Guilford County EMS is the paramedic level provider of pre-hospital services to the entire population of Guilford County. County paramedic transport units are easily recognizable by their yellow and white paint scheme. All County EMS units are staffed by at least one paramedic. Support units are generally painted white with yellow striping to identify their role on the scene of an emergency. Support units include “Medic” units that are staffed with one or two personnel that respond to emergencies to assess and treat patients while transport units are enroute. Disaster and rehabilitation units are also considered support units. Guilford County EMS employs approximately 200 personnel.

A typical day at EMS begins with crew change. Off-going crews exchange equipment and important information with on-coming personnel. On duty personnel acquire all the necessary equipment to be prepared to receive calls, respond to calls, assess, treat and transport patients. As soon as possible, the on duty crews check all equipment assigned to their unit. This includes a verification that the vehicle is ready for a safe response to calls and is equipped to handle any medical emergency the crew may encounter. Other general duties include housekeeping at the base of operations, training and equipment maintenance or cleaning. Most EMS personnel work a fixed 12-hour schedule, but a small number are assigned to a 24-hour on duty, 48-hour off duty schedule. Crews respond to anywhere from two calls per shift in rural areas, to as many as 15 calls per shift in urban areas. It is not unusual for crews to work the entire shift without the convenience of meal or personal breaks. On an average day, Guilford County EMS fields 12 transport units, 5-6 quick response units and 1 supervisor’s unit.

To schedule a tour of a Guilford County EMS facility, please contact Yolanda Harris at 336-641-3811.