John Carroll University Emergency Medical Services (JCU EMS) was established in April 2002 in response to the sudden and preventable death of a student. EMS was established by JCU students and is still run by JCU students who have Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) training and certification. The purpose of the organization is to provide quick response service for on-campus medical emergencies. The organization works with University Heights Fire Department for ambulance transport when necessary. EMS also works closely with the John Carroll University Police Department and the Office of Residence Life.
EMS offers several opportunities for students. The required certification qualifies members for job opportunities in fire, ambulance, and hospital services. The experience develops advanced leadership skills and members obtain clinical experience, such as technical skills and patient care. Many relationships are formed among current members, alumni, and members of organizations that work closely with EMS. Some members of the organization may attend the annual National Collegiation Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF) Conference, which is attended by students belonging to EMS organizations from schools all across the country.
For more details on our day-to-day operations, feel free to browse our three governing documents:
- Our medical protocols determine how our responders assess and treat patients in any scenario
- Our SOP serves as the basis for operational standards and our administrative structure, both internally and in the wider University hierarchy
- Our Emergency Response Plan for Cardiac Arrest
2022-2023 Officers:
Lauren Smith '24, Chief
Hayden Smith '25, Deputy Chief
Hayden Bell '25, Equipment Manager
Toby Jones '25, Quality Assurance Officer
2022-2023 Responders:
Danielle Baffa '23
Gianna Ellis '23
Alexander Gata '23
Annabel McQuillan '23
Kaitlyn Sciortino '23
Grant Lumley '24
Lauren Smith '24
Kai Welch '24
Hayden Bell '25
Jake Gamble '25
Toby Jones '25
Hayden Smith '25
Aiden Hollo '25
Thank you for your interest in working on John Carroll University Emergency Medical Services.
The application is present below. The application will be open at all times. Along with the online application, an interview must be scheduled and completed with the EMS executive board. Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews. For more information about the application process, contact lsmith24@jcu.edu.
Emergency Medical Services Application
You will obtain your EMT-B certification (approximately 150 hour course) at John Carroll over the summer where you will also be CPR and BLS certified. Or, if you are already an EMT-B in another state, apply for reciprocity. EMT-Basics are able to perform patient assessment and manage trauma and medical emergencies with skills such as CPR, defibrillation, airway adjuncts, taking vital signs, splinting, and assistance with administrations of some medication.
You are required to sign up for at least one weekday shift and one weekend shift every third weekend. Weekday shifts run Sunday through Thursday 5 p.m.- 11 p.m. Weekend shifts are Thursday and Friday from 11 p.m. – 7 a.m. You are also required serve to academic semesters on the department and remain in good standing during your time.
While on shift, EMTs may do homework, sleep, eat, spend time with friends, and be anywhere on campus. However, while on shift, one may not leave campus, use or be in the presence of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs (unless directly related to a call), do anything that would prevent him/her from responding immediately to a call, compromise quality patient care, or damage the reputation of EMS. A mandatory callback system is in place among JCUEMS responders using Slack. If able, responders are required to aid in a situation where more responders than on shift are needed.
Training meetings, continuing education, monthly department meetings, and yearly drills are mandatory for all members. In order to receive a partial refund for the course, at least two semesters must be served. All members must follow Standard Operating Procedures on shift and represent the department well at all times.