Why do I see the paramedics in the grocery store when they’re on duty?

In EMS, there is no such thing as a lunch or dinner break, and the paramedics must provide their own meals. They are required to be ready to respond at all times during their 24-hour shift, and so each crew will typically try to bring groceries with them at the start of their shift, but when they cannot, they will make a quick trip to the store. Sometimes they might stop by a restaurant if they have not had time to prepare a meal at the station. In order to be judicious with City resources, the crews are diligent to make sure that such a stop coincides with a trip they were already making, such as on the way back from an incident or the hospital.

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1. What does EMS stand for?
2. Where did the Star of Life symbol on ambulances come from?
3. What should the public know about Paramedics?
4. What do I do while driving when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens on?
5. What’s the difference between a paramedic and an ambulance driver?
6. Why do I see the paramedics in the grocery store when they’re on duty?
7. Why does more than just an ambulance come when I call 911?
8. Sometimes the ambulance drives with lights and sirens, and sometimes they don't. What's the difference?
9. Why don’t the paramedics run to treat patients?
10. Do I get to choose which hospital you take me to?
11. If I or someone I care for has special medical needs, how do I let the Paramedics know?
12. If I go to the hospital in the ambulance, will I be seen by a doctor sooner?
13. How do I become a paramedic?