Rice University Emergency Medical Services (REMS) recognized the 26th annual National Collegiate EMS Week Nov. 11-17 by hosting community education efforts and spirited activities to increase public awareness of collegiate EMS.
“REMS celebrated the week with a number of community education events — teaching about hands-only CPR, stop-the-bleed skills and vital signs checks — and some fun relay races with EMS equipment in the quad,” said Lisa Basgall, director of Rice EMS. “It’s important to us that we do more than respond to medical emergencies on campus; we want to be good partners on campus in offering resources about learning lifesaving skills. Collegiate EMS is a great way to promote community well-being as well as to remain prepared for emergencies. This is only possible with the contribution of time and service from REMS members across campus.”
REMS is one of approximately 265 collegiate EMS programs in the United States with another 20 programs in North America.
The National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF) launched and continues to promote National Collegiate EMS Week. Founded in 1993, the NCEMSF is a nonprofit organization committed to scholarship, research and creating a safer, healthier environment on college and university campuses through the support, promotion and advocacy of campus-based emergency medical services. The foundation is also committed to the advancement of existing response groups and assisting in the development of new response groups.
NCEMSF serves as an umbrella organization supporting its member colleges and universities in providing campus-based emergency medical services. These EMS programs are often student-run organizations comprised of highly trained students ready to respond in any medical emergency. Student volunteers respond within minutes and provide emergency care tailored specifically to their campus community. These groups range from quick-response services on foot or bike to advanced life-support transporting units.
In addition to providing for the acquisition of medical knowledge, campus-based EMS allows student participants to develop certain life skills including leadership, communication and decision-making.
For more information about REMS and the services offered, including free CPR and first aid training, visit rems.rice.edu.