Charleston County’s emergency dispatch center stands out for its excellence in coordinating emergency responses, earning global recognition for both medical and fire dispatching

Charleston, South Carolina – The Charleston County Consolidated Emergency Communications Center has once again proven itself as a pillar of excellence in public safety. The center recently earned dual accreditation from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) for both emergency medical and fire dispatching, placing it among an elite group of emergency communication centers worldwide.

This prestigious recognition is no small feat. The IAED sets the global benchmark for emergency dispatch operations, and only the most efficient, well-trained, and high-performing centers achieve this distinction. Charleston County now joins an exclusive list as the 171st Emergency Medical and 24th Emergency Fire Dispatch Accredited Center in the world. Achieving this honor is a testament to the center’s unwavering commitment to delivering critical, life-saving assistance to the community.

The accreditation process is rigorous, involving an in-depth review of dispatch protocols, a detailed performance assessment, and a final evaluation by industry experts. Centers must meet or exceed 20 specific accreditation requirements, ensuring they maintain the highest standards in emergency response. Accreditation is granted for a three-year period, during which centers must continuously uphold the IAED’s stringent guidelines.

For Charleston County’s emergency dispatchers, this recognition is more than just a title—it is a reflection of their dedication to public service. Director Jim Lake emphasized the significance of this achievement.

“This reaccreditation reaffirms our commitment to the people of Charleston County, ensuring that every call for help is met with trained, capable, and compassionate professionals,” said Charleston County Consolidated Emergency Communications Center Director Jim Lake.

“From new trainees to veteran telecommunicators, our team works tirelessly to be a lifeline in times of crisis. The IAED’s rigorous certification process and continuing education ensure that we stay at the forefront of emergency response, so when our community needs us most, we are always ready to answer the call.”

Each day, the Consolidated Emergency Communications Center serves as the crucial link between residents and emergency responders. In 2024 alone, the center fielded an astonishing 294,000 emergency calls, coordinating responses across six law enforcement agencies, 13 fire departments, and Charleston County EMS. Their efforts ensure that when a resident dials 911, help is dispatched with precision, speed, and efficiency.

Beyond handling an immense call volume, the center plays a key role in ensuring public safety through continuous training and professional development. The IAED’s demanding certification process ensures that dispatchers remain highly skilled, well-prepared, and up to date on the latest emergency response protocols. This ongoing commitment to excellence ensures that when an emergency strikes, Charleston County’s 911 center is always ready to respond.

Receiving dual IAED accreditation underscores the center’s role as a national leader in emergency communications. It is a testament to the hard work of every dispatcher, supervisor, and support staff member who ensures that every 911 call is met with professionalism and urgency. For the residents of Charleston County, this recognition is reassurance that in times of crisis, they are in capable hands.