Dougherty County Board of Commissioners will recognize National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Public Works (PW) Week on May 19-25, 2019. A proc-lamation will be presented at the Monday, May 20, 2019, Board of Commissioners meeting in recognition of the two departments in Dougherty County.

As a member of the American Public Works Association (APWA), the Dougherty County Public Works department will celebrate the national theme “It Starts Here.” Representing the many facets of modern civilization that grow out of the efforts put forth by the public works profes-sionals across North America, the theme embraces a game board concept putting into perspec-tive the many responsibilities of PW professionals, such as building, maintaining, and support-ing the infrastructure that helps our community thrive.

Dougherty County’s Public Works division employs professionals who focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities, as well as to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of Dougherty County. In addition, the PW department is responsible for county functions in the areas of engineering, vehicle maintenance, environmental control, stormwater management, and parks.

Emergency Medical Services (EMA) in Dougherty County is also recognized this week. A vital public service, EMS provides lifesaving care to citizens in Dougherty County 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They help to improve the survival recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury.

The EMS team in Dougherty County is an advanced life support ambulance service that pro-vides quality pre-hospital care and transportation to the citizens. They also provide community service and education to the general public by teaching CPR, first aid, and offering free blood pressure screenings. On average, they respond to approximately 22,000 calls per year with an average response time of five minutes.

By utilizing eight Type 1 one-ton truck ambulances and four first responder vehicles operated by the director, assistant director, on-duty supervisor, and the training officer, the Dougherty County EMS maintains 81 total employees, including 68 paramedics, 11 emergency medical technicians, one administrative assistant and one administrative secretary. Out of the 52 full-time personnel, all are licensed paramedic technicians.