EMS medical director urges strategic station development, ambulance replacement and governance reforms

Dr. Roberto Portela, Pitt County’s EMS Medical Director, delivered a PowerPoint briefing outlining the county EMS system structure, recent progress and current challenges. The presentation highlighted county‑owned ambulances and partnerships with seven nonprofit EMS agencies, two 24/7 Quick Response Vehicles, peak‑time ambulances, and an increasing volume of 911 calls and EMS dispatches. Portela urged a five‑year plan emphasizing strategic EMS station development, a sustainable ambulance replacement program and strengthened governance.

Slides included data visualizations for 911 calls and EMS dispatches and stressed the need to align station drive‑time analyses with response targets for time‑critical calls such as cardiac arrest and STEMI. The presentation closed with the line: "When someone in Pitt County calls 911, help must arrive quickly, prepared, and ready to save a life." Commissioners thanked Portela for the assessment; no formal action was required, but the information will inform future capital and staffing decisions for EMS.