[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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

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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.
BARACK OBAMA