The Division of Emergency Medical Services
A Message from the Deputy Director
Welcome to the Sussex County Division of Emergency Medical Services.
Since 1990, Sussex County EMS has been dedicated to providing exceptional Advanced Life Support to the residents and visitors of Sussex County. Every day, our paramedics answer the call with professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to clinical excellence. Whether responding to a life-threatening emergency, supporting one of our public safety partners, or educating the next generation of EMS professionals, our mission remains the same—to deliver the highest quality prehospital care when our community needs it most.
As one of only three county-based Advanced Life Support agencies in Delaware, Sussex County EMS responds to thousands of emergencies each year across nearly 1,000 square miles while serving a population that grows to more than one million during the summer months. Through evidence-based medicine, advanced clinical practices, innovative technology, and nationally recognized education and simulation programs, we continually strive to improve the care we provide and the outcomes for our patients.
Our success is made possible by the dedicated men and women who serve this organization. Their professionalism, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to service define who we are. Together with our volunteer fire departments, Basic Life Support agencies, hospitals, physicians, public safety partners, and the communities we proudly serve, we work every day to provide compassionate, high-quality emergency medical care.
Whether you are seeking emergency preparedness information, learning about our services, exploring a career in EMS, or simply wanting to learn more about our organization, I encourage you to explore the resources throughout this website. Thank you for taking the time to learn about Sussex County EMS and the dedicated professionals who proudly live our motto every day—Caring People, Quality Service.
John Wright
Deputy Director of the Division of Emergency Medical Services
Vision
To be a trusted, unified public safety organization that leads through collaboration, innovation, and service—building a safer, more prepared, and resilient Sussex County.
Mission
Through collaboration and unwavering professionalism, our mission is to protect life and property of all who live, work, or visit Sussex County.
Values
These values define how we serve. By demonstrating Professionalism, Service, Collaboration, Preparedness, and Innovation in our actions and decisions, we earn and protect what matters most—Public Trust.
Professionalism
We conduct ourselves with integrity, accountability, competence, and respect. We take responsibility for our actions, maintain high standards, and represent the Department and the community we serve with professionalism in every interaction.
Service
We put the needs of our community at the center of what we do. We are committed to providing responsive, compassionate, and dependable service to those who rely on us, especially during their most difficult moments.
Collaboration
We work together toward a common mission. We value the expertise and contributions of each division, employee, and partner and recognize that communication, cooperation, and shared responsibility make us stronger and more effective.
Preparedness
We prepare today so we are ready when our community needs us. Through planning, training, situational awareness, and continuous readiness, we anticipate challenges and maintain the people, systems, and capabilities necessary to respond effectively.
Innovation
We continually seek better ways to serve. We embrace thoughtful change, technology, evidence, employee ideas, and lessons learned to improve our services, systems, and outcomes.
Public Trust
We earn and protect the confidence placed in us. Through transparency, integrity, accountability, and consistent performance, we strive to be worthy of the trust of our community, our partners, and one another.
Division Managers
Our Division Managers report directly to the Deputy Director of Public Safety – EMS and provide leadership across the key functions of Sussex County EMS. Each manager oversees a specific area while working together to support our personnel, operations, and mission.
Operations
Manager of Operations
Oversees daily EMS field operations, staffing, deployment, supervisors, and overall operational readiness to ensure personnel and resources are positioned to meet the needs of the communities we serve.
Quality & Standards
Manager of Quality & Standards
Oversees clinical quality, education, professional standards, compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the Division to support high-quality patient care and professional development.
Logistics
Manager of Logistics
Oversees the fleet, equipment, supplies, facilities, purchasing, and other resources necessary to support personnel and keep the Division operational and response-ready.
Special Operations
Special Operations Manager
Oversees specialized response teams, training, and preparedness for complex incidents, planned events, and large-scale emergencies requiring capabilities beyond routine EMS operations.
EMS Coordinators
Our Coordinators oversee specialized programs that support employee development, field performance, health, and safety. They work closely with Division leadership and personnel to maintain readiness and support the continued growth of Sussex County EMS.
Education
Education Coordinator
Oversees continuing education, clinical training, professional development, and educational programs for EMS personnel to support clinical excellence and continued professional growth.
Field Training
Field Training Coordinator
Oversees field training, precepting, new employee development, and the evaluation and progression of EMS providers as they develop the skills needed for independent field practice.
Health & Safety
Health & Safety Coordinator
Oversees employee health, safety, wellness, injury prevention, and programs designed to promote a safe, healthy, and resilient workforce throughout Sussex County EMS.
District Supervisors
Field Leadership
Our District Supervisors are the highest-ranking field personnel within Sussex County EMS and provide direct oversight of daily shift operations. Reporting to the Manager of Operations, they supervise field personnel, coordinate resources, manage operational needs, and provide leadership during significant or complex incidents.
District Supervisors help ensure each shift operates safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Division standards while serving as the primary connection between field personnel and EMS management.
Our Shifts
24 Hours On • 72 Hours Off
Sussex County EMS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through four operational shifts: A, B, C, and D. Field personnel work a 24/72 schedule, serving a 24-hour shift followed by 72 hours off.
This structure provides continuous ALS coverage throughout Sussex County while creating consistent teams that train, respond, and work together. Each shift is overseen by a District Supervisor who provides field leadership and coordinates daily operations.
