River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS, a longstanding nonprofit rescue squad in York County, South Carolina, has transitioned to become part of Piedmont Medical Center to enhance emergency medical coverage.
Service History
Founded in 1980, the EMS operated solely on donations and volunteers until 2010, when rising call volumes (now averaging 2,000 annually) and equipment costs—like $300,000 ambulances—forced paid staffing and partial insurance reimbursements. Medicare rate drops exacerbated financial shortfalls, with annual operations costing around $750,000 despite below-market employee pay.
Transition Benefits
York County approved the integration on Monday, providing EMS staff with raises, benefits, and 24/7 expansion capabilities under Piedmont. As the county’s last legacy rescue squad among three providers, it serves the Lake Wylie area more sustainably, marking a “win” for both community care and workers, per President Michael Neal.
