Orange County Fire Rescue kicked off the \u201cCalled to Care\u201d campaign on May 15 to celebrate paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) during National EMS Week for their continuous demonstration of duty, respect and integrity.<\/p>\n
National EMS Week is a nationally-recognized event that allows for the opportunity to award and commend paramedics and EMTs. This year, Orange County Fire Rescue recognized crew members with certificates and commendation bars to thank them for their service in the high-demand industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach year, we try to come up with new ways to commend our paramedics and EMTs,\u201d said Assistant Chief of EMS James Bates. \u201cThis year, we have selected crews who demonstrated outstanding performance during our top 10 EMS calls.\u201d<\/p>\n
Orange County Fire Rescue responds to nearly 81,000 EMS calls annually with an average of 163 daily transports.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe always look forward to National EMS Week and the opportunity to bring to light the exceptional calls our paramedics and EMTs have experienced,\u201d said Fire Chief Otto Drozd III. \u201cWe greatly appreciate the support from our partners who participate in recognizing National EMS Week by providing lunch to the crews or by simply saying thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The three most prestigious awards presented during National EMS Week were Paramedic of the Year, EMT of the Year and the Iron Medic. All three awards were carefully selected based upon extraordinary individual efforts. The Iron Medic is an award presented to the paramedic who has completed the most transports within the calendar year.<\/p>\n
National EMS Week concluded on May 21, 2016.<\/p>\n