HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-03-22; 4-b - EMS Week Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 3, 2022
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-b
SUBJECT: EMS Week Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
EMS Week Proclamation Kirby Saunders, 919-245-6123
Kim Woodward, 919- 245-6133
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating the week of May 15 through 21, 2022, as
Emergency Medical Services Week in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has announced that
the 47th annual Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week will be celebrated throughout the
nation on May 15 through 21, 2022, 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 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, Priority Care, 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 19,378 reported
emergencies last year, providing EMS response, medical assessment, treatment, and
ambulance transportation when medically necessary. Emergency Services staffs eight (8)
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ambulances and Two (2) paramedic certified EMS Supervisors daily. The division is staffed with
eight (8) EMS Supervisors, four (4) paramedic certified Field Training Officers, thirty-two (32)
paramedics and twenty-eight (28) emergency medical technicians who are all exceptionally
dedicated and skilled. Two (2) Community Paramedics have also provided invaluable service to
the aging population of the County. EMS providers proved indispensable throughout the
pandemic. EMS assisted in the staffing of the mass vaccination clinics providing over 58% of
the total vaccines. The Orange County Community Paramedics continued the vaccination
delivery to over 450 individuals who were unable to physically or safely travel to a vaccine clinic.
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: Rising to the Challenge," everyone is reminded that the Orange County
emergency medical services system has demonstrated exceptional ability to stand strong and
maintain the highest standards of care throughout the pandemic.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with 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.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation designating the week of May 15-21, 2022 as Emergency Medical
Services Week in Orange County, in recognition of the many dedicated EMS providers who
daily serve the residents and visitors of Orange County.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK
MAY 15-21, 2022
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, the emergency medical services system consists of emergency
physicians, emergency nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics,
firefighters, telecommunicators, educators, administrators and others; 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 Commissioners, do hereby
proclaim the week of May 15-21, 2022, as
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK
With the theme, "EMS: Rising to the Challenge," and encourage the community
to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.
This the 3rd day of May, 2022.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Laura Jensen
Clerk to the Board