By Connie Leinbach
Hyde County has hired Brook Cox as the new director of Emergency Medical Services.
Cox, from Mebane, Alamance County, began work Aug. 27.
With over 20 years of experience in the EMS field, Cox brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and a deep commitment to the community’s well-being, said Hyde County Manager Kris Noble.
Throughout her career, Cox has held various administrative roles within EMS, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a dedication to providing the highest standard of care.
Her extensive experience ranges from frontline emergency response to strategic planning and management, Noble said, making her a well-rounded leader with a comprehensive understanding of the EMS landscape.
“As the new EMS director, Cox is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and compassion within the department,” Noble said. “We are confident that Hyde County EMS will continue to thrive and grow under her leadership.”
Cox, in an interview, said she is excited about her new position and home.
“It’s beautiful,” she said about the scenery of the mainland and Ocracoke. “What I love about Hyde County is even though it’s one agency, it’s two different cultures. The employees here have such big hearts.”
Also, Noble said Gabby Robinson and Nick Hiatt have joined Hyde County EMS as new shift supervisors.
Hiatt began his Fire/EMS career in 1996 and has served in various roles between Wilmington and Mount Airy.
Robinson started her career in 2015 and has held various roles in Eastern North Carolina.
These new supervisors are two of the four that will be hired as per the new budget, Noble said.
“Adding these positions will give Hyde County a more efficient leadership structure and better coverage,” Noble said.
EMS Gets New Digs
Hyde County has purchased the Ocracoke Masonic Lodge to become the new EMS headquarters.
Located on Back Road beside the Ocracoke Health Center, the purchase of $450,000 was funded by a North Carolina General Assembly Appropriation of $600,000, Noble said.
Of that grant amount, $100,000 was used towards the purchase of a new ambulance, and the remainder of the funding will be used to make improvements to the building.
A grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation will help fund renovations which will include a triage area where medics can assess and even treat walk-in patients in a dedicated space.
This area will also be available for use by the Hyde County Health Department when needed.
Renovations have already begun with move-in possible in early fall, depending on renovation progress, she said.
The building currently has six bunk-style bedrooms and the county hopes to also use the space to house Hyde County Sheriff’s office deputies overnight.
Hyde County is in the process of submitting additional grant applications towards making the station more resilient by elevating the existing structure, constructing a climate-controlled, elevated ambulance parking area and adding a generator system to power the building during power outages.
