Henrico approves hazardous duty pay for EMS-only workers as medical calls surge

, and WTVR CBS 6

June 12, 2026 . 10:58 AM

1 min read

Jackson Baynard, former fire chief for Henrico County Division of Fire who is now deputy county manager for public safety, said 85% of the county's calls are EMS-related. (Courtesy WTVR)

Henrico County is expanding its emergency medical services workforce and offering enhanced benefits to attract and keep dedicated EMS professionals.

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved enhanced hazardous duty pay for EMTs and paramedics who work exclusively in emergency medical services. The move is part of a broader effort to modernize emergency response as call volumes continue to climb.

Jackson Baynard, former fire chief for Henrico County Division of Fire who is now deputy county manager for public safety, said 85% of the county's calls are EMS-related.

"85% of our calls being EMS, last year was about 60,000 calls for service, so we're doing over 40,000 calls just in EMS," Baynard said.

Medical emergencies, mental health crises, overdoses, falls, and other situations requiring emergency medical care now make up the overwhelming majority of 911 calls in Henrico County.

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