Assistance to local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is provided under North Carolina's Emergency Medical and Disaster Preparedness Program to ensure that all North Carolina residents have access to quality emergency medical care.

Staff activities under this service include:

• Technical assistance and oversight to all EMS systems in North Carolina.
• Credentialing of EMS workers, licensing of EMS providers and issuing permits for ambulances.
• Assistance to local officials and EMS decision-makers to enhance the quality of emergency medical care.
• Auditing EMS systems, specialty care transport programs and EMS educational institutions to see if they are in compliance with plans.

Credentials for EMS workers are good for four years and require completion of an approved educational program and written exam. To renew, the worker must complete continuing education. Licenses for providers of EMS services are good for six years; they are issued after evaluation of an application. EMS ambulance permits are good for two years; program staff inspect ambulances to ensure they meet safety standards and also conduct unannounced inspections throughout the licensing period.