National EMS Week runs from May 17 to May 23. This year's theme is "Improving Outcomes,Together."

The 52nd annual event honors members of the emergency medical services for their day-to-day lifesaving services.

Hartford Fire and Rescue Chief Tony Burgard told WTKM that new members are encouraged.

"If anyone is interested in providing EMS, it doesn't have to be your primary career. Out of our membership of sixty-five employees, about fifty-five or fifty-six are paid-on-call which means they have full-time jobs and careers doing something else. We always have a spot for anyone who is willing to put in their time with us."

Emergency medical services account for 85 percent of the Hartford Fire and Rescue 911 calls.

This year marks 50 years of EMS service in Hartford.