Frequently Asked Questions

Are Emory EMS medics actually first responders?

No. Emory EMS is staffed by providers at the level of EMT-Intermediate or above, meaning that each medic completed a course involving 200 or more classroom and hands-on clinical hours. These medics are experienced in patient assessment, stabilizing a wide array of injuries that are encountered in the field, and are competent in the use of some medications.  However, a "certified first responder" takes a 40 hour course involving the basics of stabilizing a patient who may be experiencing one of a limited number of medical and/or trauma-related emergencies.

Who can take the Emory EMS EMT class?

The Emory EMS EMT class 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 medics are EMT-I certified or higher, Emory EMS is a "first response" agency, meaning that our medics 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, which EMS service will respond?

When you call 911 from a cell phone while you are on campus, you will be connected to the Dekalb County dispatch center. Dekalb county will dispatch the call to the nearest available rescue unit. Emory EMS monitors Dekalb dispatch 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 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 and will not be shared with anyone outside of the medics who were involved in the call except 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), but Emory EMS medics 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 medics.

Because Emory EMS medics 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 cannot respond to personal residences.  For a detailed listing of these areas and a map which shows the edges of 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 medic who is on the scene of the call.