EMS lights, sirens use to be reduced for some calls in effort to increase response time: Wake Co.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Wake County plan is on the table that could reduce the number of EMS calls that crews respond to using lights and sirens. County leaders call it an effort to reduce crashes when responding to these events.
"Red lights and sirens response for first responders is very dangerous," said Wake County Emergency Medical Services Director Dr. Jon Studneck.
According to Wake County, EMS has had 21 lights and sirens accidents since January of this year. Two have resulted in totaled ambulances. Fortunately, there have been no significant injuries, the county says.
"Patients who have experienced a trauma-like shooting or stabbing or high-energy impact from a severe motor vehicle collision," said Studneck.
Wake County Emergency Medical Services said 80 percent of EMS calls receive a lights and siren response. The new method would mean only 20 calls of every 100 would receive a lights and siren response. County leaders said response times for all incidents average 15 to 17 minutes.
Commissioner Shinica Thomas had concerns about this proposal's impact on response times for less serious calls.
"For lower acuity calls, we could end up with response times for someone to get an ambulance as long as 60 minutes. So, an hour?" questioned Thomas.
Dr. Studneck stated that Thomas was correct.
County leaders said this plan could be a phased-in approach. The idea is to work with community partners, including 911 centers, first responders and local leaders, to help navigate this shift in policy. The issue of response times kept resurfacing.
"If you're the person with a broken leg and in pain, 60 minutes is going to feel like a really long time," said Commissioner Vickie Adamson.
The full county board will weigh in on this plan. Community informational sessions have also been scheduled. This proposal could be completely implemented by March 2026.
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