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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: May 20, 2025 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-d <br /> SUBJECT: Emergency Medical Services (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 18-24, 2025 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 men and women who serve as EMS practitioners to establish "National EMS Week". <br /> In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate the important work of EMS in <br /> the nation's communities. This year marks the 51 st celebration of EMS Week. This year's theme <br /> EMS Week: "We Care. For Everyone.', celebrates the dedication and contributions of EMS <br /> professionals in providing care and support to the community as well as acknowledges their vital <br /> role on the frontlines of medicine. <br /> Each day Orange County residents and those passing through rely on the expertise and <br /> dedication of 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 20,936 reported <br /> emergencies in 2024, providing EMS response, medical assessment, treatment, and ambulance <br /> transportation when medically necessary. At full staffing, Emergency Services provides eight (8) <br /> paramedic certified ambulances, two (2) Basic Life Support Ambulances seven days per week, <br /> and two (2) EMS Battalion Chiefs. The Community Risk Reduction Program (Formerly the <br /> Community Paramedic Program) has grown with the addition of a Community Emergency Medical <br /> Technician (EMT) who joined the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement Team in 2024. <br /> Two (2) Post Overdose Response Community Paramedics and one (1) Peer Support Specialist <br /> were recruited to make up the Post Overdose Response Team which initiated response on July <br /> 1, 2024. <br />