Durham County Emergency Medical Services

12/29/2025

12/24/2025

Today is Well Done Wednesday, where we spotlight exceptional work by our paramedics, AEMTs and EMTs. This week’s honorees are Cpl. Bree Gezzar, EMT Benjamin Scott, AEMT Rickey Isom, AEMT Jacob Byrd, and Lt. Mike Szymanski, nominated by Ret. Col. Kevin Wilson.

These crews were dispatched to a cardiac arrest in a residence. While the patient received both bystander CPR and advanced cardiac life support from our team and DFD, the patient was unable to achieve a return of spontaneous circulation and was declared dead on scene.

Col. Wilson writes, “The family shared that this had been a very traumatic experience but gave high praise to our personnel. They stated that our staff were kind, caring and supportive in this difficult time.

I believe this is a great reminder to all of us that our interactions with family and friends are so critical. The personal aspect of caring can never be minimized.”

12/23/2025

Please join us in congratulating Frank Potter for successfully completing the Promotional Prep Paramedic FTEP process. He is now cleared for independent practice within the Durham County EMS system pending the promotional process.

We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our FTOs, shift leadership, education staff, and FTEP coordinator in preparing him for independent practice. Special thanks to Senior Medic Patterson, Senior Medic Gezzar and FTEP Coordinator Sara Houston for their contributions.

Congratulations, and we look forward to your continued growth and success in Durham County!

12/22/2025

Today is Save Sunday, where we recognize the medics, AEMTs and EMTs who were involved in cardiac arrests with sustained ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) during the previous week. Great job everyone!

12/17/2025

Today is Well Done Wednesday, where we spotlight exceptional work by our paramedics, AEMTs and EMTs. This week’s honorees are Paramedic Olivia Korm and AEMT Madeleine Ganz, nominated by Capt. Mark Oniffrey.

Paramedic Korm and AEMT Ganz responded to an automatic crash notification on an interstate highway late at night. EMS and Durham Fire Department personnel found a severely damaged vehicle off the roadway, but they were unable to locate an occupant after nearly 20 minutes of searching, including thermal imaging.

After leaving the scene, Olivia and Madeleine noted a disabled vehicle about half a mile away from the crash and briefly caught a glimpse of someone seated beside it. Due to the frigid temperatures, they believed it odd for someone to not be sheltering inside the vehicle, investigated, and determined that this was their patient from the crash notification. The patient was confused, injured, and had lost their clothing and shoes in the crash. Olivia and Madeleine treated and transported the patient to the hospital; the patient is now recovering at home. Capt. Oniffrey writes, “Excellent action based on prudent vigilance.”