More Than Staging: EMS on the Fireground
John R. Smith
Thursday, June 11, 2026
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM
What does your EMS crew do on scene at working fire? Do you have one? This course will look at the need for EMS presence and their purpose on the fireground, even when there are no injuries or medical emergencies present. We will also look at data and statistics relating to EMS care for civilian rescues, EMS protocols for rescues, and the hard truth about line of duty deaths caused by medical emergencies. A well-informed and prepared EMS crew can be the key difference in outcomes for everyone involved.
John R. Smith
John Smith is the Volunteer Assistant Chief of Dillon County Fire Department Station 3 where he has served since 2013 in various positions including as the Chief and as a career Engineer/Paramedic. John began his career in the fire service as a volunteer, serving the community of Lake View in Dillon County. Since his career began, he has held many positions in public safety, including Current Past President of the Pee Dee Firefighter’s Association, DHEC CEP Instructor, Supervisor/Training Officer at Marion County EMS, SC Fire Academy Instructor, and volunteer with Mullins Fire Department. John is passionate about the culture of the fire service and the rural fire department’s place in it, as well as the role the volunteers play in serving these communities. John is a contributor for Firehouse Junkyard Dogs’ and co-host of the podcast “Fatboy’s Shop Talk”.
