HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-16-2023; 8-b - EMS Week Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 16, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-b
SUBJECT: EMS Week Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Kim Woodward, 919-245-6133
Kirby Saunders, 919-245-6123
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing the week of May 21-27, 2023 as EMS Week
in Orange County, highlighting First Responders for their amazing work throughout the year.
BACKGROUND: Every year across the nation, the third week in May is dedicated to the
professional women and men who serve as emergency medical services (EMS) practitioners to
establish "National EMS Week". In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to
celebrate the important work of EMS in the nation's communities.
Each day Orange County residents and those passing through rely on the expertise and
dedication of our EMS providers. These professionals help save countless lives by responding to
emergency calls, providing vital on scene care, stabilization and transporting patients to the most
appropriate medical facilities. Their skills in high-pressure situations assist in providing rapid
emergency response, aid, and compassion in times of great distress and critical decision-making
within minutes.
The Orange County Emergency Medical Services System responded to 19,498 reported
emergencies last year, providing EMS response, medical assessment, treatment, and ambulance
transportation when medically necessary. Emergency Services staffs eight (8) paramedic certified
EMS Supervisors, four (4) paramedic certified Field Training Officers, thirty-two (32) paramedics
and thirty-six (36) emergency medical technicians who are exceptionally dedicated and skilled.
Two (2) Community Paramedics have also provided invaluable service to the aging population of
the County. 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: Where Emergency Care Begins, 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.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact applicable to consideration of the attached
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
Through recognition and activities associated with EMS Week, Orange County shows its
appreciation for employees who help promote and maintain safety in the community.
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.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK PROCLAMATION
MAY 21-27, 2023
WHEREAS, emergency medical services is a vital public service; and
WHEREAS, the members of emergency medical services (EMS) 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 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 through 27, 2023, to be Emergency
Medical Services Week, in honor and recognition of Orange County's EMS
providers, and with the theme, EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins, we
encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs,
ceremonies and activities.
Adopted this 16th day of May, 2023.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners