Beaufort Rescue Squad was founded in the late 1950s and officially incorporated on May 3, 1961, at a local Phillips 66 station in Beaufort, North Carolina, by a group of 11 dedicated men. It is one of the oldest—if not the oldest—EMS squads in Carteret County. The squad’s first chief, T.V. Woolard, led the organization as it established its presence in the community. Early meeting locations included the Phillips 66 station, the Ann Street Barber Shop, and the American Legion Building.

On April 18, 1961, the squad leased its first vehicle—a Greenbriar Wagon—for $400.00. Initially, the squad's service area covered the eastern part of Carteret County, reaching all the way to Cedar Island. Over the years, operations were based in several locations, including the original Fire Department, the building that now houses the current Police Department, and, most recently, the squad's station on West Beaufort Road, located within the city limits.

Throughout its history, Beaufort Rescue Squad has operated a diverse fleet of emergency vehicles. Notable units have included a 1977 Dodge van ambulance, a 1985 Ford van ambulance, a 1986 Ford modular unit for vehicle rescues, a rescue boat, and a 1986 Suburban for first responders, among others.

Today, Beaufort EMS responds to over 2,000 calls annually, providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) services, as well as motor vehicle accident response, event standbys, and community assistance. The squad operates with:

• 3 in-service ALS ambulances
• 2 BLS Quick Response Vehicles (QRV)
• 1 BLS Rescue Vehicle (QRV) Coming soon!
• 1 ALS Chief command vehicle

Beaufort EMS runs 24/7, 365 days a year, with four crew members per shift and a dedicated team of volunteers who support operations. The squad remains committed to delivering compassionate, professional, and life-saving care to the Beaufort community and beyond.

Our Future