“I’ve always known that we, as a community, were blessed to have such talented people in the EMS system,” said Don Lundy, EMS director, Charleston County EMS. “That team effort with our medical staff includes dispatchers, first responders, our medical directors, hospital staff, plus all of the supportive staff, mechanics, procurement and billing. Everyone makes it a true team effort.
“Of course, our bosses, County Council, have always understood the mission. I can’t tell you what a big difference that makes, in a positive way, for our service and the community,” Lundy added.
The award was given during the opening ceremony of the EMS Expo, Sept. 29 in Dallas, Texas.
AB shift administration for Charleston County EMS.
“This is an awesome team to be a part of. I am honored to be part of Charleston County EMS,: Lundy said. “This award simply confirms what we have always knows — the high quality of care we give to our patients every day.”
The honor includes a check to the service for $1,000, plus travel costs for one representative to attend and accept the award. In addition, the service will be highlighted in a future publication of EMS Magazine.
“Charleston County EMS will be on the national stage,” Lundy said. “We hope we can learn to improve even more from other services who are doing excellence in their community. We all learn from each other in the EMS world.”
The EMS system has been recognized for a variety of accomplishments, including receiving the South Carolina Large EMS System of the Year and the PIER (Public Information and Education Resource) award in 2002 and the 2005 Regional Cooperation award, presented by the South Carolina Association of Counties for assisting in a consortium to improve cardiac care. They also have the first place EMS competition team for 2002 and 2004, the first all-woman team ever to win that award and were awarded the EMS Excellence Award presented by Zoll Corporation in 2006.
“Clearly, it is our people who make this system so great!” Lundy said proudly. “I am truly blessed to be a part of such a great team!”