Emergency Medical Services

Charleston County has experienced many hurricanes and other severe storms throughout our history, the most recent of which were Hurricanes Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Floyd in 1999. The greatest threat for flooding in the Charleston County area is from storm surge associated with a hurricane from the Atlantic Ocean.

To qualify for these positions, candidates must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent along with the following certifications and licensure:

• National Registry EMT, AEMT or Paramedic Certification
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
• Valid driver's license from any state

Paramedic candidates must also have current ACLS certification. Advanced pediatric (PALS, PEPP, EPC) and trauma (ITLS, PHTLS) certifications are also preferred for paramedic candidates.

The selected candidate must have a valid South Carolina driver's license within 30 days of hire. The following training is required within 3 months of employment: ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800.

Candidates must provide copies of documentation verifying their eligibility credentials with the completed application to include:

• EMS certifications
• Education diploma/degree

In addition to the above, candidates must also be able to: drive an emergency vehicle, have excellent communications skills (in person, over the radio/telephone, and written), work a variety of shifts, perform a wide variety of duties with accuracy and speed under pressure, provide basic/advanced life support patient care, follow safety protocols, read maps and find locations within the County, perform calmly in emergency situations, and other EMT/Paramedic related duties.

Knowledge must include, but is not limited to: laws and regulations of US DOT, FCC, DEA and SCDHEC in regard to the practice of emergency medical services, County and EMS policies and procedures, Charleston County geography, vehicle extrication and rescue principles, patient stabilization, medical terminology, and defensive driving techniques. The EMT/Paramedic is responsible for providing basic/advanced life support patient care, communicating appropriately, ensuring the readiness of vehicles and equipment, maintaining uniforms and stations, attending training, and following safety guidelines and medical protocols.

The goal of our hiring process is to give all applicants an equal opportunity at employment, while selecting the most qualified candidates. Applications are received by the Charleston County Human Resources department and released periodically to our department.

Full-time paramedic positions will be posted on a continuous basis. EMT/AEMT and Temporary Part-Time positions will be posted on an as-needed basis. All positions will follow the same schedule, if posted:

Once a complete application is received, qualified applicants should expect a follow-up within two weeks to discuss the hiring process and to schedule an interview. The general steps in the hiring process are:

1. Online Application Submitted
2. Hiring Assessment
   1. Written Test (75-100 questions)
   2. Patient Care Simulation
   3. Behavioral Interview
3. New Hire Academy

The written test and patient care simulation are graded based on national standard curricula. Applicants who do not achieve a passing score on the written test, or receive a score of "Inadequate" on the scenario, will not be considered for employment.

Out of town applicants may request remote testing and a video interview. However, travel to Charleston may still be required prior to a job offer being made to complete additional screenings or simulation assessments.

Those who do not meet the minimum qualifications or are eliminated during the testing and interview process may reapply for the next hiring session. No candidate will be permitted to test more than once per interview cycle.