HILTON HEAD ISLAND FIRE RESCUE
PUBLIC INFORMATION GUIDE
SUMMARY
This guide is designed to be an essential resource for media partners, facilitating effective and responsible coverage of Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue operations. This comprehensive guide aims to direct media representatives to the appropriate sources for information while ensuring a thorough understanding of Fire Rescue's operations, facilities, and personnel.
A significant focus of the guide is on the guidelines for reporting, particularly the policy on the dissemination of information during active incidents. Fire Rescue adheres to a strict protocol of not providing real-time updates on social media about ongoing operations to maintain the accuracy and sensitivity of the information shared. This section of the guide outlines the procedures for media to obtain official comments and incident information. Additionally, the guide offers a details of Fire Rescue's facilities and a look at our leadership, providing media partners with all necessary tools to foster informed and respectful reporting.
JOHEIDA FISTER
Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal
JoheidaF@hiltonheadislandsc.gov
KENZIE HROBAR
Marketing & Communications
kenzieh@hiltonheadislandsc.gov
Following a significant incident, Fire Rescue may issue a media release if warranted. These releases will be carefully prepared in accordance with our internal protocols, privacy regulations, and HIPAA guidelines to ensure the protection of all individuals involved.
If you are not currently receiving Fire Rescue’s news releases and would like to be added to our media distribution list, please email either of our Public Information Officers from your organizational email address. We’ll be happy to include you among our growing network of media partners.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE INFORMATION
REQUESTING FIRE RESCUE INCIDENT INFORMATION
The Public Information Officer can share basic details about incidents within our jurisdiction, including:
Location*
Date & time
Type of incident Damages
General description of the event Apparatus involved in the response *Location may be withheld if it could identify victims.
We do not determine or release the cause or manner of death; that is the responsibility of the Coroner. Injury descriptions may be provided in general terms only—specific medical information will not be released in compliance with both state laws and HIPAA regulations.
REQUESTING FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT RECORDS
Obtaining a Fire Incident Report
A fire incident report is generated by Fire Rescue each time a piece of fire apparatus is dispatched to assist with a fire, hazardous materials incident, rescue or other dangerous situation.
Fire incident reports are public records, available upon request to anyone.
Obtaining EMS, Patient Care Reports
A patient care report is generated whenever Fire Rescue assists a sick or injured person. These reports contain confidential medical information and are not part of the public record. Copies of patient care records are available to our patients, their representatives and others as specified by South Carolina state law. Fire Rescue’s policies and procedures for the release of patient care reports comply with restrictions specified under state and federal law.
We strive to make the process of obtaining copies of records as easy as possible for those seeking them; however, to allow for processing time, walk-in requests are not accepted.
INCIDENT COMMAND PRESENCE
Joheida Fister
Tom Dunn
Justin Cunningham
Jason Walters
Dave Bell
Jonathan Bills
Christopher Osterman
Russell
Peter Janura
Colin Fanning
Chris Blankenship
OUR STATIONS & FACILITIES
