About EMS
About Us
The Durham County EMS System
Durham County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was established in 1975 to provide professional prehospital care and emergency medical services to the residents of Durham County. Our formation was a response to the growing need for a coordinated, professional EMS system as the County’s population expanded and healthcare requirements became more complex.
Initially operating with a small fleet of ambulances and staff, Durham County EMS focused on providing basic life support (BLS) services. Over time, the service evolved to include advanced life support (ALS) capabilities, equipping paramedics with the tools and training to handle complex medical emergencies. We have consistently prioritized innovation and quality care. In the 1990s, Durham County EMS introduced specialized training programs for its personnel and introduced advanced technologies, such as cardiac monitors and prehospital data collection systems, to enhance patient outcomes.
In the 2000s, the system expanded further with the addition of Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) services, reflecting a commitment to proactive healthcare solutions. This initiative focused on reducing hospital readmissions and addressing non-emergency healthcare needs in the community, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Today, Durham County EMS operates as a high-volume, urban system under the Durham County Office of Emergency Services. It provides 24/7 emergency medical care through a fleet of advanced ambulances and specialty vehicles staffed by highly trained EMTs, paramedics, and community paramedics. The department also engages in public health initiatives, community education, and disaster response, maintaining its role as a leader in EMS innovation and patient-centered care.
Our continued emphasis on professional development, community engagement, and state-of-the-art medical practices has solidified Durham County EMS as a vital resource for the safety and well-being of its residents.
Operations
Daily Operations
Durham County EMS provides 24/7 emergency medical services to the community, operating up to 19 ambulances during the day and 10 at night when fully staffed by field providers across four shifts. Additionally, three district supervisors and a shift commander respond to high-priority calls or incidents requiring resource coordination using non-transport vehicles.
Our ambulances occasionally assist neighboring counties through mutual aid agreements. Similarly, during periods of high call volume, the shift commander may request mutual aid from neighboring agencies to respond to calls within Durham County.
We also provide medical standby coverage for large events upon request. These teams are typically staffed by off-duty employees dedicated to ensuring public safety at special gatherings.
Special Operations
Durham County EMS maintains specialized teams to address unique and high-risk scenarios:
Tactical Medicine:
Specialized paramedics who support law enforcement during high-risk operations by conducting medical threat assessments, delivering immediate care, and enhancing the safety of personnel. Durham County EMS paramedics serve with local and state law enfocement agencies. These teams are on-call 24/7 to ensure rapid response capabilities.
B-CERT (Bio-Chemical Emergency Response Team):
Paramedics with advanced training assist the Durham Police Department in managing bio-chemical emergencies. The team also provides biohazard training for law enforcement and develops response protocols. Available 24/7, B-CERT ensures the County is prepared for diverse biohazard threats.
Bicycle Team:
Ideal for events where vehicle access is limited, this bike-mounted team offers on-site medical standby coverage. Event organizers can request the team’s support using the Standby Request Form.
Ambulance Strike Team:
In partnership with Duke University Health System, this team is deployed across North Carolina during disasters, providing critical ambulance services as part of a coordinated statewide response.