One of the most critical resources we rely on is the service provided by the St. Johns Fire District. They not only offer essential fire prevention and response action but also deliver lifesaving interventions for the sea islands. Established in 1959, the St. Johns Fire District covers approximately 185 square miles across four barrier islands: Johns, Kiawah, Seabrook, and Wadmalaw.
Currently the district operates seven fully staffed fire stations: three on Johns Island, two on Kiawah Island, one on Seabrook Island, and one on Wadmalaw Island. The St. Johns Fire District employs 153 personnel, with 129 members in the Operations Division, all of whom are fire suppression certified. Additionally, the district maintains its own Human Resources, Finance, and Support Services teams.
The Seabrook Island Fire Station, located on Captain Sams Road, is staffed by three shifts of four dedicated personnel. While the St. Johns Fire District does not transport patients, it offers Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support (ALS & BLS) services and typically arrives before an ambulance.
The ALS designation is a recent development that empowers the St. Johns Fire District to perform advanced, life-saving medical procedures on-site. This designation requires a more highly trained staff capable of providing interventions such as starting IVs, administering life-saving medications, conducting cardiac monitoring, managing advanced airways, and, in some units, performing field blood transfusions.
Each unit is staffed with all EMTs and Paramedics, allowing them to initiate care prior to the ambulance’s arrival. Medical emergencies account for 75% of the district’s overall incident volume. Ambulance services are provided by Charleston County. The opening of the new MUSC Emergency Center on the island has contributed to reduced overall response times.
St. Johns Fire District also provides a robust and diverse set of programs that focus on fire and life safety, including:
- Citizen Safe Smoke Alarm Program
- Child Safety Seat Program
- School Age Programs including NFPA Learn Not to Burn and Risk Watch
- Business Fire and Life Safety
- Fire Extinguisher Training
- HOA/Community Groups
- Emergency Planning for Home/Business
For more information on any of these programs, contact the Fire Department at 843-599-9194 or click here .
We are grateful for our Island Heroes at the St. Johns Fire District for their unwavering commitment to protecting our community and enhancing our safety.
–Tidelines Editors
(Image credit: stjfd)