Watauga County to take over emergency medical services

Watauga is transitioning to a county-run emergency medical services (EMS) model after agreeing to purchase the assets of Watauga Medics, Inc.

At its commissioners meeting last week, the Board approved buying Watagua Medics for $1.7 million. $700,000 of that pays for its medic base.

Braxton Eggers, chairman of the Watauga Board, says the move gives the county more control over EMS. He says it also brings Watuaga in line with most other North Carolina counties that run their own service.

“We'll be looking to get a director in place, and then onboarding the medics that want to come over and work with the county, and should have everything in place by the end of the year,” he says. 

Eggers says he expects the county to expand these services in the coming years to provide better coverage.