To: Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Grant Colfax, Health Services Director
Report Title: Designating the Week of May 17-23, 2026, as National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT resolution designating the week of May 17-23, 2026 as National Emergency Medical Services Week, with the theme of “Improving Outcomes, Together.”
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
May 17-23, 2026 is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. This year marks the 52nd anniversary of National EMS Week. This resolution honors local EMS responders (emergency medical technicians, paramedics, police, firefighters, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, emergency medical dispatchers, EMS educators, EMS administrators, and others) for the critical role they play in our EMS system.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
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THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
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IN THE MATTER OF recognizing May 17-23, 2026 as EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) WEEK
WHEREAS, emergency medical services (EMS) is a vital public service; and
WHEREAS, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and
WHEREAS, the members of emergency medical services teams are ready to provide compassionate, lifesaving care to those in need twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week; and
WHEREAS, the emergency medical services system consists of emergency medical dispatchers, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, first responders, educators, and administrators; and
WHEREAS, the members of emergency medical services teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills; and
WHEREAS, EMS plays a critical role in public outreach and injury prevention, and is evolving in its role as an important member of the healthcare community; and
WHEREAS, the year 2026 marks the 49th anniversary of the implementation of a paramedic program enhanced EMS System within Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa EMS System is recognized in the state as a leader in exceptional EMS system performance improvement practices focused on improving patient care outcomes; and
WHEREAS, in the last 19 years the EMS System within Contra Costa County has sustained an exceptional Trauma System and implemented a High Risk Heart Attack (STEMI) System, Stroke System and a Cardiac Arrest System of Care;
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating Emergency Medical Services Week; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Contra Costa County in recognition of this event does hereby proclaim the week of May 17-23, 2026, as EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK with the theme “Improving Outcomes, Together” we encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.