Durham County Emergency Medical Services

04/08/2026

Today is Well Done Wednesday, where we spotlight exceptional work by our paramedics, AEMTs and EMTs. This week’s honorees are Paramedic Sarah Waycaster, EMT Alex Nangle, Paramedic Adam Regoni and EMT Preston Antrilli, nominated by District Chief Max Patterson.

These crews were dispatched to a cardiac arrest on a local lake. The patient was in a very remote area, and the personnel had to hike over a mile to access the scene. Once they began resuscitation, they discovered that there was no safe way to get the patient off the scene and to the ambulance. Durham County EMS, Durham Fire Department, Redwood Volunteer Fire Department and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office all worked together to coordinate an evacuation via boat.

Paramedic Waycaster, EMT Nangle, Paramedic Regoni, and 3 DFD members continued to resuscitate the patient through the boat journey, while EMT Antrilli worked with other DFD personnel to bring the ambulance to the collection point.

District Chief Patterson writes, “While the resuscitation was unfortunately not successful, the efforts and dedication of the treatment team were excellent.”

04/06/2026

04/05/2026

DCEMS was proud to participate in last week’s airport emergency drill!

03/30/2026

Today is Save Sunday, where we recognize the medics, AEMTs and EMTs who were involved in cardiac arrests with sustained ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) during the previous week. Great job everyone!

03/27/2026

03/25/2026

Today is Well Done Wednesday, where we spotlight exceptional work by our paramedics, AEMTs and EMTs. This week’s honorees are Paramedic Derrick Oglesby, Paramedic Olivia Korm and District Chief Michael Kiehart.

This crew recently responded to a critically ill unconscious patient that required extensive treatment and careful extrication. They were able to stabilize and remove the patient from the home despite difficult conditions. Bravo!

03/20/2026

It is with sadness that Durham County EMS shares that our retired colleague, Randy Hill, died on Sunday, March 15, 2026. We join his family and friends in mourning his passing and celebrating his career of service. Randy was a valued member of our team and contributed significantly through decades of service as a paramedic, with a dedication to patient care and a commitment to the Durham community.

Retired Col. Kevin Wilson, who worked with Randy for many of his 33 years with DCEMS, describes Randy as a good clinician and a free spirit. He was always willing to help with any project and often mentored new employees and students. Randy was a friend and colleague to countless EMS personnel, here in Durham and throughout the state of North Carolina. We will miss him and offer our heartfelt condolences to all who knew him.

03/18/2026

Today is Well Done Wednesday, where we spotlight exceptional work by our paramedics, AEMTs and EMTs. This week’s honorees are Paramedic Sarah Waycaster and EMT Alex Nangle.

This crew recently responded to a sick person during severe weather. Upon their arrival, they discovered that a large tree limb had fallen on a residence, injuring a child. they were concerned about the structural stability of the house, these providers coordinated the evacuation of the residence before treating and transporting the injured patient. Good work!