Duplin County EMS responded to 1,020 calls during the months of January and February with an average county-wide response time of 7 minutes 40 seconds. Response time is from time of dispatch to on scene with the patient. This response time ranks us better than the national average. Approximately 55% of all calls require ALS (Advanced Life Support), which is a higher percentage than most areas. We believe it is because we are such a rural area and typically citizens don't call unless they truly need us.

The QRV (Quick Response Vehicle) program, which was implemented in October of 2004, has proved successful. Within eight hours of implementation of this program, one of our shift supervisors responded to a patient in cardiac arrest and was successful in reviving the patient. The patient is doing well today. In another incident, a pediatric patient was in cardiac arrest, the QRV supervisor responded - the baby was successfully revived and transported to the hospital.

Our accomplishments in the billing and collections Department have been great. During FY 2003-2004, average collections were $42,500.00 per month. Since the implementation of our new system, the collections have increased to a monthly average of $86,000.00.