We are very proud to announce the winners of our annual award programs in this issue. Turn to page 137 to learn whom we selected as our EMT/Paramedic of the Year and which services were named as recipients of the EMS Magazine/NAEMT Gold Award. The winners will be honored at the EMS EXPO opening keynote in Orlando, FL, on October 11.

     This year, we received an unprecedented number of entries for our award programs. While it was great to see so many people take the time to enter, it made the job of our award committees all that much harder.

     It was certainly inspiring to read about so many amazing individuals and agencies that are dedicated to providing the highest level of care in their communities; however, there was one phrase that seemed to be repeated in many of the entries-it seems that for most of our nominees, EMS is their life. They are always running calls, always scanning the radio and always working to develop programs that improve the level of prehospital care provided in their communities.

     As we know, many EMS providers work two or three jobs just to make their mortgage payments and also volunteer in their communities on top of that. But at what price? With high levels of employee burnout, a recruitment crisis that is impacting both paid and volunteer agencies, and some communities struggling to provide basic coverage, when will we stop congratulating ourselves on working 24/7 and say enough is enough? Are you caring for your patients at the expense of your family and yourself?

     We are currently working on an article that will shine the spotlight on this dirty secret and ask, "Is EMS killing you?" We would like to invite you to share how you juggle your work and home lives, the problems you face and the solutions you have found in order to make it through the day. Please e-mail your thoughts to nancy.perry@cygnusb2b.com and stay tuned for more on this issue.