Cary Transition to FirstHealth EMS FAQ

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Beginning July 8, 2024 at noon, Chatham County's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, will become the primary EMS agency for the portion of the Town of Cary within Chatham County.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the transition.

Why is this change happening?

Providing EMS services is a county responsibility in North Carolina. As the Towns of Cary and Apex continue to annex land in Chatham County, it is no longer practical for Wake EMS to expand its operations within a neighboring county to meet a growing demand. When Cary Area EMS was absorbed by Wake EMS, Wake County continued providing service to the entire town, but with the intent of turning over the responsibility for the Chatham County portion of the town to Chatham County’s EMS provider.

How many people and what areas are affected?

Chatham County estimates approximately 5,500 residents are affected. The main communities impacted include:

Carolina Preserve at Amberly
Chatham Glen
Courtyards at O'Kelly
Stonewater
The Peninsula at Amberly
Weycroft Reserve

Residents may check their address to see if they are impacted by the EMS service change at www.chathamcountync.gov/EMS or https://bit.ly/CaryChathamEMS.

How will this change affect the emergency services that people in this area receive?

What is the background and experience of FirstHealth Regional EMS?

How many emergency personnel and vehicles will be available to respond in the service areas?

How far will services have to travel to reach this new service area?

How long will it take an ambulance to reach people in this area of Cary when they call 911?

Will this impact what hospitals people are taken to?

Will people in this area have to pay extra to receive emergency services?

Will Chatham County taxpayers have to pay more?

What happens to people who are currently enrolled in the Wake EMS Subscription Membership Program?

Chatham County does not offer an equivalent EMS Subscription Membership Program. If a membership subscriber would like to terminate/cancel their membership, they would need to contact EMS Management and Consultants (EMS MC) to make the request. The phone number for the subscription membership program is 844-239-6690. Specific questions about the Membership Program may be directed to Demetric Potts at demetric.potts@wake.gov or 919-856-6081.

Will Chatham County EMS recognize the "Vial of Life" program?

WHO CAN PEOPLE SPEAK WITH IF THEY HAVE A QUESTION OR CONCERN?

People can learn more information about this change at www.chathamcountync.gov/EMS.

People with questions can reach out to the following:

Chatham County

Steve Newton
Chatham County Emergency Management Director
919-545-8162
steve.newton@chathamcountync.gov

Kara Lusk
Public Information Officer
Chatham County Government
919-542-8258
kara.lusk@chathamcountync.gov

FirstHealth

Emily Sloan
910-715-5376
essloan@firsthealth.org

Cary

Fire Chief Mike Cooper
919-469-4000
mike.cooper@carync.gov

Learn More

People can learn more information about this change at www.chathamcountync.gov/EMS.