About Us

Wake County ambulance and district chief SUV under a beautiful blue sky.

We are responsible for providing EMS throughout Wake County within all municipalities. We do this with advanced and basic ambulance response supported by district chiefs, Advanced Practice Paramedics, specialty response units, and response-capable administrative staff. 

We’re headed by Jonathan Studnek, Ph.D, NRP, the EMS system director, and Medical Director Dr. Jose Cabanas, who is also the Chief Medical Officer for Wake County.

We provide on-site medical coverage for various events and activities throughout the community. We have trained staff with specialized equipment and vehicles for multiple patients, mass casualties, disasters, and other less typical situations. 

We greatly value the enrichment we receive through diversity in our staff, and we’re regularly working to enhance that diversity with the ultimate goal of being reflective of the community we serve. 

EMS responded to over 126,000 calls for help in 2022. There are 32 ambulances on duty 24 hours a day. 17 “peak load” 12-hour ambulances are added at staggered start times to accommodate increased call volume during the day and evening. We are a data-driven system and regularly participate in research to determine various strategic approaches to emergency medical care.