EMS Budget Reflects Reality
The FY 2027 budget cuts and hiring freeze did not create the ongoing staffing crisis at EMS. Local leaders reaffirm commitment to citizens, explain why a hiring freeze was needed, and how it is being implemented.
Budget cuts and a hiring freeze for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 did not create the staffing crisis at Caswell EMS, but did highlight a reality that public safety leaders have warned about for years.
Caswell County does not have enough Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to staff every shift and there are not enough Volunteer Firefighters and/or First Responders available to fill the gap.
Local fire chiefs recently received an operational update from Caswell EMS Director John Yarbrough to notify them that beginning July 1, EMS would likely reduce the number of daytime ambulances from four to three. The news came during a week when EMS was frequently forced to rely on mutual aid from neighboring counties because there were not enough staffed ambulances available. It prompted an outcry from many in the community who argued that if budget cuts needed to be made, those cuts should not have been made in public safety staffing.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause a panic," Yarbrough said, explaining that his intent had only been to inform. "I want to reassure the residents that if they call 911, we will respond."
