123STA T . 3 65 2 PROCL A M AT I O N8 383 — MA Y 2 0, 200 9Indep enden c e ofth e U n i ted S t a te s of Am e r ica the t w oh u ndred and thirt y- third .B A R A CKO BA M A Proclam a ti o n83 83o fM a y20, 200 9Emerg e ncyM e di c alS er v ice sW ee k,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation E mer g ency medica l ser v ices providers rush into scenes of uncertainty and fear , and they help esta b lish order and calm — and save lives in the process. T hey include educators, 91 1 dispatchers, first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, nurses, physicians, and many others. These highly s k illed teams respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. W hen Americans find themselves in une x pected life-threatening situa- tions, emergency medical services ( EMS ) providers provide rapid help. Q uality emergency medical care dramatically improves the survival and recovery prospects for those who experience sudden in j ury or ill- ness. These EMS teams play a vital role in our N ation ’ s overall health and safety, as well as our preparedness for pandemic disease and dis- asters both natural and man-made. Emergency medical services providers hail from a variety of back- grounds and circumstances. They work in rural volunteer fire depart- ments, urban hospitals, along our coastal waterways, and among fire- prone western forests. Many spend their off-duty time obtaining extra training and enhancing their lifesaving skills. All share a common aspi- ration to help those in need, and during Emergency Medical Services Week, we express our appreciation for their critical work. NOW, T H ERE F ORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, P resident of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 17 through May 2 3 ,2 0 09, as Emergency Medical Services Week. I en- courage all Americans to observe this occasion by sharing their support with local EMS workers and taking steps to improve their personal safety and preparedness. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of our L ord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. BARACK OBAMA
