Pasquotank-Camden
Emergency Medical Services
Administrative Staff
The Executive EMS Officer is responsible for providing general management and top-level leadership to an EMS organization. They report to and manage a Board of Directors in the private and not-for-profit EMS sectors, or serve as department heads in governmental EMS agencies. In addition to executive-level leadership, managerial and administrative duties, this officer typically responds to major incidents involving mass casualties and multi-agency operations, and operates at those incidents as part of a multi-agency unified command structure in a command or general staff position. Their primary role is to ensure overall operational performance and that the organization is meeting goals and expectations. They provide support to other EMS Officers and work not only to ensure today’s operations are meeting expectations but also to prepare for changes and meet expectations for the agency into the future.
James Wilson, MD
Chief
Medical Director
Chief Newell began his career with our department in 1998 as a full time Paramedic after serving in the volunteer capacity with the Pasquotank County Rescue Squad since 1991. Working his way through the ranks, he was promoted to the Training Officer role in 2003 and later became Chief in 2005 where he has successfully led our department since.
Tasked with the top leadership role, he manages the forward direction of the system to include budget, personnel, operations and administration of the Pasquotank-Camden EMS System.
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Education leading up to his career today includes being a local graduate of Northeastern High School before obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications at Appalachian State University in 1990.
The experience gained since that time speaks for itself with the capabilities of today's department.
Dr. James Wilson became the EMS Medical Director for the Pasquotank-Camden EMS system in July of 2018. Dr. Wilson continues to oversee the Hyperbaric and Wound Care Clinic as well as work in the Emergency Department at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center. Dr. Wilson also serves as an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Education leading up to his career today includes receiving his undergraduate degree from Knox College in Illinois in 1990 and completing his MD in 1994 from the University of Chicago. Dr. Wilson performed his residency from 1994 to 1997 at Christ Hospital and Medical Center.
Mike Straka, PA
Asst. Medical Director
Mike began his career with our department as a part-time Paramedic and in 2012 transitioned into the Assistant Medical Director role for the Pasquotank-Camden EMS System. Mike continues to work full-time as a Physician Assistant at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. Mikes works with technicians to help further develop their skills, critical thinking abilities and works with the Training Division on education and recredentialling of technicians. We are fortunate that Mike lives in our community and often responds to EMS calls as the Assistant Medical Director.
Mikes brings a wealth of knowledge to Pasquotank-Camden EMS with many years of experience. Prior to his credentialing as a PA, Mike had served as a Paramedic in Pennsylvania and graduated from Hahnemann University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services with a certificate in Physician Assistant studies. He holds numerous EMS credentials and is an active member of the Pasquotank Providence Vol. Fire Department.