Isle of Palms, South Carolina, is facing a dangerous shortage of paramedic firefighters just as crowds return for spring break and summer, and city leaders warn that response times for medical emergencies could slow because of it.
What the shortage means
The island launched a paramedic program about a year and a half ago, starting with six paramedic firefighters who ride on fire rigs and provide advanced care such as medications and complex cardiac treatment. Over the past year, however, half of those paramedics have left, leaving only one per 48‑hour shift instead of the intended two. That creates a situation where, if the single paramedic is already on a call, there is effectively no paramedic backup on the island.
City Councilmember David Cohen explained that this staffing gap can stretch crews thin, delay responses, and make it harder for the department to maintain the teamwork and trust needed in high‑risk situations.
Why paramedics are leaving
Officials say the main reason is pay: a recent compensation study found that Isle of Palms salaries for paramedics lag behind nearby departments, making it difficult to recruit and retain qualified staff. Reports indicate the island’s paramedic salaries currently fall roughly in the $50,000–$59,000 range, below what neighboring fire departments are offering.
What the city is doing
City leaders acknowledge they are better off than they were two years ago, when the island had no resident paramedics at all and relied entirely on Charleston County EMS. But they now want to raise pay and strengthen the paramedic program before the busy summer rush. The council is planning a special budget workshop to discuss solutions, including potential wage increases, with the goal of filling open paramedic positions and keeping first responders so emergency care stays reliable for both residents and visitors.
