History

2026 | The Present

Sussex County EMS transitioned from its 2-2-4, 12-hour shift schedule to a 24/72 schedule, with field personnel working a 24-hour shift followed by 72 hours off. The change established four consistent operational shifts and represented a significant change in the Division’s staffing and deployment model.

Sussex County EMS continued a period of organizational and clinical advancement. Deputy Director Rob Mauch retired, followed by the appointment of John Wright as Deputy Director. Sussex County Public Safety also established the new position of Senior Manager of Public Safety, with Matt Troutman appointed to the role to support coordination across the department’s public safety divisions.

Clinical advancements included implementation of a pilot protocol for instrument-assisted thoracostomy and the planned transition from the Airtraq video laryngoscope to the GlideScope platform in September 2026, continuing the agency’s focus on advanced airway and critical-care capabilities.

The agency also introduced a new response vehicle design utilizing Chevrolet 2500 trucks with transferable Iconic caps. The new platform provides increased equipment capacity while allowing the specialized cap to be repurposed onto a replacement chassis, improving long-term fleet flexibility and reducing vehicle replacement time.

Sussex County Public Safety also launched a redesigned public website, providing a modernized platform for public information, education, preparedness resources, recruitment, and access to services across EMS, Emergency Communications, and Emergency Management.

2025 | MCU, Vents, 35's

Sussex County EMS completed another major year of clinical and technological advancement with the systemwide deployment of LIFEPAK 35 cardiac monitors and ZOLL Z-Vent ventilators. The agency also upgraded narcotic security and accountability through the implementation of Knox Safes and successfully completed CAAS reaccreditation.

The Division expanded its operational capabilities with the delivery of a new Mass Care Unit for special events, mass-casualty incidents, and emergency-scene rehabilitation, while seven new ALS response vehicles and a Special Operations vehicle were placed into service. Planning and construction also continued for the future Medic 101 and Medic 114 stations.

Clinical excellence remained a defining focus. Thirty-eight patients received prehospital whole blood, the program transitioned to the Delta Cooler while maintaining zero blood-product waste, and Medical Directors completed 15 dedicated field ride days. SCEMS was again recognized with the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Gold award.

The SCEMS Competition Team continued its national success by earning the silver medal at the 2025 JEMS Games at FDIC in Indianapolis. Meanwhile, demand for service continued to grow, with SCEMS recording 39,092 unit responses during the year—a 5% increase from 2024.

2024 | Department of Public Safety

Sussex County reorganized its public safety functions with the formation of the Department of Public Safety, bringing Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Communications, and Emergency Management together under a unified departmental structure. Sussex County EMS became the Division of Emergency Medical Services within the newly established department, strengthening coordination among the County’s primary public safety functions.

On April 9, 2024, Robbie Murray was appointed Director of Public Safety, providing executive leadership for the newly unified department and its three divisions.

The Division of EMS also partnered with the Sussex County Technical Rescue Team by integrating specially trained paramedics within the County’s Hazardous Materials Team, expanding advanced medical support during technical rescue incidents and other specialized emergencies.

Sussex County EMS advanced its difficult-airway capabilities by transitioning from needle cricothyrotomy to surgical cricothyrotomy, providing paramedics with a more definitive emergency airway option for patients who cannot be intubated or ventilated.

2023 | A New Era for Sussex County EMS

Sussex County EMS relocated its headquarters to the new Public Safety Complex in Georgetown, providing a modern administrative headquarters, simulation center, logistics facilities, and collaborative workspace alongside the Divisions of Emergency Communications and Emergency Management.

The agency became the first EMS-only organization in the world to earn accreditation as a Society for Simulation in Healthcare Accredited Center of Excellence, recognizing its innovative education and simulation programs.

Sussex County EMS also became the first EMS agency in the United States to fully deploy PAX Advanced Life Support response bags, further demonstrating its commitment to innovation and provider safety.

Operational and clinical advancements continued throughout the year. Medic 109 transitioned to a year-round daytime unit.

May 23, Sussex County EMS began its Whole Blood Pilot Program, placing whole blood on District Supervisor units for use in critically injured trauma patients.

The Sussex County EMS Competition Team also earned another Gold Medal at the 2023 JEMS Games in Indianapolis, continuing the agency’s long history of success in international paramedic competition.

2022 | 114

Sussex County EMS Competition Team earned the Bronze Medal at the JEMS Games in Indianapolis.

Medic 114 was also placed in service as a seasonal “Power Unit” in Dewey Beach to strengthen EMS coverage during the busy summer season. The year also included the department’s Memorial Day–Labor Day seasonal deployment strategy to address increased coastal call volume.

2021 | 110 & EMS 200 Open

Sussex County EMS received the 2020 Joshua M. Freeman Valor Award, recognizing the service and sacrifice of its personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new North Seaford EMS 200/Medic 110 station also opened, becoming the sixth county-built EMS station and providing 24-hour coverage by the Western District Supervisor and a paramedic unit. The purpose-built facility included drive-through apparatus bays, crew and bunk areas, training space, and other features designed specifically for EMS operations.

2020 | COVID and New Leadership

On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was characterized as a global pandemic, the same day Delaware announced its first presumptive positive case. Sussex County EMS entered an unprecedented period of emergency response, adapting operations, infection-control practices, personal protective equipment, and patient-care procedures to protect paramedics and the community while maintaining continuous 911 service throughout the public health emergency.

The year also marked a major leadership transition. Director Robert Stuart retired following 29 years of service to Sussex County EMS, concluding a career that spanned decades of growth and advancement within the department.

On July 31, 2020, Robbie Murray was promoted to Director of EMS, assuming leadership of the department during one of the most challenging periods in its history.

Together, the COVID-19 response and transition in leadership made 2020 a defining year for Sussex County EMS, demonstrating the department’s ability to adapt, maintain operations, and continue serving Sussex County during an extraordinary public health crisis.

2019 | CAAS & MIH

Sussex County EMS reached two significant milestones in 2019, advancing both organizational excellence and the delivery of care beyond the traditional 911 response model.

In December, Sussex County EMS achieved accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), recognizing the department’s commitment to established standards for quality, operations, clinical care, safety, education, and administration.

The department also partnered with Beebe Healthcare to begin a Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program focused on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The program brought paramedicine into the home, with the goal of supporting patients following hospitalization and reducing preventable hospital readmissions.

MIH Paramedics Liz Sheridan, Jonathan Timmons, and Gabi Evans helped launch the program, representing an expansion of the paramedic’s role from emergency response to proactive, community-based healthcare.

2018 | Handtevy

Sussex County EMS continued to advance its facilities, technology, safety programs, and clinical readiness in 2018. Approval was granted to begin architectural planning and the bid process for a new Public Safety Headquarters, while construction began on a new station north of Seaford to house Medic 110 and EMS 200.

The department expanded its focus on vehicle and employee safety by implementing DriveCam systemwide, using video review, driver-behavior identification, and coaching to improve emergency and non-emergency driving practices. A new Handtevy pediatric system was also implemented throughout the department to support standardized pediatric emergency care.

Operational preparedness continued to evolve as Delaware adopted the Active Shooter/Hostile MCI Best Practices Plan on August 30, further supporting the Rescue Task Force concepts and training Sussex County EMS had begun several years earlier.

Sussex County EMS also continued its strong international competition performance. The Competition Team captured another Gold Medal at the JEMS Games, competing against teams from across the United States and internationally. The year highlighted the department’s continued investment in its people, facilities, safety systems, clinical care, and readiness for complex incidents.

2017 | New 104, DriveCam & AHA Mission Lifeline

Sussex County EMS continued a period of significant growth in 2017 with the completion of the new Eastern District Supervisor and Medic 104 station. The facility was specifically designed around EMS operations and represented a modern approach to station design, incorporating dedicated crew living and work areas, apparatus space, and features intended to support around-the-clock paramedic operations.

The department continued its focus on safety and technology with the implementation of DriveCam in administrative, supervisory, and response vehicles as part of a vehicle and driver safety initiative. EMS patient care documentation was also advanced through an upgrade from ImageTrend to the Elite electronic patient care reporting platform.

Clinical performance received national recognition when Sussex County EMS and Nanticoke Memorial Hospital were awarded the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline EMS Silver Plus Award, recognizing excellence in the care of patients experiencing serious cardiac emergencies.

Operational demand also continued to increase. Sussex County EMS recorded 26,337 responses during 2017, continuing a substantial rise from the 11,021 responses recorded in 2001. In addition to emergency responses, personnel provided coverage for more than 220 special events throughout the year.

The year reflected the continued evolution of Sussex County EMS through purpose-built facilities, technology, employee and vehicle safety initiatives, clinical recognition, and the resources necessary to support a rapidly growing EMS system.

2015 | RTF & 105 Growth

Sussex County EMS continued to expand both its operational capabilities and geographic presence in 2015. The Rescue Task Force initiative was established and training began, preparing paramedics to operate alongside law enforcement during high-threat incidents and provide rapid medical care in environments where traditional EMS operations may be limited.

During the same year, Medic 105 relocated to a newly constructed station on South Coastal Lane, providing the unit with a modern facility to support EMS operations in the rapidly growing coastal area.

2014 | Chevy Suburban's

Sussex County EMS began transitioning its primary response fleet from Chevrolet 3500-series box-style units to Chevrolet Suburban's. The change provided a more economical and versatile response vehicle while maintaining the space and capability necessary to carry the equipment required for advanced life support operations. The Suburban would become the standard SCEMS response vehicle for more than a decade.

2013 | New Medic 106

Sussex County EMS continued to expand its operational footprint in 2013 with the opening of the new Medic 106 station on Indian Mission Road. The department also launched an employee mental health initiative, reflecting an increasing focus on the well-being and resiliency of its personnel.

The SCEMS Competition Team continued its success on the national stage, earning a Bronze Medal at the JEMS Games. Annual call volume reached approximately 17,200 responses.

Sussex County EMS launched an employee mental health initiative, strengthening the agency’s commitment to the well-being of its workforce and providing greater awareness and support for the psychological challenges associated with emergency medical services.

2012 | Hurricane Sandy

In 2012, Sussex County EMS responded to Hurricane Sandy, a major coastal storm that significantly impacted communities throughout Sussex County, including flooding on Fenwick Island and other low-lying areas.

The event provided an important real-world test of the department’s newly developed Storm Deployment Operational Guidelines, helping guide EMS staffing, resource deployment, and continued emergency medical coverage during severe weather conditions.

2011 | National Service of the Year

In 2011, Sussex County EMS achieved significant national recognition. The Competition Team earned a Gold Medal at an international EMS competition, continuing the department’s record of success in high-level clinical competition.

Sussex County EMS was also named the 2011 Dick Ferneau Paid EMS Service of the Year. The award recognized the agency’s commitment to innovation and education, including improvements in EMS education and training, prehospital care and protocols, community involvement, EMS system and program upgrades, worker safety, injury and illness prevention, and public education initiatives.

The department was further recognized for the quality of its service when Sussex County paramedics were named the nation’s best-paid service.

2010 | Medic 102 & Employee Wellness

In 2010, Robert Stuart was appointed Director of Sussex County EMS. The department continued expanding its infrastructure with the dedication of Station 102 in Laurel, a newly designed facility incorporating solar panels.

Sussex County EMS also implemented an Essential Job Function Evaluation as part of its employee wellness program, strengthening the department’s focus on workforce health and operational readiness.

The Competition Team continued its success at the JEMS Games in Baltimore, earning another Silver Medal.

2009 | LUCAS & Hypothermia

In 2009, Station 104 was dedicated in honor of Paramedic Stephanie Callaway, and Medic 102 relocated to a newly constructed station in Laurel. Annual response volume reached approximately 17,000 calls.

Sussex County EMS continued advancing prehospital care by implementing the LUCAS 1 mechanical CPR device and serving as a physician test site for the LUCAS 2. The agency also introduced induced hypothermia as part of its clinical care.

The Competition Team continued its success, earning a Silver Medal in Baltimore. The year also marked a leadership transition as Director Glenn Luedtke announced his retirement.

2008 | International Recognition and a Departmental Loss

In 2008, the Sussex County EMS Competition Team represented the department on the world stage, earning third place at an international competition in Israel. Team members included Stu Hensley, Jim Wix, Holly Donovan, and Robbie Murray.

The year also included a serious ambulance crash in which a Sussex County paramedic was injured in the line of duty.

On June 17, 2008, Sussex County EMS experienced its first departmental line-of-duty death with the passing of Paramedic Stephanie Callaway, marking a profound loss for the department and the Sussex County EMS family.

2007 | Improving 103, 104, 108

In 2007, Sussex County EMS continued expanding its facilities and operational infrastructure. Medic 103 and an OPSC station opened with an on-site fitness center, while a new Medic 104 station opened in the Midway area serving the Lewes-Rehoboth Beach area.

The department also purchased property on North Bedford Street in Georgetown for the future Medic 108 station and office space for the Technical Services Division, supporting continued growth of both field and support operations.

2006 | Honoring the Founders & Medic 108

In 2006, Medic 108 was placed in service during the summer as a “Power Unit” to augment coverage in the beach areas. It was later assigned to the Georgetown area as the eighth full-time paramedic unit.

Sussex County EMS expanded its advanced respiratory care capabilities with the implementation of field paramedic ventilators, allowing paramedics to provide mechanical ventilation to critically ill and injured patients during prehospital care and transport.

The Sussex County EMS Paramedic Competition Team continued its success, capturing the Silver Medal at the JEMS Games International Paramedic Competition in Baltimore.

The department continued investing in its future workforce with a second group of five paramedic students graduating from Delaware Technical Community College, while five new students were hired for the 2006–2007 class.

ChristianCare LifeNet also opened its second base in Georgetown, expanding aeromedical resources available in the area.

During EMS Week, the original 10 members of Sussex County EMS, along with members of the first paramedic class, were recognized as the department celebrated 15 years of service to the community at its Annual Awards Banquet.

2005 | EZ IO & JEMS Gold

In 2005, Sussex County EMS became the second EMS agency in the nation to utilize the EZ-IO Adult Intraosseous Infusion device, further advancing the ability of paramedics to obtain rapid vascular access for critically ill and injured patients.

The first class of Sussex County EMS-sponsored paramedic students graduated from Delaware Technical Community College and were hired and enrolled with the department, beginning a long-standing commitment to developing future paramedics from within the community.

Four members of Sussex County EMS also volunteered to form a Competition Team and participated in the JEMS Games International Paramedic Competition in Philadelphia. The team captured the Gold Medal during its first year of competition.

The department also received several Special Operations vehicles through Homeland Security grants, expanding the resources available for specialized response and emergency preparedness.

2004 | EMS 200 & EMS 31

In 2004, Dr. Paul Cowan was appointed Associate Medical Director of Sussex County EMS. The department also expanded field supervision by adding a seventh paramedic unit in Bridgeville and assigning a second supervisor to each shift.

SCEMS became the first EMS agency in Delaware to institute Drug Facilitated Intubation (DFI), using medications to induce paralysis so patients could be adequately ventilated. EMS educators also began teaching paramedics in other jurisdictions the DFI technique.

The department expanded its role in developing future paramedics by hiring three individuals as students and enrolling them in the paramedic program at Delaware Technical & Community College (DTCC).

By this time, Sussex County EMS had grown to 80 paramedics and 10 support staff.

2003 | ToxMedic, 106, & 107

In 2003, Sussex County EMS relocated Medic 106 to the Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad in Long Neck, continuing efforts to position paramedic resources throughout the county.

The department also initiated its ToxMedic Program, expanding specialized medical capabilities for hazardous materials and toxicological emergencies.

Sussex County pledged $1.1 million toward the Public Safety Complex in Bridgeville, which would house Paramedic Station 107 and Delaware State Police Troop 5, representing a significant investment in public safety infrastructure and interagency operations.

2002 | CAD, RSI & Mass Care

In 2002, Sussex County EMS purchased its first eight mobile data computers, introducing computer-based mapping and unit selection to help guide the closest available units to calls.

The department also strengthened its emergency preparedness capabilities by developing a new Mass Casualty Plan and establishing Fire Scene Rehabilitation guidelines. Sussex County EMS became one of the early EMS agencies in the region to implement Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI), significantly advancing airway management capabilities for critically ill and injured patients.

Medic 104 was also relocated to a trailer in the Midway area, continuing the development and positioning of EMS resources to serve the Lewes-Rehoboth area.

2001 | Celebrating Ten Years

In 2001, Glenn Luedtke was appointed Director of Sussex County EMS and named Robert Stuart as Deputy Director. Dr. Kevin Bristowe was appointed Medical Director of SCEMS.

The department celebrated its 10-year anniversary and continued advancing its clinical capabilities by upgrading to LIFEPAK 12 cardiac monitors with capnography.

Sussex County EMS also continued developing the equipment and specialized resources available to its paramedics, supporting both routine field operations and the department’s expanding special operations capabilities.

2000 | New Leadership & Medic 106

In 2000, George Torbert resigned as Director of Sussex County EMS, and Robert Stuart was appointed Acting Director.

The department also continued expanding its field presence with the dedication of the new Medic 106 station in Long Neck during National EMS Week, providing a dedicated facility to support paramedic operations and coverage in the area.

1999 | Bike Team & Capnography

In 1999, Sussex County EMS expanded its operational and clinical capabilities. The department purchased equipment and established the Special Events Bike Team, providing paramedics with a mobile response capability for special events and locations where traditional response vehicles may have limited access.

SCEMS also began using digital waveform capnography, adding another advanced monitoring capability to assess ventilation and support patient care in the field.

1998 | New Tech & Hazmat Growth

Sussex County EMS continued to advance its clinical and special operations capabilities in 1998. The department purchased LIFEPAK 12 cardiac monitors and served as a test site for Medtronic, helping evaluate the new technology in the prehospital environment.

SCEMS also became the third EMS service in the country to use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in the field to treat patients experiencing difficulty breathing, introducing another advanced treatment option for respiratory emergencies.

The department’s specialized response capabilities also expanded when SCEMS accepted delivery of its first Hazardous Materials Decontamination Trailer for use by the HazMed Team.

1996 | Honor Guard Established

In 1996, the Sussex County EMS Honor Guard was created in response to the death of a Sussex County EMS paramedic. The Honor Guard was established to honor the service and sacrifice of fallen members and to represent Sussex County EMS at memorials, ceremonies, and other formal events.

1994 | Advancing Clinical Care

In 1994, Dr. Fishburn Clarke replaced Dr. Doug Allen as Medical Director, continuing the development of medical oversight for Sussex County Paramedics.

Sussex County EMS also purchased the Physio-Control LIFEPAK 11 following FDA clearance and formalized the use of 12-lead EKGs, becoming the first EMS system on the Delmarva Peninsula to provide this level of cardiac care. This advancement expanded the diagnostic capabilities available to paramedics in the field and represented an important step forward in prehospital cardiac care.

1993 | Continued Expansion

A third class of Sussex County Paramedics graduated in 1993. The class included Pat Holding (ret.), Ronnie Johnson (ret.), Chris Lucas, Tim Martin, Sherry Miller, Glenda Pusey (ret.), Mike Pusey (ret.), John Schmitt (ret.), and Mark Sheridan (ret.).

By this time, the department had grown to 46 paramedics and 12 staff employees. Annual call volume had increased to approximately 7,500, reflecting the continued growth of Sussex County’s paramedic system and demand for Advanced Life Support services.

1992 | Growth and Special Ops

Sussex County EMS continued to expand in 1992 under the medical direction of Dr. Doug Allen, who replaced Dr. Gannon as Medical Director. Thirteen Sussex County paramedics graduated from the Intermediate Care Hospital Paramedic Program in Baltimore: Baker, Allen, James Tait, Brian Barlow, Eric Hagan, Shane Hagan, Bill Hazzard, Mike McVey, Rick Keller, Connie Rogers, Joe Shay, Patrick Shay, and Steve Zack. The County also began using Priority Medical Dispatch.

The system expanded its geographic coverage with the opening of three new stations: Medic 102 in Blades, Medic 101 in Lincoln, and Medic 105 in Millville.

Also in 1992, the Hazardous Medical Response Team was formed, establishing a specialized EMS capability to support hazardous materials incidents and emergency response operations.

1991 | SCEMS In Service

On January 15, 1991, Sussex County Paramedics were officially placed into service, beginning countywide Advanced Life Support as an ALS intercept service alongside local fire departments and ambulance companies. The first Paramedic Unit was a used ambulance that had been traded in on a new unit by the Grasonville Fire Department, and local businessman Jeff White covered the word “Grasonville” with “Paramedic.” The unit was stationed at Luker Manor Farm, which served as the agency’s first headquarters and was rented to Sussex County for $1 per year. Director Stevenson’s wife, Louise, served as the first radio dispatcher, using an emergency radio scanner in their Georgetown home.

As the system grew, 10 additional paramedics began training in September 1991, bringing the department to 20 paramedics. The historical record identifies Dennis Hazzard, Vince Segalini, Brian Hudson, Matt Lafferty, Joe Emerson, Cliff Neild, Bob Stuart, Ann Tait, and George Torbert among this group. Medic 104 was also placed into service to provide coverage to the Lewes-Rehoboth area. By this time, annual call volume was approximately 4,000.

1990 | Sussex County EMS is Established

Sussex County hired its first EMS Director, William “Bill” Stevenson, and officially established Sussex County Paramedics. Dr. Mike Gannon served as Medical Director, with Muriel Townsend as Secretary. During this first year, the agency focused on building the foundation for countywide Advanced Life Support—recruiting personnel, purchasing equipment, developing policies, and establishing the infrastructure necessary to begin operations.

The County also hired its first 10 paramedics, a pioneering group known as “The Golden Ten,” who became the foundation of Sussex County’s paramedic workforce.

The Golden Ten
Mike Harris • Marianne Bitner • John Kinsley • Hendricks • Frank Shade • Lee Foxwell • Ashley Lannan • Kirk Miller • Patrick Shay • Karen Locke

1989–1990 | A Vision for Advanced Life Support

Recognizing the need for a countywide Advanced Life Support (ALS) system, the Delaware General Assembly passed legislation, Title 16, establishing Delaware’s statewide paramedic system. Signed into law by Governor Michael Castle, the legislation authorized the creation of county-based ALS agencies, laying the foundation for Sussex County EMS and modern prehospital emergency care throughout Delaware.