HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-19-2026; 8-e - Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 19, 2026
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-e
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 17-23, 2026, 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
the nation's communities. 2026 marks the 52nd 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 20,246 reported
emergencies in 2025, 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 (7) days per week,
and two (2) EMS Battalion Chiefs. South Orange Rescue Squad provides one (1) Basic Life
Support ambulance from 6:OOpm to 6:OOam daily. The Community Risk Reduction Program Post
Overdose Response Team continued to provide medication for opioid use disorder with
connection to vital treatment services. The Community Paramedic has continued to provide much
needed assistance to the most vulnerable at risk patients who experience increased risk of falling.
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
due to the exceptional service of the telecommunicators/call takers trained in Emergency Medical
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Dispatch, Orange County's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joseph Grover, South Orange Rescue
Squad, the Orange County Sheriff's Office, the County's fire departments and law enforcement
partners.
With the theme "Improving Outcomes, Together," the dedication and impact of EMS professionals
who provide critical care and unwavering support to our community every day is recognized. Their
role on the frontlines of medicine is essential, and their contributions do not go unnoticed.
Improving outcomes goes beyond clinical care — it is a shared responsibility. It means investing
in the people behind the patch by ensuring fair compensation, safe staffing levels, access to
mental health resources, responsive leadership, and meaningful opportunities for professional
growth.
This week, Orange County recognizes and celebrates the individuals who serve with skill,
compassion, and resilience. Together, as partners and communities, the County reaffirms its
commitment to supporting them and to "Improving Outcomes, Together."
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact applicable to consideration of the attached
proclamation.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 1. Improve harm reduction, prevention, and support services for adults and
children experiencing behavioral health issues, substance use disorder, and intellectual or
developmental disability.
OBJECTIVE 6. Provide sustainable, equitable, and high-quality community safety and
emergency services to meet the community's evolving needs.
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 17-23, 2026
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 fills healthcare gaps 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 the Emergency Medical
Services Week;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners,
do hereby proclaim the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, to be Emergency
Medical Services Week, in honor and recognition of Orange County's EMS
providers.
The theme for the 52nd Anniversary of EMS Week is "Improving Outcomes,
Together," and we encourage the community to observe this week with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
Adopted this 19th day of May, 2026.
Jean Hamilton, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners