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SANFORD, N.C. (WNCN) — After being unable to reach an agreement with a new provider, Lee County has approved a contract to continue EMS services with its current provider for the next five years, officials said.
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In January, Lee County officials said they awarded a contract to MedEx for EMS services, replacing the current provider, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, which has served the county since 2021.
MedEx was scheduled to begin on July 1, but in April, county officials announced they ended negotiations after being unable to reach an EMS franchise agreement with the new provider.
County officials said they were searching for another provider before the current contract with FirstHealth expires on July 1. Had a new agreement not been reached before the expiration date, Lee County would have lost EMS services.
On June 8, officials announced the approval of a new five-year EMS franchise agreement with FirstHealth. Under the agreement, FirstHealth will provide exclusive emergency and non-emergency medical services in Lee County.
“We appreciate the paramedics and EMTs that provide urgent critical response when people need it most, and look forward to the continued partnership with the FirstHealth of the Carolinas team,” County Manager Lisa Minster said in a statement.
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According to county officials, FirstHealth has reliably and consistently met average response times for emergency calls of 8.59 minutes or less, expanded ambulance locations in Lee County to improve coverage and response times, and works closely with volunteer fire departments to facilitate trainings and develop a first responder program.
“Our EMS teams are excited to continue providing excellent care to the residents of Lee County,” Lee EMS Director Mike Dutton said in a statement. “I want to thank our dedicated team members for their commitment through the contract negotiations. Their loyalty to FirstHealth and, most importantly, to our patients is greatly appreciated.”
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital President Matt Prestwood said in a statement, “We look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Lee County for EMS Services. FirstHealth has a long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality EMS services to the residents of Lee County.
“We are proud to step forward and provide consistent, excellent emergency medical care to our community, and we remain fully dedicated to serving the people of Lee County with the highest standards of professionalism and compassion,” Prestwood continued in his statement.
Anyone with questions about EMS services in Lee County may contact Assistant County Manager for Operation Services Jennifer Gamble at [email protected]