A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO DECLARE MAY 17-23, 2026, AS "EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RECOGNIZE THE ESSENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROFESSIONALS.

 

Whereas, emergency medical services are vital public services that protect the health and safety of the residents of South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, the members of emergency medical services (EMS) teams are prepared to provide lifesaving care to those in need twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; and

 

Whereas, access to quality emergency care significantly improves the survival and recovery rates of individuals experiencing sudden illness or injury; and

 

Whereas, emergency medical services fill critical healthcare gaps by providing out-of-hospital care, preventative medicine, follow-up care, and access to telemedicine; and

 

Whereas, the EMS system includes first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, educators, administrators, prehospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, and trained members of the public; and

 

Whereas, EMS professionals, both career and volunteer, devote thousands of hours to specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills; and

 

Whereas, it is appropriate for the members of the General Assembly to recognize the dedication, service, and accomplishments of emergency medical services providers and to recognize the essential contributions of emergency medical services professionals. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, declare May 17-23, 2026, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in South Carolina and encourage all citizens to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the South Carolina Department of Public Health's Bureau of EMS and Trauma.

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