Vassar College Emergency Medical Services

What is EMS?

VCEMS (Vassar College Emergency Medical Services) is a student run organization that responds to on-campus medical emergencies and services all visitors and students during the academic year. VCEMS is in service when Baldwin is closed. VCEMS consists of EMT-certified Vassar students and CPR certified individuals to provide care during these emergencies.

How do I call VCEMS?

By dialing the CRC Emergency phone number (845) 437-7333, you will speak to a dispatcher who will send VCEMS to the location of the emergency. The CRC will ask for the caller’s name and ID number. Stay with the patient until VCEMS and security arrive.

When should I call VCEMS?

If you or someone you know is having a medical emergency, has been injured, is having a mental health emergency, is dangerously intoxicated, or any other situation where you feel you need attention from someone who is medically trained to help in these situations.

Will I get in trouble if I call VCEMS for myself or a friend who is intoxicated or has used drugs that don’t comply with school regulations?

Vassar has a Good Samaritan/Medical Amnesty Policy that states that those seeking medical assistance for themselves or their friends will not be subjected to College regulations regarding alcohol and other substance use. To see the specific policy, refer to the Vassar College Regulations Handbook page 37-38, C.

If I call VCEMS, does that mean I have to go to the hospital?

Calling VCEMS does not mean you must go to the hospital. If the patient and VCEMS arrive at the conclusion that further treatment would be necessary, then VCEMS can call an ambulance for you. However, if VCEMS can provide the necessary treatment, an ambulance may not be required, and you would not have to go to the hospital. There are a variety of factors that go into this decision and VCEMS must follow protocol when determining if hospital care is required.

How do I pay for the ambulance ride?

If covered under the Vassar student health insurance policy, the ambulance ride is covered sparing a nominal fee. If you are covered under a different health insurance policy, the ambulance copay will vary.

The Office of Student Growth & Engagement (SGE) allocates designated funds to provide assistance to students in the event of an emergency that results in financial hardship. Please reach out to Dean Wendy to get details about this Emergency Fund at wmaraghtaylor@vassar.edu.

What happens after a VCEMS call?

Following a call, the student will be contacted by Health Services and will be offered on-campus resources, including Health Services, Counselling Services, Health Promotion and Education, Reslife, AEO, or SAVP.

I’m interested in becoming part of VCEMS, how do I join?

To join VCEMS and go on calls, you need to be CPR certified and must attend an orientation regularly offered by VCEMS. Contact EMS@vassar.edu for more information.