CharlestonCounty.org

EMS Operations

Charleston County EMS (CCEMS) is a third service Advanced Life Support provider
We utilize a tiered service with the operation of Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support ambulances
Extensive clinical guidelines and transport protocols are supported by dedicated and committed Medical Directors and Administrator
CCEMS has 13 stations throughout the County and 5 logistic hubs. We have ambulances that deploy from logistic hubs 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 65,000 calls for service each year covering over 1,100 square miles
Charleston County EMS utilizes 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, or 24-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 then work three days, with the converse schedule the following week. Our 8-, 10- and 14-hour shifts work set days of the week that remain constant, and our 24-hour units work 24 hours on duty with 72 hours off duty. A workday begins at the assigned start time across a 24-hour operating period
Charleston County EMS values the safety of our employees and customers. Employees can work up to 16 hours consecutively (24-hour shifts can work up to 28 hours) and they are required to have a minimum of 8 hours off duty before returning to work and no forced shifts (excluding disaster activations)

Organizational Structure

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