By Lee Hinnant
The State Port Pilot
OAK ISLAND, N.C. — It’s been an on-again, off-again goal for 15 years, but this time it’s for real: Oak Island Fire/Rescue will provide paramedic-level first response to residents starting January 1, 2015.
The move is a significant improvement for a department that receives 800 to 1,000 medical calls a year. Medical emergencies account for 80-percent of all calls, and the change brings the highest possible level of emergency care to patients before they are taken to the hospital.
“We finally got this far,” said Chris Anselmo, chief of the department. “They will be dedicated to Oak Island and won’t leave the town except for mutual aid (to other departments).”
Read full story: Oak Island Fire/Rescue to begin providing paramedic-level services to residents