Are EMS providers first responders?

Houston was underwater, Florida about to be, and I was nestled in my football chair in New England getting ready for the start of another NFL season.

The pre-game ceremony started a little differently this year; the announcer took a moment to recognize the emergency medical teams and the first responders who were working tirelessly following the destruction that resulted from Hurricane Harvey, and whatever the future held for Miami.

Wait a minute ... did I hear that right? Emergency medical teams and first responders?

Is that what the public thinks of EMS? Are we not considered first responders?