Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and Information

 

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General Information


 
ISO


As of April, 2001 the Insurance Services Organization (ISO) rating for the Georgetown County Fire/EMS changed to a class 6/9.  This change effected properties depending upon the type of building construction, the hazards of occupancy and other factors.  Insurance policyholders should contact their insurance agent or company to determine the effect this change in classification might have on their homeowner policies. 

The Class 6 applies to properties in the district within 1,000 feet of a public fire hydrant or recognized water supply suction point, within five (5) road miles or less of a responding fire station and within the needed fire flow of 3500 gallons per minute (G.P.M) or less.  The Class 9 applies to properties within five (5) road miles of the responding fire station but beyond 1,000 feet of the fire hydrant or suction point.  The Class 10 applies to properties beyond five (5) road miles of the fire station.  Evaluated individually, the private and public protections may vary from the district classification.
 


Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are available from Georgetown County Fire/EMS.  Free smoke detectors are available to low income, handicapped and elderly individuals.  The Fire Department Personnel will install the smoke detector upon request if no one else is available to install it.  Individuals must complete and sign a short form stating they meet the requirements.  The form can be picked up from any Fire/EMS station in the county. 

"HIPPA"

This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information, as per the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Please review it carefully.
Georgetown County EMS is required by law to maintain the privacy of certain confidential health care information, known as Protected Health Information or PHI, and to provide you with a notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your PHI. Georgetown County EMS is also required to abide by the terms of the version of this Notice currently in effect.

Uses and Disclosures of PHI: Georgetown County EMS may use PHI for the purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations, in most cases without your written permission. See link to view and print our HIPAA Privacy Notice.

                                                                             

ICE
A campaign encouraging people to enter and emergency contact number in their mobile phone's memory under the heading "ICE" (In Case of Emergency), has rapidly spread throughout the world as a particular consequence of the terrorist attack in London.  Originally established as a nation-wide campaign in the UK, "ICE" allows paramedics or police to be able to contact a designated relative/next-of-kin in an emergency situation.  The idea is the brainchild of East Anglian Ambulance Service paramedic Bob Brotchie and launched recently.  Bob, 41, who has been a paramedic for 13 years, said "I was reflecting on some of the calls I've attended at the roadside where i had to look through the mobile phone contact struggling for information on a shocked or injured person.  Almost everyone carries a mobile phone now, and with "ICE" we'd know immediately who to contact and what number to ring.  The person may even know of their medical history"

By adopting the "ICE" advice, your mobile will help the emergency service quickly contact a friend or relative-which could be vital in a life or death situation.  It only take a few seconds to do, and it could easily help save your life.  Simply select a new contact in your phone book, enter the word "ICE" and the number of the person you wish to be contacted.  For more than one contact name, enter them as "ICE1, ICE2, ICE3" etc.
 

 
Frequently Asked Questions  (FAQ)

  1. What happens when I call 911? Your call is answered by a trained telecommunicator assigned to gather your information, initiate an appropriate response, and provide instructions on how you can help before the ambulance arrives. The call will last approximately 2 minutes or until the ambulance arrives.

  2. What kind of assistance can I expect when I call for an ambulance? In Georgetown County, an ambulance is staffed by an certified EMT-Paramedic and EMT. In some cases, where additional assistance is needed, "First Responders" from Georgetown County Fire/EMS having medical training will also respond.   

  3. Why does a fire truck come to my house when I call for an ambulance? Most of the firefighters that work on an Engine are also cross trained as EMT's.  We send a fire engine to provide initial patient care until the ambulance arrives on scene.

  4. Will I get a bill when a fire truck or an ambulance comes to my house? Georgetown County Fire/EMS does not charge when a fire truck comes to your house.  However, when an ambulance responds to a call and the crew members provide patient care and transports a patient to the hospital the patient will receive a bill for the care he or she received.

  5. If I receive a EMS bill from Georgetown County Fire/EMS and have questions regarding my bill who do I call? If you do receive a bill from us you may call Traci Hessler at (843) 545-3271 or Assistant Chief Tony Hucks at (843)-545-3139. They will assist you with any questions you may have.

  6. How can I get a free home fire inspection? Contact the office at the fire station in your area.  We will be more than happy to perform a free home inspection, or install smoke detectors or fire extinguishers in your home also. 

 
 

          


Georgetown County Fire EMS  3605 Highmarket St  Georgetown, SC  29440