WHEREAS, emergency medical services are a vital public service to the people and community of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, he Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to a total of 5,614 runs CNMI wide; 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; and
WHEREAS, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and
WHEREAS, emergency medical services have grown to fill a gap by providing important, out of hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care, and access to telemedicine; 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, 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, it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating Emergency Medical Services Week; now
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 24-30, 2020 as
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK
with the theme, EMS Strong: Ready Today. Preparing For Tomorrow, we encourage the entire community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities in line with social distancing.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 21st day of May 2020.
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
###
