EMS
Emergency medical services and response
Latest stories
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Beating the summer heat in September: The signs first responders are warning of
During peak summer months, Wake County EMS responded to about 15 calls a day for heat-related illness. This week, they're preparing for another stretch of dangerous heat.
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‘Doing the best we can’: Record-breaking 911 call volume strains Durham EMS resources
Durham's growth is straining the capacity of emergency resources, impacting the ability of EMS to respond to lower-priority 911 calls. Durham’s Director of Emergency Services says Durham broke a record last fiscal year for calls for service, and they're on track to break it again this year.
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Durham Fire Department responds to two fires on Sunday; 2 injured, 2 others displaced
The Durham Fire Department responded to two separate fires, one on Raynor Street, the other on Dunn Avenue.
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Child dies after drowning in Durham Tuesday night
Durham County EMS confirmed to WRAL they responded to the reported drowning involving a child. That child was transported to Duke University Hospital but did not survive.
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One year since Chantal: How emergency teams are adjusting their response plans
WRAL Investigates requested documented strengths and weaknesses for the hardest-hit municipalities in Central North Carolina. Emergency management departments seemed to agree that communication, coordination and effective alerts could be better in the future.
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Raleigh police arrest woman after knife assault at Moore Square Bus Station
The WRAL Breaking News Tracker was on the scene when a woman was spotted being taken away in handcuffs.
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New data shows Durham EMS having harder time keeping up with 911 calls
During a County Commissioners' work session on Monday, officials said the data showed that the number of calls coming in exceeded the number of emergency crews able to respond for 16 hours every day.
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Heat-related emergency calls arriving earlier than usual in central North Carolina
Emergency services in central North Carolina are urging residents to prepare for high temperatures early this year, as data reveals a distinct rise in spring heat-related emergency calls compared to previous years.
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What happens when you call 911? Wake EMS discusses changes to sirens, priorities
On Wednesday, Wake County residents got a chance to hear firsthand what’s about to change when they dial 911 as the county's EMS began a series of community meetings to discuss changes to improve service.
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Wake County EMS introduces triage system to prioritize life-threatening 911 calls
Wake County EMS will soon begin prioritizing 911 callers who are facing the most life-threatening emergencies.
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Wake County ambulances to silence sirens, turn off lights for most 911 calls
Wake County EMS is set to transform its emergency response by reducing the use of sirens and lights for most 911 calls, prioritizing safety and reducing accidents. The change aims to curb confusion on roads and improve safety.
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Durham County EMS employee faces dozens of charges of possession of child porn
Andrew Childs, a 40-year-old employee of Durham County EMS, is facing 93 new charges for possession of child pornography, bringing his total to 127 charges. This is his fourth arrest this year for similar offenses.
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Durham County EMS employee faces 93 new charges in child pornography case
Andrew Childs, a 40-year-old employee of Durham County EMS, is facing 93 new charges for possession of child pornography, bringing his total to 127 charges. This is his fourth arrest this year for similar offenses.
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EMS employees stretched thin, worked over 30,000 hours of overtime
EMS workers stretched thin. WRAL Investigates the heavy lift for employees and how much overtime they're working to make sure someone can respond to emergencies.
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Records show EMS employees worked more than 30,000 hours of overtime amid staffing crunch
With 22% of positions vacant and rising 911 calls, some emergencies face delays as staffing shortages plague the department. Efforts include a new EMS academy and mental health support, but challenges persist in recruitment and resources.
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South Carolina EMS introduces new tool to help cool heat stroke victims faster
With temperatures on the rise, Prisma Health EMS out of Greenville, S.C. has a new tool to help cool heat stroke victims faster, and they're sharing it with other first responders to save lives.
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Durham EMS honors heroic paramedic Whitney Rodgers with memorial walk at Duke
Durham County Emergency Medical Services will pay tribute to paramedic Whitney Rodgers, who passed away following a catastrophic brain injury, in an honor walk at Duke University Medical Center.
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Increase in 911 calls stretches Durham County first responders thin
Durham County’s continued population growth and corresponding need for emergency services are putting a strain on EMS workers.
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Jump in 911 calls lead to strain on Durham EMS staff
Durham County's population boom is adding to longer response times for EMS staff.
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Wake County firefighters face rising costs, delays in buying new fire engines
Wake County emergency professionals are worried the rising price of a new fire engine could bring financial hardships for local fire departments.
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Wake County manager wants to bolster EMS by adding positions, revamping stations
The Wake County manager has proposed a strategic plan to enhance Emergency Medical Services by adding more personnel and revamping existing EMS stations.
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Medics on standby as record heat scorches Dreamville weekend
Record breaking heat is expected in the Triangle over the weekend. Dreamville organizers and EMS are preparing ahead of the heat warning people to stay hydrated.
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Medics on standby as record-breaking heat scorches Dreamville Weekend
As record-breaking heat grips the Dreamville Weekend, festival organizers and medical professionals are on high alert to ensure safety.
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Man saved after collapsing inside Durham Co. courthouse, sheriff says
A man is recovering Wednesday after he collapsed a day earlier inside the Durham County Court House.
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Neighbors sustain first responders in WNC after Hurricane Helene
First responders have been working long shifts for months, helping in the rescue and recovery after Helene's devastation. They shared what gets them through with UNC Media Hub (Video: Ashley Grace Humphrey)
