During this week's commission meeting, Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission proclaimed May 21 through the 27, 2023, National Emergency Medical Services Week.
The official theme for the 2023 National Emergency Medical Services Week is "Where Emergency Care Begins."
“Emergency medical services provide vital lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week," reads the proclamation, “dramatically improving the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury."
The designation is a way of reaching out and thanking all of those first responders who ensure that the community has the best and fastest medical emergency response possible each and every day.
“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," reads the proclamation. "It is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating Emergency Medical Services Week."
EMS Division Chief Keith Hernandez -- with his children, Lily and Vera – accepted the proclamation.
“In 2015, we answered the call for an EMS Division,” he said, referring to the date that the service went from a private provider to an in-house emergency medical service eight years ago.
“We're serving with a Class 1 Fire Department, and we much appreciate the support of our community,” he said. “We will continue providing the best service to the island.”
Laura Riley, Director of Emergency Services at the Lower Keys Medical Center, announced that the hospital will be providing a thank-you luncheon next week for emergency services crews.
In the photo from L to R: Commissioners Mary Lou Hoover and Lisette Carey, Firefighter/EMT Sierra Temple, Rescue Lt. Kyle Malone, Firefighter/Paramedic Megan Rodriguez, Division Chief of EMS Keith Hernandez, daughters Lily and Vera, Mayor Teri Johnston, LKMC Director of Emergency Services Laura Riley, Vice-Mayor Sam Kaufman, Deputy Fire Chief Edward Perez, Commissioner Clayton Lopez, Fire Chief Alan Averette, Commissioner Billy Wardlow, and Fire Marshal Jason Barroso.