Why Join SLU EMS?

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Why Join SLU EMS?

SLU EMS is an entirely student-run organization that affords its members opportunities not available through any other means. SLU EMS practices real and concrete emergency medicine; it is the first EMS agency, and, in many cases, the only EMS agency on scene. This allows our members an incredible opportunity for hands on experience whether they are interested in pursuing a health-related career or not. Some of the other opportunities available to members of SLU EMS include on-going training programs, staffing special and athletic events on campus which include hockey games, football games, rugby matches, concerts, graduation, and a host of other interesting campus events. SLU EMS also provides unparalleled opportunities for leadership training and professional interaction with SLU administrators, the Canton Police Department, and Canton Fire & Rescue. Alumni of our organization have shown, time and time again, that this type of experience is life-changing whether they have pursued medical careers or not.

Working for SLU EMS is one of the most prestigious and exciting job opportunities available to St Lawrence undergraduate students. There are many misconceptions about working with our agency, and perhaps the most common one is that in order to work for SLU EMS you need medical experience. This is not true! Our agency prides itself on traditionally employing those who have little or no experience in Emergency Medicine and providing them with that training and experience. In fact, less than a third of our members run with other agencies, which means that our providers are hand-picked and trained for the University Emergency Medical setting.

But what if you’re not an EMT? No Problem! One of the most important positions with SLU EMS is that of the First Responder. These providers are University trained and certified in American Heart Association (AHA) Basic First Aid and AHA BLS CPR. They are trained specifically to assist the Emergency Medical Technicians with whom they work. Each year we give the opportunity for our First Responders to take the EMT-B course usually offered at SUNY Canton. Working with SLU EMS while training towards an EMT-B certification provides our First Responders with experience that is unique to any other field training available in St Lawrence County.

Responsibilities:

  • Every other week SLU EMS hold a General Meeting required for members that normally last up to an hour. Communication is a vital part of the agency; we require all members to be present at these meetings unless they are excused by a supervisor. During meetings members will receive any new information regarding changes in policies and have the opportunity to do basic in-house training.
  • On call/Availability - Every month a new Duty Crew schedule is released. 2 EMTs and 1 First Responder are on call at any given time. We ask that as a member you are able to commit to the time constraint that applies with the position. In any given month, a SLU EMS member will have about 2-4 weekday shifts and 1-2 weekend shifts.
  • Crews on duty are allowed to move freely about campus, yet while on call each member is required to wear the SLU EMS uniform, which consists of a SLU EMS shirt, khaki, dark, or BDU pants. During a weekday, only the primary EMT is excused from class to respond to a call. Other members respond only if they are not in class at the time of the call.
  • SLU EMS shifts last 24 hours. We ask that the Duty Crew stays on campus throughout their shift but are otherwise free to go about their day normally!

If you are ready to give something back to the SLU Community, joining a great team committed to the practice of emergency medicine, and doing it all in one of the most exhilarating, fast-paced, adrenaline-run departments on campus, please feel free to apply when applications are available!

We will be interviewing our next group of applicants in early fall 2021!