Governor Proclaims Emergency Medical Services Week 2023

WHEREAS, emergency medical services are a vital public resource; 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, responding to hundreds of thousands of emergency calls in North Carolina every year; and

WHEREAS, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rates of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina emergency medical services system consists of 42,000 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, 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 who are on the front lines, as the theme of this year's observance states, “Where Emergency Care Begins”;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 21 – 27, 2023, as “EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.