Let's Chat Label Charlemos Label
Skip to main content
 
Durham County Home Page

From the Desk of the County Manager, May 15, 2026

Celebrating Those Who Save Lives: Emergency Medical Services Week
May 14, 2026

Greetings, Durham!

Across our community, there are moments when someone’s world shifts unexpectedly—a sudden illness, an accident or a call for help that cannot wait. In those moments, a dedicated group of professionals steps forward with calm, skill and compassion. These are the women and men of Emergency Medical Services, and this week, we pause to recognize the essential role they play in keeping Durham safe and supported.

Each year since 1974, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week is observed nationally. This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” reflects something we know to be true here in Durham: when we work in partnership, we strengthen the health and resilience of our entire community. EMS professionals are often the first to arrive when someone is in crisis, but their work is deeply connected to a broader network of public safety, healthcare and community partners. Their service is a reminder of how interconnected we all are.

This week, the Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation honoring emergency medical service providers across Durham County. Their contributions are life‑saving and foundational to our community’s well‑being.

Durham’s EMS system operates within our Emergency Services Department, which serves both the city and the county. It is a coordinated network that includes:

  • Durham County EMS;
  • Fire department first responders;
  • Durham Emergency Communication Center telecommunicators;
  • Critical care transport teams, including Duke Life Flight, and
  • Non‑emergency transport companies serving residents across the county.

Together, these teams form a continuum of care that begins the moment a 911 call is answered. Their collaboration ensures that residents receive timely, high‑quality support when they need it most.

As part of the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget recommendations, I have proposed a significant and strategic investment in Durham’s Emergency Medical Services. This includes funding for 10 additional positions to support a new 24/7 ambulance unit. This expansion will strengthen shift coverage, increase ambulance availability, and reduce response times—all critical improvements as our population grows and service demands increase.

This investment builds on progress already underway. Over the past two years, Durham County EMS staffing has grown by 22 positions. These professionals work closely with dispatchers, law enforcement, fire personnel, healthcare systems and community partners. Their shared mission is simple: to protect the health and safety of every resident.

As you move through your week, I encourage you to take a moment to acknowledge the EMS professionals who serve our community. When you see an EMS vehicle on the road, please yield with care as they are likely on their way to someone in urgent need. And if you encounter an EMS worker, a simple expression of gratitude can mean a great deal. Their work is demanding, often unseen, and always essential.

To all who serve in Emergency Medical Services: thank you for your dedication, your expertise and your unwavering commitment to Durham. You make our community stronger.

Until next week,

Claudia Hager

Durham County Manager