By Bill Carey
EMS1
LEE COUNTY, S.C. — In response to a nationwide shortage of EMTs and paramedics, Lee County is introducing a new volunteer firefighter unit to handle emergencies.
This newly established “rescue branch” will assist in providing basic aid until EMTs arrive and transporting individuals requiring medical care to hospitals, WLTX reported.
“The time period for EMS to pick a patient up from here, transport to either Tuomey, McLeod or Kershaw, can be tedious, and it can be almost about an hour and a half turnaround,” Lee County Fire Department Chief of Operations Levi James said. “If we have a delayed EMS response to a location, we can put a team together on a truck and respond to that location to provide aid to the citizen in need until EMS personnel arrives on the scene.”
The branch is seeking volunteers, particularly those with a medical background, such as off-duty or retired nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), paramedics or EMTs. Those interested in joining can complete an application online.
