The Association has been the Legislative voice for thousands of EMS workers and has worked for the improvement of EMS throughout the State, the development of the State EMS Symposia and improvement in the funding sources of the State Grant-in-Aid.

As a direct result of actions taken by the EMS Association, the State has

• Increased funding to EMS Association over 1.6 million dollars.
• Obtained funding for EMS from DUI convictions
• Passed the HOBIT exam as an entry tool for Paramedic training
• Supported National Registry as the State testing Standard
• Supported improved safety for EMS workers by making it a felony to assault EMS workers

WHAT IS IN THE FUTURE?

The Association will be working with the Governors office to further enhance the working environment for EMS workers by:

• Increasing the funding of the EMS Grant-in-Aid
• Reduce the years in which an EMS worker must work in order to gain retirement (from 20 to 15 years)
• Improve reimbursement for EMS from Medicare and other third party systems.
• Educate the public regarding the importance of EMS in their community

BENEFITS OF JOINING THE SCEMSA

Each individual member receives benefits that are included in his membership at no additional charge, including:

• Accidental Death Insurance Policy ($5,000.00)
• A vote and a voice in the business of the Association.

Additional membership benefits include:

• Disability Insurance – For an additional fee, the member can enroll in a unique disability policy
• Pre-paid Legal Services - held by the largest pre paid legal company in the US, this low cost service is a must for everyone. A free will is included in you membership.
• SCEMS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - The SC EMS Association has established a scholarship program for individual members interested in obtaining initial EMT certification and/or pursuing their education in paramedic medicine. The scholarship are awarded based upon merit and financial need and are given out once a year during the annual meeting in Myrtle Beach.