Who are you?

Yale Emergency Medical Services (YEMS) is a student-run organization that is dedicated to advancing and providing opportunities for members of the Yale community to gain training and experience in emergency medical care. We currently provide EMT and CPR training to the Yale Community, and provide EMS standby at a variety of Yale University sporting events.

What do you do?

We currently provide Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) and CPR training for those who are interested. We provide EMS standby service to a wide variety Yale athletic events and other special events on Yale campus. We also provide YEMS members with opportunities to gain additional EMS experience and training. 

Are you an actual ambulance service?

YEMS does not currently act as an EMS response organization for the Yale Community. Instead, we provide EMS standby (we don't actually have to "respond") at a variety of high-risk Yale sporting events. We are, however, always looking into expanding our role in the Yale/New Haven community.

What is your average call volume?

Our call volume fluctuates. Sometimes we do 0 calls at an event, sometimes we treat 1 or 2 patients with minor injuries, and sometimes we have to send multiple patients to the hospital with serious injuries. 

I'm not an EMT and I don't know anything about EMS. Can I still join?

Of course! Anyone who is part of the Yale community is welcome to join. Your involvement in club politics and your participation in EMS related activities, however, will be limited by your experience and training. For example, you must be an currently certified Connecticut State EMT to stand-by at athletic events. Non-EMTs can become involved by teaching CPR (if they are certified instructors), or simply by learning more about what real-world EMS is like. Non-EMT members can gain quite a bit of EMS experience by participating in YEMS's regularly scheduled drills.

I want to become an EMT! Can YSEMS help

YEMS currently organizes 1 EMT-B course per semester. The course grants membership to the National Registry of EMTs as well as Connecticut State certification. This means that you can work as an EMT-B in almost any state, as well as participating in all YSEMS activities that require EMT-B certification. Go to the EMT-B Certification page for more details. 

I'm already an EMT in another state. What do I have to do to become a Connecticut State Certified EMT?

If you are a member of the National Registry of EMT's, transferring your non-CT State certification is not too difficult and usually involves simply filling out some forms. If you are not a member of the NREMT's, transferring your EMT certification can be more difficult. Different states have different EMT standards, and this affects whether or not Connecticut will grant your reciprocity. For more information, contact charles.springsteen@yale.edu.

What's the difference between an EMT-D, EMT-B, EMT-I, and Paramedic?

EMT-D and EMT-B are the same thing. The "D" was changed to a "B" to reflect changes in protocol. EMT-Is are intermediate level EMTs who can perform additional procedures such as administering IV fluids, intubating patients, and cardiac monitoring. Regular EMT-Bs cannot ordinarily perform these procedures. Paramedic is the highest level of EMT (also known as AEMT of EMT-P). Paramedics can do everything EMT-Bs and EMT-Is can do. Among other things, they can also administer narcotics and other drugs that lower level EMTs cannot.

I/my group wants to learn CPR. Can you train me/us?

Yes! Check our CPR Certification page for scheduled CPR classes and prices. If no classes are scheduled, please contact kira.newman@yale.edu and we may be able to arrange a class for your group.