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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: May 19, 2026 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-e <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 17-23, 2026, 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. 2026 marks the 52nd Celebration of EMS Week. <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 20,246 reported <br /> emergencies in 2025, 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 (7) days per week, <br /> and two (2) EMS Battalion Chiefs. South Orange Rescue Squad provides one (1) Basic Life <br /> Support ambulance from 6:OOpm to 6:OOam daily. The Community Risk Reduction Program Post <br /> Overdose Response Team continued to provide medication for opioid use disorder with <br /> connection to vital treatment services. The Community Paramedic has continued to provide much <br /> needed assistance to the most vulnerable at risk patients who experience increased risk of falling. <br /> Emergency Medical Responders throughout Orange County provide a valuable service to the <br /> residents and visitors and help make Orange County a safer place to live. The system is stronger <br /> due to the exceptional service of the telecommunicators/call takers trained in Emergency Medical <br />