RURAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

EMS providers are the first line of defense against emergencies or illness in rural communities. We’re here to make sure EMS providers are well trained to respond to any call.

About

When the nearest major hospital is an hour away, rural communities rely on emergency medical services (EMS) providers to be the first line of defense against illness or emergencies. EMS providers serve the public in their greatest moments of need, delivering both medical care and peace of mind to rural residents who might not have another option for care in that moment. After the initial assessment and treatment on the scene, rural EMS providers often execute complex transfers to the most appropriate care facility, which may be in an urban healthcare facility. The South Carolina Office of Rural Health works to ensure these providers are well trained to meet a wide spectrum of needs in underserved communities. SCORH is home to the SC Rural EMT Tuition Assistance Program, a competitive scholarship that covers all levels of EMT training and education to those working for rural EMS providers. SCORH also serves as the state leader of the SC Community Paramedic Advisory Committee and advised the state’s first Community Paramedic Pilot and Extended Pilot Programs sponsored by the SC DHEC Bureau of Healthcare Professionals.

Did you know?

Since 2015, more than 225 EMS providers have received a portion of their education and training through SCORH’s Rural EMT Tuition Assistance Program.

Services Provided

In addition to our efforts to ensure a well-trained rural EMS workforce, we design our services to help prepare rural EMS agencies for the future.

  • SC Rural EMT Tuition Assistance Program
  • SC Community Paramedic technical assistance
  • Rural EMS agency technical assistance
  • EMS operational assessments
  • Community partner development
  • Education and training support
  • Targeted statewide and local training
  • Innovative model guidance and support

Program Contact

Sarah M. Craig joined the South Carolina Office of Rural Health in 2015, and currently serves as the director of the Health System Innovation team. In this role, she provides targeted support to rural hospitals, emergency medical service (EMS) systems, and primary care providers in South Carolina. She is responsible for engaging the state’s three critical access hospitals in quality improvement activities/initiatives. Contact Sarah

Meet our Provider Services Team