OKEECHOBEE – May 19-25 is Emergency Services Week in Okeechobee County.

In presenting the proclamation at the May 23 Okeechobee County Commission meeting, Commissioner Kelly Owens said she worked in law enforcement before “jumping ship” to switch to a career in Emergency Medical Services.

The proclamation states: “Whereas, in 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized Emergency Medical Services week to celebrate EMS professionals and the important work they do in our communities and to celebrate the accomplishments of EMT’s, paramedics, and other prehospital team member while honoring the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's frontline; and,

 “Whereas, this year marks the 50th anniversary of national EMS Week and the 2024 theme is “Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future.”; and,

 “Whereas, emergency medical services are an essential public service in all communities nationwide and access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rates for those who experience sudden illness or injury; and,

“Whereas, the emergency medical services system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out of hospital medical care providers; and,

“Whereas, Okeechobee County hereby recognizes the important contributions of all of our local Emergency Medical Service providers as well as those nationwide, whether career or volunteer, who engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their skills that save lives in our communities;

“Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners that we hereby issue this Proclamation designating May 19 through May 25, 2024 as Emergency Medical Services Week.”

“Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the EMS calls do not stop,” said Fire Rescue Chief Earl Wooten.

OKEECHOBEE -- At their May 23 meeting, Okeechobee County Commissioners declared May 19-25 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Okeechobee County. …