Berkeley County EMS recognized for cardiac care and pediatric trauma care
June 10, 2026
Berkeley County EMS has once again received the Mission LifeLine® Gold Plus Award, which is the highest level of recognition handed out by the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Recognition Program. The agency has received the award every year since 2019. Berkeley County EMS has also been recognized by MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital for exceptional Pediatric Trauma Care. Both honors were presented at County Council’s meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026. Watch the full meeting HERE.
The Mission LifeLine® Gold Plus Award recognition reflects Berkeley County EMS’s long-standing commitment to delivering fast, evidence-based care to residents and visitors experiencing life-threatening heart attacks and strokes. The 2026 American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline standards establish rigorous pre-hospital care protocols for EMS agencies, focusing on critical actions such as stroke screening, rapid 12-lead ECG interpretation, early hospital notification, reduced on-scene times, and other key clinical performance measures. By following these nationally recognized best practices, Berkeley County EMS helps ensure seamless coordination between emergency dispatchers, paramedics, and hospital teams—improving patient outcomes and increasing the chances of survival when every second counts.
According to the American Heart Association, each year more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack—caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart—which requires timely treatment. Learn more about the Mission: LifeLine® EMS Program HERE.
The Pediatric Trauma Care Recognition is handed out to first responders based on emergency incidents involving pediatric patients. MUSC first recognized Berkeley EMS employees and other first responders during a challenge coin ceremony last month at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. Cases ranged from a near drowning to an ATV accident, among others. In each incident, first responders provided life-saving care.
“Our agency is honored to receive these two prestigious recognitions, which highlight the exceptional care provided by Berkeley County EMS. Every patient we encounter is valuable and deserves the utmost life-saving care. I’m incredibly proud of our EMTs and paramedics for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to continuing to serve our community with “Excellence Through Care.’” -Chief Michael Shirey, Berkeley County EMS
