HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-21-24; 4-b - Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 21, 2024
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-b
SUBJECT: Emergency Medical Services (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 19-25, 2024 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 men and women who serve as EMS Practitioners to establish "National EMS Week".
In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate the important work of EMS in
our nation's communities. 2024 marks the 50th Celebration of EMS Week.
Each day Orange County residents and those passing through rely on the expertise and
dedication of 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 23,082 reported
emergencies last year, providing EMS response, medical assessment, treatment, and ambulance
transportation when medically necessary. At full staffing, Emergency Services provides eight (8)
paramedic certified ambulances, two (2) Basic Life Support Ambulances seven days per week,
and two (2) EMS Battalion Chiefs. The Community Risk Reduction Program (Formerly the
Community Paramedic Program) has grown with the addition of a Community Emergency Medical
Technician (EMT) who joined the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement Team in 2024.
Two (2) Post Overdose Response Community Paramedics and one (1) Peer Support Specialist
have been recruited to make up the Post Overdose Response Team which will begin response
on July 1, 2024.
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. The system is stronger
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due to the exceptional service of the telecommunicators/call takers trained in Emergency Medical
Dispatch, Orange County's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joseph Grover, the South Orange Rescue
Squad, the Orange County Sheriff's Office, the County's fire departments and law enforcement
partners.
With the theme EMS Week: Honoring Our Past Forging Our Future, 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 system's history.
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:
• GOAL: 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 19-259 2024
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 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 19 through 25, 2024, to be Emergency
Medical Services Week, in honor and recognition of Orange County's EMS
providers.
The 50' Anniversary of EMS Week theme is EMS Week: Honoring Our Past
Forging Our Future. We encourage the community to observe this week with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
Adopted this 21 st day of May, 2024.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners