Durham EMS Crisis and Recovery | Durham News

Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 25, 2026 · 1m

A Wake Forest football player suffered a serious injury during a game in Durham, sparking outrage when his family was told no ambulances were available — a shocking reality in a city known as a medical hub. Durham County EMS is severely understaffed, with call holds and delays of up to an hour becoming routine as demand outpaces capacity. For years, the director has pleaded for help — last year alone, 6,000 calls were held due to lack of resources. Now, new funding for 10 new positions and one ambulance (the first in over a decade) plus 18 new EMT hires offer hope, though shortages persist…