WHITEVILLE — The Town of Lake Waccamaw is formally asking Columbus County commissioners to approve a plan allowing the town to subcontract Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Whiteville Rescue, marking another major step in the town’s move away from operating its own EMS department.
Mayor Greg Jacobs is scheduled to appear before the Columbus County Board of Commissioners on Monday, April 6, to request authorization for the subcontracting arrangement. The item appears as Agenda Item 12 in the county’s April 6 meeting packet, which states:
“Lake Waccamaw Mayor Greg Jacobs is requesting approval to authorize subcontracting for Emergency Medical Services with Whiteville Rescue.”
The request comes as Lake Waccamaw continues restructuring its emergency services following months of operational strain, staffing challenges, and the town board’s earlier decision to discontinue its own EMS transport service.
A Major Shift in Lake Waccamaw’s EMS Model
Lake Waccamaw has historically operated its own EMS service through the fire department, but the town has been evaluating alternatives after financial pressures, personnel turnover, and regulatory demands made the current model increasingly difficult to sustain.
The subcontracting plan with Whiteville Rescue would allow the town to maintain EMS coverage without directly staffing or managing the service. Whiteville Rescue already provides emergency medical response across portions of Columbus County and is one of the county’s longest‑running rescue agencies.
While the agenda does not include the full contract language, the request signals that the town and Whiteville Rescue have reached a preliminary agreement pending county approval.
County Approval Required
Because EMS districts and service assignments fall under county authority, Lake Waccamaw cannot finalize the subcontract without approval from the Columbus County Board of Commissioners.
The agenda notes that Mayor Jacobs will be present to answer questions, suggesting commissioners may seek clarification on:
- Response times and coverage expectations
- How the subcontract affects the county’s EMS district structure
- Whether Lake Waccamaw will retain any first‑responder medical capability
- Financial terms between the town and Whiteville Rescue
- Transition timelines for ending the town‑run EMS model
The county’s decision will determine whether the subcontract can move forward.
Part of a Larger EMS Transition
The request aligns with recent actions by the Lake Waccamaw Town Board, which earlier this year voted to end non‑emergency medical transport and signaled that the town may fully exit EMS operations. That shift followed years of instability, including staffing shortages and the loss of a county EMS contract in 2022.
If approved, the subcontract would place Whiteville Rescue as the primary EMS provider for the Lake Waccamaw district, ensuring continuity of emergency medical response while relieving the town of operational responsibility.
What Happens Next
Commissioners are expected to discuss and vote on the request during Monday’s meeting. If approved:
- Whiteville Rescue would assume EMS responsibilities for the Lake Waccamaw area.
- The town would finalize its transition away from operating EMS.
- Columbus County EMS leadership would update district assignments and dispatch protocols.
If commissioners delay or deny the request, the town may need to explore alternative providers or interim coverage arrangements.
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