Pender County approves $777,380 contract with Union Rescue to provide Union District EMS coverage

Pender County commissioners approved a $777,380 contract on Aug. 4 to make Union Rescue a direct contractor to provide ambulance services in the Union District and to participate in countywide mutual aid.

The contract converts Union Rescue from a subcontractor at basic level to a county contractor intended to operate at an advanced level, contingent on approval by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services and the county medical director. The agreement includes operational costs and capital funds for remounting an ambulance. County staff said Union Rescue will have 90 days to reach the staffing levels required for advanced-level service.

Under the arrangement, ambulances in the Union District will be staffed with at least one advanced EMT and one basic EMT. A paramedic will be provided by Pender EMS and Fire on a quick response vehicle (QRV) stationed at Penderly Fire Department; county staff said that will mirror coverage patterns in other county districts. During the initial transition period the county’s EMS agency will provide additional coverage as needed while Union Rescue builds staff capacity.

County staff told commissioners the contract will not initially be deducted from the Pender EMS and Fire budget; staff also said the contract contains a capital outlay for remounting one ambulance now with the possibility of additional remounts in a future fiscal year. The board approved the contract unanimously.

Officials said training and medical oversight will be coordinated through the countywide EMS system plan and the medical director, and that volunteer and part‑time staffing will continue to be used by Union Rescue as available. The county said the change is intended to maintain service levels and to add an additional responding unit in the district once the advanced staffing is in place.