New Ambulance Program to Improve Emergency Care Access Across Tri-County

HCA Healthcare Trident and Summerville launch dedicated transport service to quickly move patients to full-service hospitals.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:55am

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring where the outline of an ambulance is defined entirely by vibrant neon lines against a dark background, emphasizing the shape and electricity of emergency medical transport.A new dedicated ambulance service will help bridge the gap between initial emergency care and advanced hospital resources in the tri-county region.James Island Today

Healthcare facilities in North Charleston and Summerville are launching a new interfacility transport service on Thursday that will add four dedicated ambulances stationed at the hospitals' freestanding emergency rooms. The program aims to speed up treatment for patients needing a higher level of care and reduce strain on local county EMS agencies.

Why it matters

Quick transport to a full-service hospital can be lifesaving, especially in the tri-county region where access to advanced emergency resources can be limited. This program helps bridge the gap between initial evaluation at a freestanding ER and the specialized care available at a major hospital.

The details

The new ambulances will have the same capabilities as county emergency vehicles and will be operated by a dedicated medical transport team focused on safety, efficiency, and patient care. The goal is to quickly move patients who need a higher level of care from the freestanding ERs to Trident Hospital and Summerville Medical Center, keeping local EMS available for community emergencies.

  • The new interfacility transport service will launch on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • HCA Healthcare currently operates freestanding emergency rooms in the Charleston region, with two more locations expected to open later this year.

The players

HCA Healthcare Trident

A healthcare system operating hospitals and freestanding emergency rooms in the Charleston, South Carolina region.

Summerville Medical Center

A hospital in Summerville, South Carolina that is part of the HCA Healthcare network.

Scott Hayes, MD

Trident Hospital Emergency Medicine Physician and medical director of the hospital's emergency medicine department.

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What they’re saying

“Access to hospital-based emergency care is often lifesaving. This program helps bridge the gap between initial evaluation at a freestanding ER and the specialized resources available at a full-service hospital.”

— Scott Hayes, MD, Trident Hospital Emergency Medicine Physician and medical director of the hospital's emergency medicine department

What’s next

The new interfacility transport program will begin operations on Thursday, April 10, 2026 with a ribbon-cutting event planned at Trident Hospital in North Charleston.

The takeaway

This new dedicated ambulance service aims to improve emergency care access and outcomes across the tri-county region by quickly transporting patients from freestanding ERs to full-service hospitals, while also reducing strain on local EMS resources. It's an innovative solution to address gaps in the local healthcare system.