Recognizing May 20 to May 26, 2018, as National Emergency Medical Services Week in the City of Philadelphia, and Further Honoring Philadelphia Paramedic of the Year David Reynolds and Philadelphia EMT of the Year Emily Serrano.

WHEREAS, National Emergency Medical Services Week is a celebration to honor the approximately 750,000 EMS providers nationwide who deliver lifesaving care, and a time when fire and EMS crews provide vital educational material and training to adults and children on topics such as injury prevention, recognizing an emergency, and what to do until help arrives; and

WHEREAS, The EMS system depends on the availability and coordination of many different elements, ranging from an informed public to a network of trauma centers capable of providing highly specialized care to the most seriously ill or injured; and

WHEREAS, The modern EMS system came into being in 1966, following a National Academy of Sciences report that revealed that the average American had a better chance of survival in the combat zones of Korea or Vietnam than on the nation’s highways. This report galvanized the public to support the creation of the modern EMS system. Today, the efforts of EMS providers at all levels have helped to make our system the most advanced in the world; and

WHEREAS, The tragic incidents of violence that prevail throughout our country further demonstrate the need for an educated citizenry and an effective EMS system that can face new challenges; and

WHEREAS, EMS Week highlights and celebrates those on the front lines of providing daily lifesaving services to members of the community; and

WHEREAS, EMS professionals in Philadelphia respond to hundreds of thousands of calls for help throughout the year and are often the first responders to the growing opioid epidemic gripping our City; and

WHEREAS, Each year specific members of the Philadelphia Fire Department are recognized for their outstanding EMS work, service, and dedication to their field, and this year’s Paramedic of the Year is David Reynolds, and this year’s EMT of the Year is Emily Serrano; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That May 20 to 26, 2018 be designated as National Emergency Medical Services Week; and that the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby honor and recognize Philadelphia Paramedic of the Year, David Reynolds, and Philadelphia EMT of the Year, Emily Serrano, for their dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia, its residents and visitors.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to David Reynolds and Emily Serrano as evidence of the sincerest respect and admiration of this legislative body.

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