OKEECHOBEE -- May 18-24 is Emergency Medical Services Week in Okeechobee County.

At their May 22 meeting, Okeechobee County Commissioners approved the proclamation stating: “Emergency medical services are a vital public service within a community and the members of an emergency medical services team are ready to provide lifesaving care for those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Access to quality emergency care dramatically improves survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury as emergency medical services fills healthcare gaps by providing important, out-of-hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care, and access to telemedicine.

The emergency medical services system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out of hospital medical care providers.

“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.”

“We are a 24/7 operation in the county. Anytime you need 911, we will be here for you,” said Chief Earl Wooten.