Frequently Asked Questions

Are Emory EMS medics actually "First Responders"?

Emory EMS is actually staffed by providers at the level of EMT-Intermediate or above, meaning that each of our providers completed a course involving 200 or more classroom and hands-on clinical hours. These providers are experienced in patient assessment, stabilizing a wide array of injuries that are encountered in the field, and can perform several invasive interventions as well as administering certain emergency medications. Questions usually arise about the designation of "First Responder" because EEMS is licensed as a Medical First Responder agency in Georgia. This means we can respond and provide care within our scope of practice but we do NOT transport patients.

Who can take the Emory EMS EMT Course?

The Emory EMS EMT Course is open to Emory University students enrolled in any
of the nine colleges associated with the University as well as affiliates of the University.

Can Emory EMS transport?

No. Although all Emory EMS providers are certified as EMT-Intermediates or above, Emory EMS is a Medical First Responder agency in Georgia. This means that we provide initial care to patients before they are transported by other local responding agencies. We do not have the capability to transport patients to the hospital. If transport is required or requested, Emory EMS will stay with the patient and arrange for transport by Dekalb County Fire Rescue or the local zone provider if it is a different agency.

If I call 911 from a cell phone or landline, which EMS service will respond?

When you call 911 from a cell phone or any landline in the Emory area, you will be connected to the Dekalb County 911 Center. Dekalb County will dispatch the call to the appropriate resources. Emory EMS monitors Dekalb County dispatches and responds to calls which are located in our territory. Therefore, even if you dial 911 from a cell phone, Emory EMS will respond. If you wish to specifically request the emergency services of EEMS, you can dial the Emory Police Department Dispatch Center directly at 404.727.6111 from any phone (cell phone or landline).

If I am ever a patient of Emory EMS, will my information remain confidential?

Yes. As a professional healthcare provider, Emory EMS falls within the guidelines of HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Any information gathered about a patient, at the scene of a call or otherwise, will be kept in confidential, secure records as specified by HIPAA or Georgia law.  Patients over the age of 18 are assured that the details of their call will not be shared with the University or their parents, as they are considered adults under the HIPAA guidelines.

Is Emory EMS part of the Emory Police Department?

Yes. Emory EMS is a Unit of the Special Services Division of the Emory Police Department (EPD); however, Emory EMS volunteers are not police officers.  Emory EMS calls are dispatched by the police department dispatcher on the police radio channels.  On certain calls, such as alcohol-related calls, the Emory Police Department will dispatch an officer to the call along with Emory EMS to ensure the safety of the patient and of the EEMS providers.

Because Emory EMS volunteers are not police officers and are subject to HIPAA, they are not required, nor do they have the authority, to report alcohol-related incidents to Emory University. Emory Police Officers are not medical personnel and are required by the guidelines of the police department to report underage consumption of alcohol, narcotics use or any other violation of the law, to Emory University.

Do Emory EMTs get paid?

No. Emory EMS is an entirely student-run, volunteer organization.

How do I join Emory EMS?

Please see Emory EMS Membership for the guidelines and procedures for joining our unit.

Where can Emory EMS respond?

Emory EMS is primarily a campus-based, student-run EMS agency. Therefore, we respond to all areas of Emory University's campus. Emory EMS also responds to the surrounding Emory community but does not respond to personal residences.  For a detailed listing of these areas and a map which shows our territory, please see the Territory page.

What is Emory EMS' average response time to a call?

The average response time of Emory EMS is 3 minutes.

How is Emory EMS funded?

Emory EMS receives its funding through the Emory Police Department's annual budget.

Do I have to get transported to the hospital if I call Emory EMS?

Emory EMS will arrange transport for any patient requesting or requiring transport to the emergency department. Any patient who calls 911 but does not wish to be transported may discuss this with the Emory EMS provider who is on the scene of the call.