It's Paramedic Services Week and members of the Wheatland EMS are being celebrated.

According to staff with the organization, the week is meant to say a special thanks to paramedics, dispatchers and managers for their long days and nights put in on the job.

Kevin Link, operations manager with the Wheatland EMS, says the department typically services Strathmore and Wheatland County, but can also head out to different areas for calls.

"If they're coming back from Calgary and there's a call in Chestermere, and they're the closest ambulance, then they may go there."

Link says the job can be especially tough at times, but to have a week where they're recognized can make all the difference.

"We just want to showcase our local paramedics and the talent that we have locally. We currently have 18 full-time positions that are filled with various full-time, part-time and casual staff. I think the number of paramedics that we have on staff is at 39 now."

Over a year ago the department helped welcome Ty Dahl, a man with Down syndrome to the crew.