The primary response ambulances are all Type-III modular units and feature cab extensions for crew comfort. All EMS vehicles operate with a replacement cycle to maximize usage while keeping state-of-the-art technologies on the street. Ambulances boxes are typically remounted one time before retirement.

All response units feature Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) equipment, a GPS-based system that allows the emergency communications center to dispatch the closest available units to any incident. This equipment includes an integrated application for navigation and routing.

District chiefs, APPs, and some administrative staff operate SUVs with a full set of paramedic equipment.  In 2020 we began transitioning district chiefs and APPs over to a modified pickup chassis with a modular box.  This provides better organization and access to equipment, and it also has some incident command capability as well.  The transition will occur over the course of three to four years.

Administrators are equipped to provide medical assistance if needed or respond to and function in the incident command system at medium and large events.

Our hardworking logistics staff have the enormous responsibility of making sure our responders have all the equipment, supplies vehicles they need to take care of the community.

They use this assortment of vehicles to move those supplies and equipment from our warehouse to our EMS stations and to deploy utility trailers and other large pieces of equipment at special operations sites.

Radio call sign: Logs 1

Many special events have large crowds on foot, which can create a challenge for getting to a patient’s side quickly.  Our formally trained bike team crews can quickly and safely move through crowds at large venues to bring paramedic care directly to a patient in need.  In other situations our venue foot teams are able to walk into hard to reach locations to initiate paramedic care.  Once that care is started, a cart can be brought in to continue that care and safely move the patient out of the crowd to a waiting ambulance. 

For more information on EMS special event coverage, contact:

Candice Carter
Office:  919-856-6017
Cell:  919-594-3535

We regularly provide medical protection for situations when law enforcement teams are serving high risk warrants or negotiating with barricaded persons or in hostage situations.  Our tactical medics are suited in protective gear and ready to provide immediate medical intervention for anyone in need during these circumstances. 

We operate a “Major Operations Support” vehicle, which is equipped to respond to multiple-patient incidents, provide responder rehabilitation and support EMS Special Operations missions. 

Radio call sign: Truck 1 

We operate a Multiple Patient Transport Unit, which is an ambulance on a bus chassis. The unit can transport about 22 people sitting up, 14 stretcher-bound patients or 14 wheelchair-bound patients, depending on configuration. 

The unit is part of a state and national network of similar vehicles designed to help move large numbers of patients to an area with more resources during a disaster situation.  At the national level, our unit functions within the National Disaster Medical System’s direction.  The unit can still be used to assist on more day to day situations in the local area. 

In addition to its transport capabilities, it’s also useful as a temporary shelter from extremely hot or cold weather conditions during an emergency. 

Radio call sign: EVAC-1 

An Ambulance Strike Team is described by FEMA as a group of five ambulances with common communications and a leader in a separate command vehicle.  We work under the direction of the State of North Carolina to help build an AST for use during times of disaster. 

Typically we’ll partner with surrounding counties to assemble the ambulances.  We often provide one of the ambulances along with a supervisor and the trailer seen here, which provides a mobile office, supplies for the mission, and space for sleeping if needed. 

The AST provides temporary support for local resources and is most often used in North Carolina in the weeks after hurricanes with big impacts on communities. 

Radio call sigh: AST 800 

EMS response to hazardous materials incidents and technical rescue events can get complicated. They require additional training, specialized protective equipment, and expanded treatment protocols. Our HAMMER Team, commonly referred to as USAR Medics, specializes in this type of response. 

They are capable of entering “hot zones” and initiating care while the victims are still entrapped. The USAR Paramedics are part of two state-sponsored programs, North Carolina Task Force 8 (NCTF) and Regional Response Team 4 (RRT 4). 

NCTF 8 is a state-sponsored urban search and rescue team composed of specially trained rescuers from Raleigh Fire Department, Wake County EMS, Chapel Hill Fire Department, Cary Fire Department and Durham Fire Department. NCTF 8 is a NC Type I USAR asset. This team is equipped and trained to handle technical rescue situations including: building collapse, large-area searches, swift water rescue, trench rescue, high-angle rescue and confined-space rescues. 

RRT 4 is a state-sponsored hazardous materials response team. This team is composed of responders specially trained to handle hazardous materials incidents from Raleigh Fire Department with specialized medical support from Wake County EMS.  

If you are concerned that an actual hazardous materials event may be occurring, dial 9-1-1.  The reference number below is for general team information and should not be used for a real-time situation. 

For additional information about the HAMMER Team, please contact: 

Candice Carter
Office:  919-856-6017
Cell:  919-594-3535

Our Honor Guard was formed in 2006 to honor the memory of our fallen brethren and to represent Wake County EMS. The Honor Guard participates in funeral planning and details for fallen members. The Honor Guard also participates in Color Guard presentations at events such as parades, sporting events, official government ceremonies and public safety conferences. 

All Honor Guard members are full-time paramedics, AEMTs, or EMTs with the Wake County EMS Division.