.

If you’re working this holiday, thank you for your service and commitment to your community.

Finally, to those affected deeply by the loss of your loved ones, our hearts and prayers go to you and your family.

Art Hsieh, MA, NRP teaches in Northern California at the Public Safety Training Center, Santa Rosa Junior College in the Emergency Care Program. An EMS provider since 1982, Art has served as a line medic, supervisor and chief officer in the private, third service and fire-based EMS. He has directed both primary and EMS continuing education programs. Art is a textbook writer, author of “EMT Exam for Dummies,” has presented at conferences nationwide and continues to provide direct patient care regularly. Art is a member of the EMS1 Editorial Advisory Board.