Anteater Emergency Medical Services (AEMS)

Last fall a small group of dedicated undergraduate UCI students who are also licensed Emergency Medical Technicians(EMT) got together to form the student group Anteater Emergency Medical Services(AEMS). They reached out to the Emergency Department for medical direction and guidance. The department established an MOU with AEMS detailing that Robert Katzer MD or designated faculty member would provide medical direction to the group. The group was able to recruit approximately fifteen EMT members. 

AEMS’ mission includes providing standby BLS medical care and lifesaving education to the campus community. They have not yet reached an MOU with the campus to provide standby medical services at on-campus events, but have taught more than 600 students, staff, and other community members the Stop the Bleed course on hemorrhage control, including tourniquet application and wound packing. AEMS has great potential to serve the campus community and join the more than 250 colleges throughout the United States that have collegiate EMS organizations. It may also provide our residents an opportunity to teach prehospital care providers and develop leadership skills in managing EMS personnel. Finally, AEMS will develop a new connection between the Emergency Department at the Medical Campus, and the main campus community. With support from the university and ongoing student interest, this group has the potential to strengthen the Emergency Department’s relationship with main campus and provide the opportunity for student healthcare providers to care for their community members on-campus.