WHEREAS, more than 30 million children receive emergency medical care each year due to illness or injury; and
WHEREAS, the needs of children are different than the needs of adults in medical emergencies; and
WHEREAS, in 2019 the Department of Fire and EMS responded to a total of 622 children out of 5614 patients; and
WHEREAS, the goal of Emergency Medical Services for Children is to help states and communities prepare for a medical/traumatic emergency involving a child through the provision of properly trained emergency personnel, sufficiently equipped ambulances, pediatric-ready emergency departments, and well-defined pediatric treatment protocols and procedures; and
WHEREAS, Emergency Medical Services for Children relies on its established partnership within the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) community, as well as physicians and nurses who provide pediatric emergency care, to help states and communities reduce child and youth disability and death due to severe illness or injury; and
WHEREAS, Emergency Medical Services for Children, the tens of thousands of EMS providers and acute care professionals it serves, and the more than 25 professional organizations in which its partners are committed to improving the quality of emergency care children receive; and
WHEREAS, it is proper and timely to bring recognition to the value and accomplishments of Emergency Medical Services for Children and the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to improve the quality of pediatric medical care
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RALPH DLG. TORRES, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim May 21, 2020 as
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN (EMSC) DAY
as part of National EMS Week in the CNMI and I urge all our citizens and health care professionals serving the pediatric population to celebrate the theme EMS Strong: Ready Today. Preparing For Tomorrow, to become familiar with EMSC, its programs and activities in our Commonwealth and nationally, and to support and participate in educational and outreach programs to increase their knowledge of best pediatric medical care practices.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 21st day of May 2020.
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
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