Botetourt County Board declares May 18-24 as Emergency Medical Services Week

The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors convened on April 22, 2025, to address several key agenda items, prominently featuring a proclamation for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. Chief Ferguson presented the proclamation, declaring the week of May 18 to May 24, 2025, as EMS Week, marking its 51st anniversary. The theme for this year is "EMS: We Care for Everyone," emphasizing the critical role of emergency medical services in the community.

During his presentation, Chief Ferguson highlighted the importance of EMS as a vital public service, noting that emergency medical teams are available 24/7 to provide life-saving care. He detailed the various roles within the EMS system, including first responders, EMTs, paramedics, and emergency dispatchers, all of whom undergo extensive training to enhance their skills.

Ferguson also shared recent initiatives aimed at improving community health and safety, including a CPR and AED training event held at Troutville Elementary and an upcoming session at Daleville Baptist Church, which has already attracted 40 participants. He emphasized the significance of community engagement in learning CPR and the location of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), citing a recent successful cardiac arrest response at the Botetourt County YMCA as a testament to the effectiveness of these training efforts.

Following the presentation, the board expressed appreciation for the EMS team's dedication and management. A motion to accept the proclamation was made and unanimously approved, underscoring the board's support for recognizing the contributions of EMS providers.

The meeting concluded with a sense of community pride in the local emergency services and a commitment to ongoing public health initiatives.