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A total of 5 EMS line-of-duty deaths were reported this week as a result of helicopter incidents in Arizona and Illinois, and a paramedic who was found dead at work in Maryland.

Three air medical crew members - and their one-year-old patient - were killed late Wednesday when their helicopter clipped a radio tower support wire, and crashed in Aurora, Illinois.

Read more at Illinois Medical Helicopter Crash Kills 3 Crew Members, Patient.

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In another medical helicopter tragedy this week, an Arizona paramedic was killed Monday when he was struck by a rotor blade during a mountain rescue.

Officer Bruce Harrolle, 36, was a member of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. He was helping to rescue two hikers near Sedona when the accident occurred.

Read more at Arizona Medic Killed by Rotor Blade.

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Also this week, a fifth line-of-duty death was reported when a Baltimore County, Maryland paramedic died at a fire/EMS station late Wednesday while working as a district EMS supervisor.

He was found by a coworker Thursday morning, and authorities are investigating the cause of his death.

For further details visit: Maryland Firefighter/Paramedic Found Dead in Station.

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Featured Coverage: EMS EXPO 2008

"Johnny Gage" Delights Crowd at EMS EXPO

Thousands rose to their feet and applauded Wednesday morning when Randolph Mantooth, aka Johnny Gage, of the hit 70s television show "Emergency!" stepped up to address those attending the 20th annual EMS EXPO.

He discussed the early history of EMS and how "Emergency!" fit into the picture. At the time, he said, he had no idea just how much it would make an impact on the real world.

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Report from EMS EXPO: Congressional EMS Caucus Takes Form

To date, 10 Congressmen have joined the new caucus, and there's a campaign underway to recruit others. It's essential that a caucus be established because EMS issues are handled by so many different committees in Congress, said Lisa Meyer of Cornerstone Government Affairs, an EMS lobbying organization. "The louder our voice, the better our chances," she said.

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EMS EXPO: Safety, Lack of Data Concern NAEMT

Scene safety, fitness and ambulance design are just some of the issues being addressed by a committee of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).