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Commending the first responders, emergency medical technicians, cardiac technicians, and paramedics of Georgia and observing the third annual Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Recognition Day; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, through a coordinated, state-wide network, the emergency medical services professionals of Georgia respond to almost one million calls for assistance annually, risking their lives on a daily basis to go to the aid of those in need; and

WHEREAS, in the State of Georgia, there are over 5,000 first responders, 7,500 emergency medical technicians, 150 cardiac technicians, and 4,500 paramedics who provide the essential lifesaving services associated with out-of-hospital emergency medical care delivery; and

WHEREAS, these thousands of professionals perform their lifesaving duties through a network composed of hundreds of nonlicensed first responder providers, certified automated external defibrillator providers, air ambulance transport providers, and in excess of 300 licensed first responder services, emergency medical services, and neonatal transport services; and

WHEREAS, the goals of each and every one of these individuals and services include illness and injury prevention activities; trauma system development activities; public information and education activities; improvement of the health and wellness of our children in cooperation with Georgia´s Emergency Medical Services for Children program; the prompt, efficient, and effective delivery of prehospital emergency medical care; transportation to the most appropriate receiving facility; and other activities related to the health and well-being of the citizens of the State of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, the emergency medical services professionals of Georgia have continuously supported efforts to elevate the standards and training of first responders, emergency medical technicians, cardiac technicians, and paramedics and have been instrumental in increasing the public´s awareness of access to emergency services and what to do before the arrival of EMS; and

WHEREAS, one of America´s best emergency medical services systems, under the direction of the Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, is celebrating its twenty-eighth year of existence in 2001; and

WHEREAS, Friday, February 23, 2001, is Emergency Medical Services Recognition Day in Georgia, and it is fitting and proper that the first responders, emergency medical technicians, cardiac technicians, and paramedics of Georgia be recognized for their outstanding and courageous service to the people of this state.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that each and every first responder, emergency medical technician, cardiac technician, and paramedic in Georgia is commended for his or her outstanding service to the people of this state and that Emergency Medical Services Recognition Day is being observed in honor of these lifesaving professionals by inviting them to a day at the Capitol on Friday, February 23, 2001.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to Paul Genest, President of the Emergency Medical Services Director´s Association of Georgia; Sam R. Cunningham, President of the Georgia Association of Emergency Medical Technicians; and William C. Fields, Director of the Georgia Office of Emergency Medical Services of the Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health.