Colleton County Fire‑Rescue named SC EMS System of the Year; chiefs credit county funding and training after on‑scene firefighter injuries

Chairman Steven Murdaugh announced that Colleton County Fire‑Rescue received the South Carolina EMS System of the Year award and invited the department to describe the work that led to the honor. "This is the first time receiving this award, which is a big honor for us," Murdaugh said.

Barry McRoy of Colleton County Fire‑Rescue said the recognition reflected "about two and half years of work" to enable paramedics to carry blood on medivac calls. He thanked county council for funding and staff who supported the effort and credited Joseph Campbell with extensive outreach to DHEC and trauma centers to allow the practice. "We proved in a year that it works, and that it works well," McRoy said.

McRoy and Campbell described the operational benefit: IV fluids can temporarily stabilize some patients, but providing blood in the field can be lifesaving on long transports to a trauma center. McRoy told council that the project led the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to change paramedic scope‑of‑practice rules so other systems may adopt blood carry programs.

The presentation also recounted a recent, separate tragic incident in which two firefighters suffered burn injuries while attempting a rescue at a Gadsden Loop house fire that experienced a rapid "flash over." McRoy said the events unfolded quickly: crews located a patient and, within roughly a minute, the room "flashed over." He credited modern turnout gear and training with preventing what could have been a firefighter fatality: "The county funds some of the finest fire gear...and what saved that firefighter's life." Dr. David Greene and Council members also praised the rescue crews' response and the county's emergency management coordination.

Why it matters: the award highlights a county‑led clinical innovation (paramedics carrying blood) that county officials say changes prehospital options across South Carolina. It also brought attention to firefighter safety, training, and equipment investment after the Gadsden Loop incident.

Council action and next steps: the recognition was ceremonial and no county policy change was required; speakers urged continued funding for personnel training and protective equipment. The council recorded the proclamations and moved on to other agenda items.