News4Jax goes on ride along with AmeriPro Health first responders for National EMS Week

May 23, 2026 - 19:42

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- News4Jax joined AmeriPro Health first responders on a ride along Wednesday, May 22, to mark National EMS Week and show the public how split-second decisions can save lives. The crew spent hours responding to calls across the city, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the daily pressure emergency medical teams face.

During the ride along, reporters observed dispatchers coordinate with paramedics in real time. One call involved a patient in respiratory distress. The team arrived within minutes, stabilized the person, and transported them to a nearby hospital. AmeriPro Health officials emphasized that every second counts when someone's condition is critical. They noted that the average response time in Jacksonville is under eight minutes, but even a slight delay can change the outcome.

The experience highlighted the physical and mental demands on first responders. Paramedics and emergency medical technicians often work 12-hour shifts, handling everything from heart attacks to car crashes. National EMS Week, which runs from May 19 to May 25, aims to recognize these workers and encourage the public to learn basic lifesaving skills like CPR.

AmeriPro Health serves several counties in Northeast Florida. The ride along gave News4Jax a direct look at the technology and teamwork that keep the community safe. For the crew, the message was clear: when you call 911, help is already on the way.