WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — Wake County EMS is marking 50 years of service in 2026 as the county’s rapid growth drives higher demand for emergency medical care. To prepare for the future, the agency is updating its 911 response plan to better match patient needs with the right level of care and improve response times across the system.
Wake County EMS leaders analyzed outcomes from hundreds of thousands of 911 calls to shape a data-driven response plan aimed at improving efficiency, safety and patient care, the county said online. Under the update, 911 centers will sort EMS calls more precisely to send the most appropriate help based on details such as symptoms, onset and the caller’s primary concern.
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Responses may include an ambulance, fire apparatus, a nurse call line or other resources, with dispatchers and field crews able to adjust and add support as new information comes in.
As part of its updated response plan, Wake County EMS will limit the use of lights and sirens on certain calls. Crews will still use them for time-critical emergencies, but the agency said reducing lights-and-siren responses when appropriate can improve safety for responders and the public and will be guided by clearer call-type criteria.
Wake County EMS will share more details about the changes during seven upcoming community meetings, where residents will have the opportunity to ask questions.
