Sometimes, CARS provides mutual aid to outlying agencies such as Louisa, Greene, Madison, Buckingham, Orange, etc. In addition, CARS responds for all incidents requiring technical rescue throughout the county, but only upon request, not on initial dispatch. The University Medical Communications Center, referred to as MedCom, is the center for medical control maintained by the University if Virginia Medical Center. MedCom is the reception point for radio traffic regarding patients transported to UVA Medical Center by rescue squad. MedCom is also the source of medical control for all ALS units operating in the area.
Residents give orders for various medical procedures to be administered in the field.
The UVA Medical Center operates a Level I trauma center. Such designation means that the emergency room is appropriately staffed and equipped to handle major trauma patients 24 hours per day. The medical center also operates specialty units in burn care and neonatal medicine. The Martha Jefferson Hospital operates a 24 hour emergency room. Although smaller, MJH can handle most medical complaints, as well as limited trauma.