On Friday, March 15, 2019, Dorchester County Paramedics, Mandy Reeves and Justin Wolfe competed against teams from across the State in the State Paramedic Championship. 

The duo qualified for the Championship in January 2019 when they received top honors and were named the Lowcountry Regional Paramedic Champions for the third consecutive year.

The regional competition narrowed the field from 30+ teams to five teams of two paramedics, the four regional champions and the reigning state champions, each competed to save lives in a mystery emergency scenario.

The teams had no idea what they would be walking into, this year’s scenario was a prison riot. Each team had 20 minutes to save injured prisoners, during a lockdown with 600+ of their peers watching them compete.

The real-life medical emergency scenarios are judged on the strict national practice standards for Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

State Champion, Justin Wolfe said “It's very difficult. Each team competing earned their spot." Wolf added, "I think the largest thing for me is remembering the ultimate goal, and that is to make an impact positively on every single life that we can.”

Dorchester County Council Chairman, George Bailey said “I am proud of the accomplishments of our team. They are a shining example of the high level of service and care our residents receive daily." 

Director of Dorchester County EMS, Doug Warren echoed Chairman Bailey's remarks adding “I am very proud of Mandy and Justin.  They have worked very hard.  They are truly “the best of the best”.  This win demonstrates the high level of patient care that is provided by the entire staff of Dorchester County EMS each and every day.

Reeves and Wolfe were announced as the State Champions during the closing ceremony of the Annual Emergency Care Symposium in Myrtle Beach on Saturday, March 16.