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Recognizing May 20 to May 26, 2019 as National Emergency Medical Services Week in the City of Philadelphia, and Further Honoring Philadelphia Paramedic of the Year Christian Apelt.
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WHEREAS, National Emergency Medical Services Week is a celebration to honor the approximately 750,000 EMS providers nationwide who deliver lifesaving care, and a time when Fire and EMS Crews provide vital educational material and training to adults and children on topics such as injury prevention, recognizing an emergency, and what to do until help arrives; and
WHEREAS, The EMS System depends on the availability and coordination of many different elements, ranging from an informed public to a network of trauma centers capable of providing highly specialized care to the most seriously ill or injured; and
WHEREAS, The modern EMS System came into being in 1996, following a National Academy of Sciences report that revealed that the average American had a better chance of survival in the combat zones of Korea or Vietnam than on the nation’s highways. This report galvanized public support to the creation of the modern EMS System. Today, the efforts of EMS providers at all levels have helped to make our system the most advanced in the world; and
WHEREAS, The tragic incidents of violence that prevail throughout our country further demonstrate the need for an educated citizenry and an effective EMS System that can face new challenges; and
WHEREAS, EMS Week highlights and celebrates those on the front lines of providing daily lifesaving services to members of the community; and
WHEREAS, These employees dedicate their lives to helping others and are a strong partner within our communities as well as our schools and continue to educate the general public in lifesaving techniques such as CPR, Stop the Bleed, Narcan administering, and using an AED; and
WHEREAS, EMS Professionals in Philadelphia respond to thousands of calls for help throughout the year and are often the first responders to the growing opioid epidemic gripping our City; and
WHEREAS, Each year specific members of the EMS are recognized for their outstanding work, service, and dedication to their field and this year’s Paramedic of the Year is Christian Apelt; and
WHEREAS, Christian has dedicated the past 15 years to serving Philadelphia, and specifically spent 7 of those years with Medic 2 in Kensington where he was on the front lines in one of the busiest stations in the country at the time; and
WHEREAS, He continues to serve the EMS and Fire Department as an instructor to the Firefighters, EMTs, and Paramedics and displays daily compassion for those who teaches and strives to give them the necessary education to have them ready for the field; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That May 20 to 26, 2019 be designated as National Emergency Medical Services Week; and that the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby honor and recognize Philadelphia Paramedic of the Year, Christian Apelt for his dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia, it’s residents and visitors.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Christian Apelt as evidence of the sincerest respect and admiration of this legislative body.
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