Trinity Health has invited the public to be its guest at a picnic event celebrating the work of Trinity’s ground and air ambulance professionals.

“Cookout with the Crew” will be held Tuesday, May 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Town & Country Center parking lot at 1015 S. Broadway.

Amy Thomas, director of Trinity Health Transport Services, says guests will have a chance to greet the crews of NorthStar Criticair and Community Ambulance Service and enjoy free picnic-style fare of a brat or hotdog, chips and a cookie.

“This is our way of saying thank you to the public for their support and to recognize our EMS professionals who’ve been on the front lines of healthcare throughout the pandemic and beyond. I’m extremely proud of our crews and can’t say enough about their skill and courage,” Thomas said.

Now in its 29th year, NorthStar Criticair continues to provide critical care response and rescue for northwestern North Dakota and eastern Montana through its Minot-based helicopter and fixed-wing services in Minot and Williston.

Established in 1981, Community Ambulance Service is the region’s largest Advanced Life Support service, responding to nearly 10,000 calls annually from a 2,000-square-miles area.

“I hope the public will come out to help us recognize the lifesaving work of these crews and the important work they do in our communities,” Thomas added.