The people who live in the Richland Hills subdivision on Wall Road have a problem, and it is the response time when there is a medical emergency.
The subdivision is part of Wake Forest but it lies partly in Wake County and mostly in Franklin County.
As McCoy Faulkner, president of the homeowners association, explained to the Wake Forest Town Board Tuesday night, 911 calls go to Franklin County which then may pass them on to the Wake County 911 system for response.
“What happens is, we get a pass around,” Faulkner said. “Homeowners often tell of delays and being passed between 911 operators. I myself have experienced this first-hand. I have also witnessed ambulances not knowing where to go once they arrived at the subdivision.”
If the call goes to the Youngsville EMS service, he said, that vehicle might be at the other end of Franklin County.
Faulkner’s plea was that the Wake Forest Fire Department be named as the first responder for the 330 homes in Richland Hills. “They always come when called but they are not always called.” In addition, he asked that the Wake Forest Police Department assist the first responders in finding the correct addresses for emergencies.
He also said, “This new [fire] station will drastically increase the protection for Richland Hills.”
As for a response to a medical emergency: “A ten to 15 minute wait time is way too long.”
Mayor Vivian Jones said, “We will look into it and we will get back to you.”
One Response
We live in the Silo Glen Subdivision and have a similar problem. We are part of Wake Forest, but our homes are located in Franklin County. It is all very confusing and needs to be looked at before a serious problem arises.