October 2008

GW’s Emergency Medical Response Group Gets First Ambulance

For more than 12 years, GW’s Emergency Medical Response Group (EMeRG) has offered round-the-clock emergency medical care to students, faculty, staff, and neighbors of the University’s Foggy Bottom Campus. On Sept. 11, University Police Department Chief Dolores Stafford and EMeRG’s 70-member staff celebrated the newest addition to their team—a basic life support ambulance.

“We can now treat more patients and provide them with free transportation to the hospital,” says Stafford. “EMeRG volunteers have been looking at ways to take their service to the next level, and an ambulance is what we needed to do that.”
The new ambulance enables EMeRG staff to transport patients directly to the hospital instead of waiting for a city ambulance, saving both time and money. Drivers will be trained through an emergency vehicle operations course.

“Operating an ambulance service is a continuation of the University’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy community,” says Senior Vice President for Student and Academic Support Services Robert Chernak. “It also reflects the University’s sensitivity to our Foggy Bottom residents— especially those who live in the vicinity of the campus—to assist in those unfortunate circumstances when time is of the essence in providing emergency medical treatment.

“I am particularly proud of our students who participate in our EMeRG program, who have for a number of years provided dedicated medical emergency services to our community,” he adds. “The addition of an ambulance will enable the group to provide even more superb care to those in need of medical attention.”

“This ambulance really fits with GW’s educational mission,” says Stafford. “Volunteers will not only provide better service but also gain practical experience, all while giving back to the GW community.”

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu