HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-16-2017 - 4-a - Emergency Medical Services Week Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 16, 2017
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Emergency Medical Services Week Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
EMS Week Proclamation Dinah Jeffries, 919-245-6123
Kim Woodward, 919-245-6133
PURPOSE: To proclaim the week of May 21 through 27, 2017, as Emergency Medical
Services Week in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: The American College of Emergency Physician (ACEP) has announced that
the 43rd annual Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week will be celebrated throughout the
nation May 21-27, 2017, in recognition of the dedicated professionals who provide emergency
services to residents and visitors. EMS is now firmly established as an essential public function
and a vital component of the medical care continuum. On any given day, EMS practitioners
help save lives by responding to medical emergencies, including heart attack, difficulty
breathing, a fall or accident, drowning, cardiac arrest, stroke, drug overdose or acute illness.
EMS may provide both basic and advanced medical care at the scene of an emergency and
enroute to a hospital. EMS practitioners care for their patients' medical needs and show caring
and compassion to their patients in their most difficult moments.
With the development of mobile integrated healthcare and community paramedicine (MIH-CP),
EMS is also increasingly a valued participant in achieving the nation's overall healthcare goals
of improved patient health and lowered costs. Emergency Medical Services Week brings
together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication
of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line". The
Emergency Medical Services System in Orange County includes Telecommunicators, Fire
Departments, Law Enforcement Officers, Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, South
Orange Rescue Squad, First Choice, North State Ambulance Service, Emergency Nurses,
Emergency Physicians, County Staff, Carolina AirCare, and the University of North Carolina
Department of Emergency Medicine.
The Orange County Emergency Medical Services System responded to more than 14,159
reported emergencies last year, providing medical assessment, treatment, and ambulance
transportation when medically necessary. Emergency Services staffs eight (8) paramedic
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certified EMS Supervisors, four (4) paramedic certified Field Training Officers, forty (40)
paramedics and twenty-one (21) emergency medical technicians who are exceptionally
dedicated and skilled. Emergency Medical Responders throughout Orange County provide a
valuable service to the residents and visitors and help make Orange County a safer place to
live.
With the theme EMS Strong: Always in Service, everyone is reminded that the Orange
County emergency medical services system is dedicated to providing exceptional care around
the clock.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact for this proclamation
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
• GOAL: CREATING A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize
the Chair to sign the proclamation designating the week of May 21-27, 2017, as Emergency
Medical Services Week in Orange County, in recognition of the many dedicated men and
women who daily serve the residents and visitors of Orange County.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK PROCLAMATION
MAY 21-27, 2017
WHEREAS, Emergency Medical Services is a vital public service; and
WHEREAS, the members of Emergency Medical Services teams are ready to provide
lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
WHEREAS, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and
recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and
WHEREAS, emergency medical services has grown to fill a gap by providing important,
out of hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care, and access to
telemedicine; and
WHEREAS, the emergency medical services system consists of first responders,
emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers,
firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency
nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out of hospital
medical care providers; and
WHEREAS, the members of emergency medical services teams, whether career or
volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing
education to enhance their lifesaving skills; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of
emergency medical services providers by designating Emergency Medical Services
Week;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners do
hereby proclaim the week of May 21 - 27, 2017, as
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK
And with the theme, EMS Strong: Always in Service, encourage the community to
observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Donna S. Baker
Clerk to the Board