News Detail

Franklin County Salutes EMS Personnel

Commissioners

May 16, 2024

Four men stand together in a room; two are holding a certificate. They are dressed in business and casual attire, standing in front of a wooden panel with flags in the background.
Pictured (from left): Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst; Doug Bitner, assistant chief/field operations manager, Penn State Health Life Lion; David Delauter, assistant chief, WellSpan EMS; and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowki

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed May 19-25, 2024, to be Emergency Medical Services Week in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are encouraging all residents to recognize the vital role members of the emergency medical services (EMS) network play in safeguarding Franklin County communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The EMS system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, 911 telecommunicators, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out-of-hospital medical care providers. These individuals – whether career or volunteer – undergo thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills. They fill a gap by providing important out-of-hospital care, including preventative medicine and follow-up care.

“All of us in Franklin County are indebted to the critical services and care that our EMS teams provide, often at some of the most vulnerable times in our lives,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “They can never be thanked enough for the selfless duties they perform on behalf of so many others.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Emergency Medical Services Week, and by recognizing the occasion, the commissioners are urging residents to show their appreciation for the contributions these individuals perform in ensuring the health, safety and well-being of everyone who lives in, works in or visits Franklin County.