If you live in the country, it may take a little longer, but more often than not, a qualified rescue squad will be making sure you receive the best medical treatment possible in the shortest possible time.

That's no accident.

Dedicated professionals -- paid and volunteer -- spend years training and practicing for just such an eventuality.

And they've had plenty of opportunities to participate in the real thing.

Last year, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska's 438 ambulance services and rescue squads responded to 97,866 calls, an 11 percent increase over the previous year.

The Western Emergency Medical Services Region, comprising Red Willow, Hayes, Hitchcock, Dundy, Frontier, Perkins and Chase counties as well as seven other west-central Nebraska counties, made 5,014 emergency runs last year.

"It was a busy year for the services in our region," said Sharon Steele, DHHS emergency medical services specialist.

The region has 29 basic transport services, two basic non-transport services and six advance transport services, as well as 459 emergency medical technicians and 58 paramedics, Steele said.

To recognize emergency medical service providers, Gov. Dave Heineman has proclaimed this week, May 18-24, as Emergency Medical Services Week in Nebraska. Emergency Medical Services for Children Day is Wednesday.

"Emergency medical services providers help ensure that all Nebraskans have timely access to medical services," Gov. Dave Heineman said. "These Nebraskans use their knowledge to help other Nebraskans every day."

Emergency medical services are just one of the key components that make small-town life possible, and we appreciate everything EMS crews do, and we know they take pride in their work.

While they do their jobs with little thought of recognition, we're sure none of them would turn down a little more help. With more and more two-income families and many workers commuting far from home to reach their jobs, more and more EMS squads are finding it difficult to have adequate numbers of volunteers scheduled for each and every call.

If you've ever considered becoming an emergency responder, give your local agency a call and find out what it takes to become one.

We're sure you'll find it a satisfying experience, and one that provides a vital public service for your friends, family and neighbors.