EMS Operations

Responsibilities

  • Charleston County EMS is a third service Advanced Life Support provider
  • Extensive standing orders and transport protocols are supported by dedicated and committed Medical Directors and Administrator.
  • Charleston County EMS has 13 stations throughout the County. These stations are strategically located to provide a timely response to emergencies. We have ambulances that deploy from these stations as well as a centrally located logistics office to meet the various needs of our customers. In addition, we staff a series of Quick Response vehicles for expanded response capabilities.
  • Charleston County EMS responds to over 60,000 calls for service each year covering over 1,100 square miles.
  • Charleston County EMS currently maintains 10, 12, or 14 hour shifts with a variety of start times based on call volumes. The majority of the shifts are 12 hours in which employees work two days then are off two days with a three day weekend on or off duty. Our 10 and 14 hour shifts work set days of the week that remain constant. A work day begins at the assigned start time across a 24 hour period.
  • Charleston County EMS values the safety of our employees and customers. Employees are not allowed to work more than 16 hours consecutively and are required to have a minimum of 8 hours off duty before reporting for duty.

Organizational Structure

Our organization utilizes a paramilitary/public safety style ranking system:

  • Chief (Department Head)
  • Deputy Chief
  • Assistant Chief
  • Shift Commander
  • Division Chief
  • Senior Crew Chief - Captain
  • Lead Paramedic - Sergeant
  • Paramedic Crew Member - Corporal
  • EMT Crew Member - Private First Class