Anderson EMS System, Director Named Best in S.C.

Observer Reports

Anderson County’s EMS system has been chosen tops in the state.

The South Carolina EMS Association also named County EMS Director Steve Kelly as EMS Director of the Year.

Anderson County implemented a new countywide EMS program in Sept. 2021, and has reported solid progress since the change from a loose coalition of volunteer rescue squads. According to the county, the new system is fully staffed and response time goals—defined as 9 minutes, 59 seconds or less—are now being met 95 percent of the time on priority 1 calls compared with 65 percent response times under the previous system.

“When we made the changes to unify the system, I don’t think any of us could have imagined we would see such significant improvement in such a short period of time,” said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “I could not be prouder of our first responders and what they are doing every day to save lives in Anderson County.”

Anderson County EMS Director Steve Kelly said the goals could not have been made without partnerships that are part of the new system.

 “This accomplishment would not have been possible without our partners Medshore Ambulance Service and AnMed Health, and the continued support of our Anderson County Council and Administrator Rusty Burns,” said Kelly. We are very thankful for these awards from the state. It acknowledges that we have built a premier EMS system here in Anderson County.”