EMS System
The Henderson County EMS system consists of multiple agencies that work together to provide exceptional prehospital emergency care. Henderson County EMS (HCEMS) is the sole paramedic-level agency within the Henderson County 911 system. HCEMS operates eight advanced life support ambulances out of six strategically placed stations. An additional quick response vehicle (QRV) is staffed by an EMS supervisor to assist with large-scale or clinically complex incidents.
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center is responsible for processing 911 calls for EMS assistance. Their trained emergency medical dispatchers ensure that the appropriate units are promptly dispatched and can provide pre-arrival instructions to assist the caller in providing potentially life-saving aid prior to the arrival of emergency responders.
HCEMS works with numerous first responder agencies throughout our county. These agencies provide emergency medical care at the EMT level. They frequently arrive in advance of an HCEMS ambulance and can provide immediate emergency medical care. These agencies include:
- Bat Cave Volunteer Fire Department
- Blue Ridge Fire and Rescue
- Dana Fire and Rescue
- Edneyville Fire-Rescue
- Etowah-Horse Shoe Volunteer Fire Rescue Department
- Fletcher Fire Department
- Gerton Volunteer Fire Department
- Green River Volunteer Fire Department
- Hendersonville Fire Department
- Mills River Fire and Rescue
- Mountain Home Fire and Rescue
- Saluda Fire and Rescue
- Valley Hill Fire and Rescue
The Henderson County Rescue Squad operates several ambulances at the advanced EMT level which are available for non-emergency transports, back-up 911 response, special events, and other specialized services.
For extended transport times or patients requiring critical care interventions, HCEMS works with several aeromedical services including the Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA).
All of these agencies play an essential role in providing optimal patient care for those in need.
