Mecklenburg County supervisors voted unanimously to adopt a new designated emergency response standard and authorized ordering two Type 1 ambulances, officials said at the meeting.
The board’s emergency services committee presented a revised EMS response plan intended to replace an older Rescue Association plan that the committee said allowed response times up to 45 minutes. Committee members told supervisors the new plan moves county standards closer to national recommendations, including the NFPA 1710 goal of first responders on scene within eight minutes, 90% of the time.
Committee materials and speakers said the revised plan was prepared by the county emergency services department to set a firmer local standard and to meet regulatory requirements referenced during committee discussion. Upon a motion by Tom Tanner, supervisors voted to receive and adopt the designated emergency response agency standards.
The board also authorized purchasing two new roadside Type 1 ambulances. Committee testimony noted a rapid rise in calls and extended build times for ambulances; staff said the vehicles are shown in the capital improvement program in out years and that the county needs authorization now to place the order. A staff speaker said delivery and payment are expected in about three to four years and that the county will pay on delivery.
During committee reports, staff said Mecklenburg County EMS was “fully staffed for the first time,” with 12 paramedics operating two ambulances 24 hours a day and three ambulances staffed roughly 50% of the time.
No member proposed a roll-call recorded vote; actions were approved by voice vote. The motions carried without recorded dissents.
The board instructed county staff to proceed with ordering and to continue work on the local ambulance fleet schedule and related capital planning.