Emergency Medical Services Week, 2011

Vol. 76

Thursday,

No. 97

May 19, 2011

Part V

The President

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Proclamation 8674--Emergency Medical Services Week, 2011

Proclamation 8675--National Defense Transportation Day and National
Transportation Week, 2011

Proclamation 8676--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2011

Proclamation 8677--World Trade Week, 2011

Notice of May 17, 2011--Continuation of the National Emergency With
Respect to the Stabilization of Iraq

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8674 of May 13, 2011

Emergency Medical Services Week, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Each day, Americans rely on emergency medical service
(EMS) systems to help them in their hour of greatest
need. In communities across our Nation, we take comfort
in knowing that well-trained, caring men and women are
only a phone call away from treating injuries sustained
in a car crash, responding to a cardiac emergency, or
helping a child with asthma breathe easier. When
accidents and illnesses strike unexpectedly, EMS
personnel are the first on the scene, and their timely
actions often make the difference between life and
death.

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and
first responders serve on the front lines of our health
care and public health system. Working with them are
many others whose dedication makes the EMS system
function, including emergency dispatchers, physicians,
nurses, and researchers, as well as colleagues in the
fire service and law enforcement. Our Nation's EMS
system represents the American spirit at its best, with
many ambulances in the United States partially or fully
staffed by volunteers. They devote countless hours to
keeping their communities, including often underserved
rural areas, safe.

My Administration is committed to supporting the brave
men and women who help keep America secure and
resilient. This year, I signed the James Zadroga 9/11
Health and Compensation Act into law, ensuring that
rescue and recovery workers, and others suffering from
health consequences related to the World Trade Center
disaster, have access to the medical monitoring and
treatment they need and deserve. As a Nation, we must
never forget the selfless courage demonstrated by the
EMTs, paramedics, and first responders who risked their
lives to save others.

During EMS Week, we recognize the importance of
ensuring our Nation's children have full access to
high-quality EMS care. Reauthorized in the Affordable
Care Act, the Federal EMS for Children program works
with public and private sector partners across the
United States to make certain that all children--
regardless of where they live, attend school, or
travel--receive appropriate EMS care.

EMS agencies are an integral part of our Nation's
health security strategy, and they help to build
community resilience by strengthening all aspects of
the emergency response system. Whether responding by
car, ambulance, helicopter, boat, or plane, this
diverse group of dedicated Americans provides crucial
pre-hospital medical care to fellow citizens when they
need it most. This week, we take time to recognize the
inspiring contributions of our Nation's EMS
practitioners and honor their dedication to serving
their country and fellow citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim May 15 through May
21, 2011, as Emergency Medical Services Week. I
encourage all Americans to observe this occasion by
sharing their support with their local

EMS providers and taking steps to improve their
personal safety and preparedness.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.