MARLBORO COUNTY — In communities without immediate access to a hospital, emergency medical services often serve as the first and most critical point of care. Marlboro County EMS has been named the 2025 Small System of the Year during the Debbie Hession Awards Ceremony at the 2026 South Carolina EMS Association (SCEMSA) Symposium on March 27.
Serving a rural population of approximately 25,500 residents, Marlboro County EMS responds to more than 6,200 calls each year, averaging nearly one call every 90 minutes. These calls range from emergency responses to ongoing patient care, reflecting the essential role EMS plays in providing access to healthcare across the community.
This level of demand highlights the growing role of EMS as both an emergency response system and a critical component of the healthcare continuum.
In a county without a local hospital, patients often require transport to the nearest trauma and cardiac care center, which can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This requires EMS providers to deliver advanced care while managing patients for extended periods before reaching definitive treatment.
To meet this demand, the agency has expanded its clinical capabilities through the use of advanced tools and technology. Crews are equipped with video laryngoscopy to more effectively secure a patient’s airway, point-of-care ultrasound to identify internal injuries in the field, and advanced infusion pumps that deliver precise medications during critical situations.
Marlboro County EMS also carries and administers prehospital whole blood, allowing providers to begin life-saving transfusions for trauma patients before reaching the hospital. In addition, crews provide advanced respiratory support, utilize evidence-based treatments such as TXA and prehospital antibiotics, and apply advanced assessment techniques to guide patient care.
These capabilities allow EMS providers to deliver a higher level of care on scene and during transport, helping stabilize critically ill and injured patients during prolonged transport times.
In a rural environment where time to definitive care is longer, this level of advanced care plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes.
The agency’s commitment to high-quality patient care is also reflected in national recognition through the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program, which honors EMS systems that meet rigorous standards in the treatment of heart attack and stroke patients. This recognition highlights the agency’s ability to deliver time-sensitive, life-saving care in critical situations.
At the same time, Marlboro County EMS has strengthened provider safety through the implementation of body-worn cameras and soft ballistic armor, helping protect crews and patients while responding in unpredictable environments.
Beyond emergency response, the agency remains deeply connected to the community through outreach programs, health education initiatives, and a Community Paramedic program that supports patients with chronic conditions, conducts home visits, and helps prevent avoidable emergency calls.
In a setting where EMS providers often serve as a bridge between patients and the healthcare system, these efforts help ensure individuals receive timely, appropriate care regardless of location.
Recognition as Small System of the Year reflects not only clinical excellence, but the agency’s ability to adapt, innovate, and meet the unique challenges of rural healthcare.
Strengthening EMS in rural communities helps ensure that where someone lives does not determine the level of care they receive when it matters most.