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MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – Brunswick County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) strengthened its fleet with the deployment of seven new ambulances this past month.
“It is the goal of Brunswick County EMS to have the most up to date equipment possible, to make sure we are able to serve the citizens and visitors of Brunswick County in their time of need,” EMS Director Lyle Johnston said. “We are proud to have these new frontline units in service.”
The new trucks will be stationed at some of Brunswick County’s existing ambulance locations that are in service 24 hours per day. One will be stationed in Calabash, one on Old Georgetown Road, one in Shallotte, one in Executive Park, one in Boiling Spring Lakes, and two in Leland.
Brunswick County EMS purchased the seven ambulances in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 for $2,669,895 using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and the County’s General Fund. Due to the complexity and national demand for these important emergency vehicles, it typically takes anywhere from 18 to 24 months from the time an order is placed to the arrival of a new ambulance.
Brunswick County has continued to plan ahead for the growing and future needs within our EMS system. In addition to the ambulances purchased in FY 2024, Brunswick County EMS purchased four in FY 2025 and four in FY 2026.
These seven Frazer Type I modules on Ford F-550 Regular Cabs are equipped with state-of-the-art features including:
- The Stryker Power-LOAD system. This powered cot fastener system supports the stretcher and improves operator and patient safety during the loading and unloading process.
- A built-in ambulance GPS tracking system. The improved GPS system provides real-time location updates, route optimization, and faster dispatch.
- Multiple power and climate control systems. The ambulance box of these trucks runs off a different power and climate control system from the cab of the truck, which will decrease the wear and tear on the system.
- Improved air conditioning system. The rear air conditioning system is built like a residential system, making parts easier and quicker to replace when needed.
The new vehicles will allow Brunswick County EMS to replace four ambulances within the fleet that were near the end of their service life and did not have the Stryker Power-LOAD system.
Brunswick County EMS currently operates 23 ambulances, 16 quick response vehicles (QRV), two all-terrain vehicles (ATV), one high water vehicle, and one mass evacuation bus.
Learn more about Brunswick County EMS at BrunswickCountyNC.gov/EMS.
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