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Durham County EMS Struggles With Rising Demand, Longer 911 Wait Times
Longer hold times on 911 calls and stretched crews affect how quickly help reaches residents amid rising demand.
How we reported this
New data shows Durham County EMS cannot keep up with 911 calls, with call volume exceeding available emergency crews for 16 hours daily. The resulting strain means 911 calls are being put on hold more frequently and for longer durations in Durham.
Why This Matters for Local Residents
Residents rely on timely emergency response for medical crises, accidents and other urgent situations. When crews are already committed for most of the day, delays in answering or dispatching can extend the time it takes for help to arrive at homes and workplaces across the county. The pressure on the system directly influences how secure people feel when they dial 911.
Evidence of Growing Demand
Durham County is projected to reach a record 60,000 911 calls this fiscal year, a 24% increase since 2018 when no new staffed transport units were added. This sustained rise without added capacity has produced the current mismatch between calls and available crews, according to the data.
Proposed Steps and New Tools
The Durham County Manager's proposed budget includes 12 new full-time EMS positions, six paramedics and six EMTs, to address the staffing shortage. At the same time, Durham County has launched a new emergency notification system called ALERT DURHAM, replacing the previous CodeRed system for severe weather and emergency alerts. Residents can use the updated system to receive timely information that may reduce the need for some non-emergency calls.
These measures aim to ease pressure on the existing workforce while giving the public another channel for safety updates. Continued monitoring of call volumes and response performance will show whether the added positions and new alert platform improve outcomes for those who need emergency help.