Emergency Medical Services

McDowell EMS is recognized as one of the premier EMS agencies in North Carolina.  The agency is responsible for providing paramedic level emergency medical care to citizens and visitors of McDowell County.  Responding to nearly 10,000 calls for service annually the agency has received multiple awards for innovative care, responder safety, as well as being recognized as one of the top EMS training sites in North Carolina. 

In 2008 the agency received national recognition for implementing therapeutic hypothermia procedure for cardiac arrest patients.  In 2013 McDowell EMS was the first agency in WNC to develop and implement a Community Care Paramedic Program.  This program is designed to assist high risk patients improve their overall health and wellness and also devote extensive time and resource to elderly patients ensuring that their most basic needs are being met and coordinating healthcare resources for each patient.  The program is being funded for three years by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust Healthy Places Initiative. In 2022 McDowell EMS was one of the first rural agencies in the state to administer blood product in the field. This lifesaving procedure is now available much faster in critical situations increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome for patients.

McDowell County paramedics utilize the most advanced pre-hospital medical equipment available and provide care based upon the most comprehensive treatment protocols that reflect the latest emergency medical care standards.

McDowell EMS takes great pride in serving the community through an abundance of community education events.  McDowell paramedics are heavily involved in the community conducting free community CPR classes, properly installing child safety seats, conducting wellness screenings or presenting information on various emergencies and assisting families prepare for emergencies.

For more information on our agency please visit our website at www.mcdowellems.com