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Chief Carroll reports uneven squad performance, vehicle updates, training schedule and new physicals requirement
Summary
Oconee County Chief Carroll reported first‑quarter run statistics showing mixed squad response rates, vehicle and equipment updates, upcoming training sessions, and a July change that could affect workers'‑compensation coverage for responders without current physicals.
Chief Carroll presented the commission with first‑quarter run statistics and operational updates at the April 24 meeting, reporting variation across squads and several near‑term changes to equipment and training.
Carroll said Seneca and Salem rescue squads were at roughly 99% on the metric presented for the quarter, Oakway improved to 82% in March and finished the quarter at 64%, Walhalla remained just under 50% and Westminster was about 55%. Mountain Rest was described as “basically, nonexistent as a squad in response,” and Carroll said he and Commissioner Wilbanks plan to meet with that squad leadership to assess needs.
Vehicle updates included completion of restriping for the old Rescue 5 vehicle, lights pending installation on Rescue 2, and an R3 pickup expected for late June delivery. Chiefs reported that when vehicles go to Motor Pool for repair a temporary vehicle will be provided so squads are not left without transport.
Training updates: a July–December class schedule was released and Lieutenant Honeycutt provided dates for courses. The county is supporting instructor development so squads can teach EMR refresher, CPR, first aid and other ASHI‑approved courses locally. A large‑animal rescue course is underway with about 20 county participants, and special‑rescue and dive teams report open‑water and full‑face mask training opportunities in May and June.
Medical oversight: Carroll reminded members that beginning in July, responders without a current physical will not be covered under workers’‑compensation for county‑sponsored calls; he urged squads to ensure members obtain required physicals through planned county clinic dates in May and later months.
Landing zones (LZs): staff are reviewing and updating nearly 200 LZ entries so helicopter landings are routed to verified, safe sites rather than informal fields; chiefs will coordinate to standardize LZ lists and guidance to air medical services.
Ending: Chief Carroll closed by saying he will bring additional details on instructor rosters and the LZ review at upcoming chiefs’ meetings and will distribute the updated training and physicals schedules.
