[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 70 (Friday, May 23, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, this week is National Emergency Medical 
Services Week. The people who work and volunteer in the emergency 
medical services field provide an invaluable service for all American 
citizens--they provide us with a safety net. This is necessary because 
regardless of how careful we try to be, we are all subject to the whims 
of fate. Common sense and practicality are often not enough to prevent 
accidents caused by the carelessness of ourselves or others. In these 
times of need, we rely on dedicated emergency medical services 
personnel. They take care of us when we cannot take care of ourselves.
  I want to take this time to recognize the special disposition that a 
person must have to be an emergency medical service worker. These 
people all share common characteristics such as the desire to help, as 
well as the ability to feel empathy for, the people they assist. Of 
course, kindness and willingness to help alone are not enough. These 
workers must also possess the skills needed to do the job and to do it 
well. These skills can only be acquired through hard work and 
dedication. The working lives of emergency medical service workers are 
characterized by a lack of predictability in both content and 
scheduling. They have no routine to rely on. They truly must be ready 
for any thing at any time.
  Although emergency medical service workers across the country have 
many things in common, they also face many different challenges and 
dangers every day. There are some who must fight traffic, some who 
fight long distances and bad roads, and some who are forced to face the 
fear and possibility of losing their lives in order to try and save 
ours. Despite all of the challenges and dangers faced by these 
dedicated workers, they continue to be efficient, to be dependable, and 
to be effective in saving lives day after day.
  In a world which is fraught with peril, it comforts me to know that 
there are people that we can count on in our hour of need. And so, Mr. 
President, I am proud to recognize this week as National Emergency 
Medical Services week to acknowledge the important work and strong 
character of the dedicated emergency medical services personnel. We are 
fortunate to have this opportunity to show our appreciation for all of 
their tireless work on our behalf.

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