Emergency Medical Services
GENERAL INFORMATION
Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services operates 7 paramedic ambulances based out of 4 EMS stations in Spindale, Lake Lure, Bostic and Caroleen. Along with the ambulance crews, a 24/7 quick response vehicle is based out of the Spindale Station, along with several other administrative QRV's. The 24/7 QRV is operated by the shift supervisor who responds to high-acuity calls along with providing back up in the times were system resources are taxed. Several non-emergency ambulances are also used Monday-Friday for non-emergency transports. Rutherford County EMS employs 56 full time employees and approximately 20 part time employees and operates on 12 hour shifts (Pitman schedule). Our service area consists of the entire 564 square mile area of the county and a population of approximately 68,000. EMS responds to approximately 13,000 emergency calls per year. As the primary EMS provider for the citizens and visitors of Rutherford County, RCEMS strives to improve care through quality improvement. The Rutherford County EMS System conducts quarterly meetings of it Quality Management
Committee which consists of representatives from all agencies that provide emergency care within the county. These agencies includes the 911 center, rescue squads, EMS, first responders and the hospital. Rutherford County EMS strives to provide advancements in medical care and technology. A few recent examples are:
- Purchase of new, state of the art cardiac monitors with the latest technology and capabilities to assist the medics in providing the highest quality of care.
- Purchase of new Lucas devices (automatic CPR machines) to aid in the critical care of cardiac arrest patients in a rural community.
NON-EMERGENCY TRANSPORTS
Established in 2012, the Non Emergency Transport Division serves those citizens that may not have a medical emergency but need ambulance transportation for dialysis treatment, doctors appointments and other medical needs. This division specializes in the transport of bed confined patients. We have a deep understanding of the special needs that present due to various medical conditions. Our employees are specially trained in proper patient movement techniques and stretcher manipulation to provide the highest quality of care and comfort for the patient during transport. We can easily accommodate patients in excess of 300 pounds with our bariatric stretcher. If you have any questions regarding this division, please do not hesitate to contact our office at the number listed below.
Important Fact: Many transports are defined as “medically necessary” for ambulance transportation, determination for medical necessity is obviously determined by Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance providers but our experienced staff are very knowledgeable in requirements for meeting “medical necessity” and can assist you any time that you may have a question. Our department will assist you in obtaining proper documents required for determining eligibility for non-emergency transportation.
RECRUITMENT
Rutherford County EMS is excited to announce that we are NOW HIRING for multiple 12 hour shifts on our 911 Division. Starting wages are: Paramedic ($20.10/hour, $48,077 annual). AEMT ($16.79/hour, $40,167 annual). EMT ($16.05/hour, $38,401 annual). You must be credentialed in NC to apply for all positions. Click this link to apply: www.rutherfordcountync.gov All applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent; hold a valid driver’s license and current credential with NCOEMS in good standing. Individuals not holding credentials from another state and/or National Registry must meet requirement of legal recognition by the NC Office of EMS. ALS candidates must possess BLS, ACLS, PALS/PEPP & PHTLS/ITLS/ATT. All candidates must possess or obtain NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 prior to employment. Candidates are required to submit to pre-employment drug screening, motor vehicle record check and background checks. Rutherford County offers an excellent benefits package for full-time personnel including Local Government retirement system, Health Insurance and options of Vision, Dental, Disability and others. Rutherford County EMS is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, religion or creed.