County commissioners Tuesday unanimously approved a budget amendment to preserve the county’s paramedic quick response vehicle (QRV) program.
The budget amendment for $421,000 was required to keep the current level of service for the rest of the fiscal year. The QRV program was not fully funded in the original budget, due to the county trying to reduce expenses.
Several members of the board pointed out that the reason they voted against partial funding during the original process was because they wanted to see the program fully financed. Commissioner Giles “Buddy” Byrd noted that the QRV paramedic program saves lives and has his full support, but he feels the funding should have been in place from the start.
“This is something we’ve got to have,” he said. There’s no need for putting it second. Put it in the budget, leave it in the budget and work around it.”
“If you save one person’s life, that $421,000 is worth it to me,” said board chairman Brent Watts. “All I’ve heard about them is good things.”
The QRV paramedic can provide a higher grade of care than normal EMS. Paramedics respond to every call alongside EMS, and can provide hospital-level care including application of some medications.
The county operates two QRVs, with Tabor City’s unit at Old Dock and Whiteville Rescue Unit covering the rest of the county. QRV’s are often first on the scene for some medical emergencies. One QRV crew was credited with delivering a baby recently while EMS was en route from clearing another call.
Representatives from multiple departments were at Tuesday’s meeting, but were not asked to speak.
Copyright 2026 Columbuscountynews.com. All Rights Reserved.
