IOPFR Expands Water Safety with New Aquatic Rescue Team
March 19, 2025
Isle of Palms Fire & Rescue (IOPFR) launched the Aquatic Rescue Response Team in January 2025 to address the growing need for advanced water rescue capabilities, especially in environments where water inundates normally dry land due to severe storms, flooding and storm surge. The team, composed of six water rescue technicians and one team leader, is trained to handle complex rescue operations, such as advanced rescue swimming, rope system rigging for flood rescues and mass evacuations of trapped victims.
To join, candidates must be active IOPFR members who meet physical and mental requirements, including passing a swim evaluation. Team members undergo rigorous training, including swift water and flood rescue certifications, and monthly sessions on advanced swimming, rope techniques, watercraft operation and flood victim evacuations.
IOPFR thanked the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation for approving funding to support the Aquatic Rescue Team and help fortify its emergency response capabilities.
In addition, the department aims to have the team qualify as a FEMA Type 3 Water Rescue Team, enabling them to respond to national water-related emergencies. While the needs of Isle of Palms remain a priority, the FEMA designation would allow the team to mobilize and respond to water-related emergencies throughout the U.S. and assist other municipalities in need.
Although the newly formed aquatics team adds an extra layer of safety for the community, it's crucial to take proactive measures to mitigate the need for water rescues. Here are some ways to keep you and your loved ones safe:
- Create a Family Communications Plan
- Have an Emergency Plan: Learn and practice survival skills
- Avoid driving through floodwaters
- During emergencies, return home only when officials say it is safe to do so
- Tune into weather updates and news on impacted areas.
Sign up for city text alerts by texting “Hello” to (877) 607-6467.
IOP Fire and Rescue to Launch Paramedic Program
The City of Isle of Palms is working towards the implementation of a Paramedic Program this summer through Isle of Palms Fire and Rescue to improve medical response and provide advanced life support. Our staff, administration and firefighter paramedics have been working with partner agencies to ensure we build and maintain a gold-standard level of medical care in the prehospital environment. Since most of the fire department's calls are medical, the department aims to provide early intervention with advanced life support procedures to treat patients at the highest possible level of pre-hospital care.
To serve residents and visitors swiftly and effectively the Department will utilize the talents, skill set and experience of Isle of Palms firefighter-paramedics to provide an elite level of patient care. The department utilizes the expertise of local healthcare professionals, Dr. Christine Carr from the Medical University of South Carolina, (MUSC) and Dr. John Sorrell from Roper St. Francis, as they provide medical direction, leadership and oversight for the Paramedic Program.
Both medical directors work alongside Isle of Palms Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief of Training, Brian Tuohy, and firefighter paramedics to develop supportive and challenging continuing education for our first responders to meet best practices and standards in medical education. Our partner agencies at Charleston County EMS and the Town of Mount Pleasant Fire Department have supported the department as it prepares to deliver an advanced level of medical care to our visitors and residents.
Dr. John Sorrell, Roper St. Francis medical director, has 35 years of experience as an emergency physician and over 25 years of experience as an EMS medical director. He provides continuing education for Isle of Palms Fire and Rescue's Paramedic Program. He spoke about the importance of having personnel who can provide emergency care to those in need.
"With the Paramedic Program, IOP Fire and Rescue will be able to provide advanced life support services to our citizens and visitors, said Sorrell. Because they will be stationed on the island, our firefighter-paramedics will be able to respond quickly to provide life-saving measures to the sick and injured," he continued.
Isle of Palms Fire and Rescue's fire chief and paramedic, Craig Oliverius, expressed how working with medical professionals helps the team maintain an elevated standard of care.
"We serve all ages on the island and treat time-sensitive cases of allergic reactions, cardiac complications and more," said Oliverius. We appreciate our partnership with medical professionals, as they allow us to enhance our knowledge and skills to better serve our community."
Oliverius noted that Dr. Carr’s leadership as medical director for Isle of Palms Fire and Rescue and clinical experience in emergency medicine at MUSC, coupled with Dr. Sorrell's teaching and support will be instrumental in the quality of care that will be delivered by the island's firefighter-paramedics. Additionally, he emphasized that the duo is a strong team that will provide a solid foundation for a resilient and successful non-transport advanced life support service for the city.
The department is still seeking firefighter-paramedic applications. For more information, view City Employment Opportunities.