Emory University will not re-start its collegiate EMS program this fall, the university announced. The program was put on pause last spring because of COVID-19.
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Below is the message Emory University Police Chief Rus Drew sent to the campus community:
You may recall that the Emory Police Department (EPD) discontinued Emory Emergency Medical Service (EEMS) operations last Spring due to COVID-19 safety precautions. For the past year, Dekalb County Fire Rescue and their Emergency Medical Service contractor (currently American Medical Response) have been our sole first responders for the Atlanta campus.
After careful consideration, the EEMS program will not resume this Fall. AMR and Dekalb County Fire Rescue will continue to partner with EPD in serving the Atlanta campus.
We did not reach this decision lightly. For nearly 30 years, EEMS (originally the Emory First Responder Unit or EFRU) has been Georgia’s only collegiate first responder program, with many volunteers going on to pursue successful careers in healthcare. Last year brought unprecedented change to our community and our country. EPD has been focused on redefining what it means to serve, protect, and lead by example — creating a safe and inclusive campus for everyone.
We owe a huge debt of thanks to the EEMS and EFRU volunteers who have served Emory so well. Also, please join me in thanking the professional staff who served the program over the years.
As a reminder, AMR and Dekalb County Fire Rescue will continue responding to Emory emergencies as they have during the past year. There will be no change in service procedures for individuals who call 404-727-6111 seeking emergency assistance.
If you have any questions, please email police@emory.edu.
