WAKE FOREST, NC - Wake County EMS is making changes to its call response plan to ensure it gets the right care to the largest number of patients in the right amount of time. As always, the safety of patients and providers will be the top priority.
After studying hundreds of thousands of 911 calls and responses, Wake County EMS system leaders created a new call response plan in 2025 that includes the following highlights:
- The most appropriate resource will be dispatched first for each call.
- Responses may include an ambulance, a fire truck, a nurse call-line, or another resource depending on the situation.
- First responders can request additional help as more information becomes available.
As part of these efforts to improve public safety for all, Wake County EMS will reduce its use of lights and sirens. Studies conducted locally and nationwide have shown that in some cases, turning off the lights and siren during EMS response is the safest choice for everyone.
Wake County EMS has scheduled several public meetings across the county to provide more information, including one on Monday, March 9, at 7 p.m. at the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave. Community members are invited to attend to learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback. Registration isn't required but is encouraged. Anyone who is unable to attend in person can register for a virtual option.
For more information, or to register, visit wake.gov/EMSChanges.