1. To be exposed to the Prehospital environment and all phases of the prehospital emergency call.
2. To get to know the capabilities of various prehospital care providers (EMT-B, EMT-I, and EMT-P).
3. To see what education is required for each level of prehospital care.
4. To be introduced to the equipment and medications that is typically carried on a basic ambulance, intermediate ambulance, and paramedic ambulance.
5. To understand what prehospital care providers have to deal with on a typical emergency and non-emergency call.

To schedule ride-along time, please contact one of the following EMS providers directly to make arrangements. Ensure that you identify yourself as a member of the EMIG:

More info to come at a later date.

Emergency Services is a very exciting field; however, this excitement is often accompanied by certain dangers. It is important that you understand these dangers before you decide to ride any apparatus. Although precautions are taken, you may be exposed to hazards. These hazards include, but are not limited to: FIRE; EXPLOSIONS; RADIOACTIVE, CHEMICAL, AND OR HEAT EXPOSURE; PNEUMATIC OR HYDRAULIC INJURIES; FLYING OBJECTS; SHARP OBJECTS; VEHICLE ACCIDENTS; BIO-HAZARDOUS MATERIALS; INFECTIOUS PATIENTS. If you have any questions about any of these, or other risks, please ask a Fire Department Member. You agree to assume all risk by riding the Fire/Rescue/EMS apparatus. In order to ride you must also read, agree to, and sign the Riding Waiver and Release.

Emergency Services depends on a rigid chain of command in order to facilitate fast, appropriate actions. As an observer, you will not be taking an active role in operations. You must however, understand the basics of command to help insure you are not harmed. When you arrive at the EMS Station, introduce yourself to the crew and tell them you are here to observe. Get to know the crew and ask them what to do when the alarm goes off.

When on the scene of a call, you must follow the directions of every member. Officer’s directions take precedence over other members. Use common sense and try to stay out of the way. This does not mean sit in the truck. You are free to OBSERVE at a safe distance. This distance will depend on the situation. If you have questions, please ask. If the medic or firefighter is busy and unable to answer you, hold your questions and ask the members after the call is complete. Fire/EMS providers love to talk about their profession. The more inquisitive you are, the more rewarding your experience will be.

There are certain standards which must be met in regard to uniforms. These standards serve to protect you from certain dangers, and to present a professional image to those we serve. The preferred uniform includes: Light blue oxford shirt, navy pants, black shoes or boots. We understand this is not always practical so alterations are acceptable within reason. Please refrain from wearing: Bright colors (wear blue, black, or white), open toed shoes, shorts, tank tops, logo tee-shirts, logo-jackets.

Please act professional at all times, you represent CCEMS, EMIG and MUSC when you ride. Please be polite and respectful to the EMS Department Members. They are very friendly and eager to assist you. Feel free to ask questions of anyone. If you experience a problem or feel a member is abusing you, please notify an officer immediately.