Regional Medical Assistance Team (RMAT)

Lexington County EMS is designated as the host agency for the Midlands Regional Medical Assistance Team (RMAT), designated as SC-RMAT-03. This team is one of four regional assets strategically positioned throughout South Carolina to enhance statewide medical response capabilities. Funded through Department of Homeland Security grants, administered by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), these RMATs are essential components of the state's disaster preparedness framework. The other RMAT teams are: Piedmont RMAT (Spartanburg County), Pee Dee RMAT (Horry County), and Low Country RMAT (Beaufort County).

Established in 2006, the RMAT initiative addressed a critical gap in the state's capacity to manage large-scale medical emergencies arising from natural or man-made disasters. Prior to the implementation of RMAT, local emergency response systems were solely responsible for managing these events, which could rapidly overwhelm even the most robust county resources. RMAT teams are deployed to provide critical supplemental medical assistance to local responders during such incidents.

The Midlands RMAT region encompasses fifteen counties: Abbeville, Aiken, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenwood, Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Richland, Saluda, and York. The team's membership is composed primarily of Lexington County EMS paramedics and EMTs, supplemented by nurses, physicians, and dispatch personnel, ensuring a comprehensive and multidisciplinary response capability.

For further information, including requests for the "An Introduction to RMAT" document or inquiries regarding team membership, please contact us by emailing lcems@lexingtoncounty.sc.gov attention Deputy Chief Mark Morris.

Marine Patrol 

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Marine Patrol Team consists of highly trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics integrated within the Lexington County Sheriff's Department Marine Patrol Unit. Operating from May through September, team members collaborate with sheriff's deputies to provide waterborne emergency response on and around Lake Murray. Their duties include ensuring safety and delivering medical coverage for various aquatic events, such as concerts and competitions. In addition to their EMS certifications, team members are certified lifeguards and receive specialized training in boating operations, navigation, and diving operations.

EMS Explorers 

The Lexington County EMS Explorer Program, Post 32, is a program operating under the auspices of the Boy Scouts of America and is guided by dedicated Lexington County EMS advisors. The program provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to emergency medical services through a variety of activities, including community outreach events and supervised assistance with patient care under the guidance of EMS personnel.

Eligibility for the program is extended to students aged 14 and entering their freshman year of high school, through age 20, who reside within Lexington County School Districts 1 through 4, or Lexington/Richland School District 5. Homeschooled students meeting these age and residency requirements are also welcome to apply.

Established in 2009, Post 32 has actively engaged in numerous community initiatives, including educational displays, participation in community parades and festivals, the provision of CPR and First Aid training, and support during large-scale training exercises. Many program alumni have successfully transitioned into careers within public safety, healthcare, and the military, leveraging the training and experience acquired through the program.

Participants, based on their level of training, may have the opportunity to participate in ride-alongs with active EMS units. This program offers a valuable opportunity for high school students to gain firsthand experience in the field of EMS, enabling them to assess the viability of a career in this sector.

For inquiries regarding membership in Explorer Post 32, please contact the Lexington County Main office at (803) 785-8683 or email lcems@lexingtoncounty.sc.gov.  

Additional information can be obtained through the Indian Waters Council, Boy Scouts of America. (Link isn’t working update with this link https://indianwaters.org/)