Assemblymember Rodriguez Proclaims EMS Week in California

(Sacramento, CA) – Yesterday, Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D – Pomona) presented ACR 56 on the Assembly Floor, proclaiming May 21-27, 2023, as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week in California. This week is also the nationally-recognized EMS Week, an annual recognition to honor the dedication of these professionals who provide life-saving care to others in their time of need. This year’s theme for EMS week is “Where Emergency Care Begins.”

“I am proud that this is my 10th Annual Proclamation of EMS Week in California. Having served as an EMT for over 30 years, I look forward to celebrating EMS Week at the Capitol each year. Thank you to all of the first responders who joined me in the Assembly Chambers today, and thank you to all of our first responders statewide for their dedication to service,” stated Assemblymember Rodriguez.

There are more than one million EMS personnel in the United States, and California is home to more than 86,000 personnel. Our EMS system includes emergency physicians, emergency nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, and others. Each EMS professional spends thousands of hours in specialized training and continued education to enhance their life-saving skills.

Our EMS workforce faces one of the highest rates of occurrence of mental health illness paired with the lowest likelihood of seeking treatment. EMS personnel have very demanding jobs and can meet a variety of challenges. 9-1-1 calls can range from a broken bone, cardiac arrest, difficulty breathing, or even being deployed to another state to aid in a rescue mission. ACR 56 commends all of California’s EMS providers for their selfless sacrifice and dedication. 

Assemblymember Rodriguez (Twitter) represents the 53rd Assembly District which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, and Upland. He is Chair of the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management.