Caroline County has appointed Dr. Kyle Frata as its new EMS Medical Director, a significant move aimed at enhancing emergency medical services in the region. The decision was made during the Caroline County Commissioners Meeting on August 5, 2025, following a thorough selection process that included interviews with several qualified candidates.

Dr. Frata, who is board certified in emergency medicine, brings a wealth of experience from his recent fellowship under the well-respected Dr. Matt Levy at Howard County Fire Rescue. This will be his first role as a medical director, and he is expected to play a crucial role in overseeing the quality assurance and training of EMS clinicians in Caroline County, which currently lacks a hospital.

The commissioners emphasized the importance of having a strong medical director, especially given the unique challenges faced by EMS in a county without immediate hospital access. Dr. Frata's responsibilities will include managing clinician training, protocol reviews, and ensuring that the EMS team is well-prepared to handle patient care effectively during transport, which can sometimes take over 30 minutes.

In addition to the appointment, the meeting addressed ongoing issues with hospital transfer times, particularly concerning Easton, which has been identified as a bottleneck for EMS operations. The commissioners discussed the need for improved collaboration with local hospitals to streamline patient transfers and reduce wait times, which have been exacerbated by staffing shortages across the healthcare system.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda, marking a productive session focused on enhancing emergency services and addressing community health needs. As Dr. Frata prepares to take on his new role, the county looks forward to improvements in EMS operations and patient care.