WHEREAS, emergency medical services are vital to the health and safety of North Carolinians; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina emergency medical services system consists of 41,000 emergency medical dispatchers, first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, educators, administrators, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, and others; 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;
WHEREAS, in 2021, emergency medical services responded to 2.1 million emergency calls in North Carolina; 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 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, the State of North Carolina recognizes the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers and encourages residents across our state to join in thanking our brave first responders for their ongoing work to keep us all safe;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 15 – 21, 2022, as “EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.