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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: May 16, 2023 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-b <br /> SUBJECT: EMS Week Proclamation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Kim Woodward, 919-245-6133 <br /> Kirby Saunders, 919-245-6123 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing the week of May 21-27, 2023 as EMS Week <br /> in Orange County, highlighting First Responders for their amazing work throughout the year. <br /> BACKGROUND: Every year across the nation, the third week in May is dedicated to the <br /> professional women and men who serve as emergency medical services (EMS) practitioners to <br /> establish "National EMS Week". In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to <br /> celebrate the important work of EMS in the nation's communities. <br /> Each day Orange County residents and those passing through rely on the expertise and <br /> dedication of our EMS providers. These professionals help save countless lives by responding to <br /> emergency calls, providing vital on scene care, stabilization and transporting patients to the most <br /> appropriate medical facilities. Their skills in high-pressure situations assist in providing rapid <br /> emergency response, aid, and compassion in times of great distress and critical decision-making <br /> within minutes. <br /> The Orange County Emergency Medical Services System responded to 19,498 reported <br /> emergencies last year, providing EMS response, medical assessment, treatment, and ambulance <br /> transportation when medically necessary. Emergency Services staffs eight (8) paramedic certified <br /> EMS Supervisors, four (4) paramedic certified Field Training Officers, thirty-two (32) paramedics <br /> and thirty-six (36) emergency medical technicians who are exceptionally dedicated and skilled. <br /> Two (2) Community Paramedics have also provided invaluable service to the aging population of <br /> the County. Emergency Medical Responders throughout Orange County provide a valuable <br /> service to the residents and visitors and help make Orange County a safer place to live. <br /> With the theme EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins, everyone is reminded that the Orange <br /> County emergency medical services system has demonstrated exceptional ability to stand strong <br /> and maintain the highest standards of care throughout the pandemic. <br />