Charleston County EMS

06/21/2026

06/21/2026

Huge shout out to our very own Assistant Chief John McGuinness as he represented the CCEMS Motor Team!

Assistant Chief McGuinness recently earned a well deserved promotion and represented our agency at the Holy City Police Motorcycle Training Seminar, where he placed 1st in the Non Fairing Novice Division.

We could not be more proud of his accomplishments and dedication.

As we celebrate this achievement, we also want to remind everyone to stay alert and share the road. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, so please do your part to keep riders safe. Remember South Carolina’s Move Over Law. Slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and first responders whenever possible. A little extra attention can save lives.

Congratulations, Assistant Chief McGuinness, and thank you for representing CCEMS with excellence!�🏍️🚑👏

06/20/2026

Charleston County EMS marks the first day of summer by reminding everyone to stay safe as seasonal activities begin.

Hurricane season is underway, so now is a good time to review emergency plans and stay informed through official weather updates.

As you enjoy the beach, waterways, and outdoor recreation, please follow posted advisories, stay hydrated, and keep a close watch on children around water.

Please also remember to check in on your neighbors, especially elderly adults and anyone who may need extra support.

Charleston County EMS is ready to respond, and we appreciate the community’s partnership in keeping this summer safe for all.

06/19/2026

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, a day that marks an important moment in our nation’s history and honors the strength and legacy of generations who helped shape our communities.

Across Charleston County, our EMS teams remain committed to providing dependable and compassionate care. We are grateful for the trust our residents place in us each day, and we stand ready to support everyone in our community as we observe this meaningful day.

06/18/2026

Today, we remember the Charleston 9 and honor the extraordinary sacrifice they made in service to others.

On June 18, 2007, nine Charleston firefighters lost their lives while responding to the Sofa Super Store fire. Their bravery, selflessness, and commitment to protecting their community continue to inspire us.

As we reflect on their legacy, we also recognize the strength of their families, fellow firefighters, and all those whose lives were forever changed. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

06/17/2026

Today, we pause to remember the nine lives lost at Mother Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015, and to honor their lasting legacy.

Cynthia Graham Hurd
Susie Jackson
Ethel Lance
DePayne Middleton-Doctor
Clementa Pinckney
Tywanza Sanders
Daniel Simmons Sr.
Sharonda Coleman-Singleton
Myra Thompson

The strength of the survivors, the grace shown in the aftermath of such a tragedy, and the resilience of the Charleston community continue to inspire us. May we always remember those we lost and carry forward their legacy through unity and compassion.

06/16/2026

CCEMS was thrilled to welcome Charleston County’s SLIP Students today! We loved having them with us and can’t wait to see them again next week as they jump into their EMS Week experience. 🚑✨

Charleston County Government Public Safety Charleston County School District

06/15/2026

On Friday, our team received a heat‑related call ☀️. One of our District Chiefs responded to the gathering in Downtown Charleston where several attendees were experiencing heat‑related complications. This incident ultimately led to MAB 1 (Mobile Ambulance Bus), part of our Special Operations Division led by Assistant Chief Palawasta, receiving its first 911 call 🚑.

Chief Way later arrived on scene to assist and assumed Incident Command. Several ambulance crews treated and transported multiple patients throughout the event, while MAB 1 was used as a safe, cool space for citizens to prevent further escalation of their conditions ❄️.

Thanks to strong teamwork and our close partnerships with responding agencies, we recognized after Friday’s event that MAB 1 needed to be present the next day. This proactive planning allowed us to have the unit on scene for Saturday’s event, where our ambulance crews again treated and transported several patients 💪.

Just as importantly, MAB 1 provided a cool, safe environment for approximately 700 citizens in total over the two days, helping prevent additional heat‑related issues and reducing the need for further medical intervention 🧊. This allowed our ambulance resources to avoid becoming depleted and remain ready to respond to other 911‑related incidents in our county.

Throughout these incidents, our teams worked alongside Charleston Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston, Charleston County Consolidated Emergency Communications Center, United States Coast Guard Barque EAGLE, and Charleston County Volunteer Rescue Squad to ensure everyone received prompt care and remained safe 🤝.

We are proud to see this new resource serving our community, and we want to remind everyone to stay safe and stay aware of extreme heat when attending outdoor events. Stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and look out for one another 🌡️💧🕶️.

06/14/2026

🚤☀️ Heat Safety and Coastal Response in Charleston County ☀️🚤

Our crews on the water and our teams on the street are ready to handle the challenges of this heat and keep our community safe. However, we need the public to do their part by staying aware, staying hydrated, and making smart decisions in this extreme weather.

Our Metro Marine Team is partnered with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office and other local agencies to ensure beachgoers and boaters have quick access to medical care across the waterways Charleston County is known for. At the same time, all of our EMS teams on the street are fully prepared to respond throughout the county.

Our teams remain ready and committed to keeping Charleston County safe. Stay cool and take this heat seriously.

06/13/2026

🔥 South Carolina Heat Advisory – Stay Safe, Stay Hydrated 🔥
South Carolina is experiencing dangerous heat and humidity. Please take precautions as conditions can become hazardous quickly.

Heat and Humidity
High humidity slows the body’s ability to cool itself, increasing the risk of heat‑related illness. Drink water often, take breaks in the shade, and avoid intense activity during peak heat.

Children and Older Adults
Children and older adults do not thermoregulate as well as younger, healthy individuals. They can overheat faster and may not recognize early symptoms. Keep them hydrated, limit sun exposure, and check on them frequently.

Boating and Beach Safety
Heat builds quickly on the water. Bring extra water, apply sunscreen, and stay aware of storms and rip currents. Avoid peak heat whenever possible.

Vehicles
Never leave anyone in a parked car. Temperatures inside can rise 20–30 degrees within minutes. Pets are also extremely vulnerable.

Check on Your Community
Look in on neighbors, especially older adults and families with young children. A quick check can save a life during extreme heat.

To Our First Responder Team
Take care of yourself, your partner, and your team. We are one.

Stay cool, stay alert, and stay safe, South Carolina. 💧🌞