The 131-bed Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro was named to a list of the nation s 100 Top Hospitals for 1997. Physicians are available 24 hours a day at the Colleton Medical Center trauma center. There are six EMS ambulances and one Quick Response Vehicle in the County. Substations with acute-care vehicles are located in Bells, Cottageville, Edisto, and Walterboro. Colleton County is served by a 911 system for all emergency calls.
Fire protection is excellent.
The Town of Edisto Beach has its own fire department with three full-time firemen. The remainder of the county has fire protection from one of 10 rural fire departments. Curricula include programs for gifted and talented students and children with special needs, along with opportunities for leadership in academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities. For high school juniors and seniors, the Colleton Area Vocational Center in Walterboro provides career training. A private school, Colleton Preparatory Academy, offers grades K-12.