Emergency Medical Services

The South Kingstown Emergency Medical Services (SKEMS) Department provides emergency medical treatment and transportation of the sick and/or injured.

We also promote a town-wide community-based emergency medical services system that reduces premature death and disability from acute illness and injury through prevention, education, and providing specific community services, as outlined below:

Community Paramedic Program

South Kingstown's Community Paramedic Program (CPP) provides non-emergency healthcare services for selected individuals with chronic illnesses. We receive specialized training in order to perform at-home services and assessments, with a focus on health promotion, system navigation and injury prevention. The service is free of charge and does not require a doctor's referral. Services include:

• blood pressure checks
• in-home bloodwork
• home and fall risk safety assessments
• vaccinations
• scheduled wellness checks
• assistance with telehealth visits

For more information, contact the CPP program administrator at cpp@southkingstownri.gov or at (401) 209-8737.

South Kingstown's Community Paramedic Program is part of a regional effort -- serving South Kingstown, Narragansett and Charlestown -- called South County Mobile Integrated Health. 
Click here for their brochure.  

CPR Classes

According to the American Heart Association, approximately 80% of cardiac arrests occur at home and about 92% of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before they reach the hospital. Getting help right away is crucial to survival. If more people knew CPR, more lives could be saved. Statistics show that immediate CPR can more than double a victim’s chance of survival.

South Kingstown EMS offers two types of American Heart Association CPR training: HandsOnly™ CPR and BLS Certified CPR. If you’d like to offer a CPR class at your organization, please complete this form.

South Kingstown Emergency Medical Services is also charged with maintaining a state of readiness for emergency response, including promoting and participating in efforts like these:

Special Needs Registry

The State of Rhode Island has developed a registry for Rhode Islanders with disabilities, chronic conditions, and other special healthcare needs. Enrolling in Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry lets police, fire, and other first responders in your community better prepare for and respond to your needs during a hurricane, storm, or other emergency.

Code RED

The Town of South Kingstown has implemented a state-of-the-art community notification system to alert citizens about emergencies and other important community news. The community notification system, provided by Code RED, enables the Town to provide essential information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, fires, floods, unexpected road closures, or evacuation of buildings or neighborhoods. Please take the time to sign up for the notification service.

Disaster Preparation 

We cannot predict when disasters or emergencies will strike, but we can work to make sure that all Rhode Islanders are prepared. Ideally, everyone should be prepared and have emergency resources available in the event of a disaster. Being prepared may sound like an overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be. Follow three steps to get started: Make a Kit, Make a Plan, and Stay Informed. Details. 

South Kingstown Emergency Medical Services coordinates with the South Kingstown Police Department, Union Fire District (UFD), Kingston Fire District (KFD), South County Hospital, neighboring communities, Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), and any other local, state, or federal entity as appropriate.