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Emergency services report: EMS shore power tested, department corrects water supply misinformation
Summary
Charleston County EMS testing showed ambulance shore‑power at Station 1 works, staff expect installation by September if proposals proceed; fire/EMS leadership described steps taken to correct social‑media misinformation that the city lacked water for first responders.
Charleston County EMS and Isle of Palms staff updated the committee on facility and operational items on July 7.
Shore power test and timeline: EMS staff reported successful July 4 tests connecting an ambulance to shore power at Station 1, which would let vehicles power refrigeration and equipment without idling. Staff are awaiting a vendor proposal for modifications to vehicle exhaust systems; if the county and vendor timelines hold, equipment ordering could take 4–6 weeks and installation 2–4 weeks, with the infrastructure likely in place by September, though operation depends on Charleston County scheduling and staffing.
Drone capability and FAA requirements: the police chief presented a drone‑first‑responder (DFR) program that includes FAA waivers for beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight operations, dispatch‑triggered flights from the public safety building to calls (for example, water rescues and traffic incidents), and integration with Axon for recording and FAA reporting. Staff highlighted the multi‑year purchase/subscription option as budgeted and explained the initial deployment would be led by police while the fire department develops in‑house pilots.
Community communications and bottled water misinformation: Fire/EMS leadership described monitoring social media and quickly working to correct a narrative that the city had cut water purchases for stations. Staff reported a prior state‑contract order for 60 cases of bottled water and an inventory check showing remaining stock; they said an internal email advised staff to use facility water dispensers and preserve bottled water for off‑duty or out‑of‑station needs. The department said it has attempted to correct posts and that at least one individual removed a post after the explanation.
What’s next: staff will continue to pursue vendor proposals for shore‑power exhaust modifications, implement the DFR procurement approved by the committee, and maintain community outreach to correct misinformation.
