Caroline County proclaims National EMS Week, highlights new whole‑blood program

Caroline County commissioners on May 19 proclaimed May 17–23, 2026, as National Emergency Medical Services Week and thanked local career and volunteer EMS clinicians for recent achievements, including American Heart Association recognition for cardiac and stroke care and a newly launched whole‑blood program.

Deputy EMS representatives told the board the county’s EMS system must deliver advanced care in a jurisdiction without a hospital. "Whole blood is less than 3% of EMS agencies across the country are carrying whole blood," a county EMS representative said, framing the program as a significant capability for a rural system.

Commissioners and county staff praised individual longevity in the service and credited partners such as the Caroline Foundation with grant support that helped launch clinical programs. The proclamation text read in the meeting emphasized 24/7 life‑saving care by 9‑1‑1 specialists, EMTs, paramedics, firefighters and others and formally designated the week in recognition of their service.

Officials highlighted how the county’s lack of an in‑county hospital increases the clinical responsibility on EMS and noted recent investments in training and equipment. The board also recognized individual staff: Nancy (a recent retiree who returned part time) and Kevin (33 years of full‑time service) were singled out for thanks.

The proclamation was presented by county staff during the meeting; commissioners and EMS leaders posed for a group photo and thanked volunteers and career staff for their role in keeping response capability intact. No formal action beyond the proclamation was taken at the meeting.