During the recent Durham County Board of Commissioners Budget Work Session on May 22, 2025, discussions highlighted ongoing challenges in recruiting qualified emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the availability of candidates, particularly at the paramedic level.

County officials noted that the recruitment process is particularly influenced by the timing of training academies. Currently, Durham County runs three academies each year, with sessions in February, June, and September. The February and June academies tend to attract more candidates, as they coincide with the graduation schedules of many training programs. However, the September academy faces challenges, as potential recruits often lack the necessary certifications by the time they are ready to graduate.

This ongoing recruitment issue is critical for the community, as it directly affects the county's ability to provide timely and effective emergency medical services. The Board's discussions underscored the need for strategic planning to enhance recruitment efforts and ensure that the EMS workforce can meet the demands of the community.

As the county moves forward, addressing these recruitment challenges will be essential to maintaining high-quality emergency services for residents. The Board's commitment to tackling these issues reflects a broader goal of ensuring public safety and health in Durham County.