Campus SafetyEmergency Medical Service
What is HWS EMS?
Operating since August 2008, the Hobart and William Smith Colleges Emergency Medical Service (HWS EMS) is committed to providing a professional and rapid first response emergency medical service to the community of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Our service is founded with a commitment of compassion, professionalism and service to not only the HWS Colleges as well as the greater Geneva community. We are a BLS FRS (Basic Life Support First Response Service) meaning all of our members are New York state certified EMT's, but we do not transport our patients to the hospital. We are dispatched by Campus Safety and respond to calls on campus with our first response vehicle.
Who is HWS EMS?
HWS EMS is made up entirely of student volunteers. Most of our EMT's apply and join as first-years, take the EMT course their first-year spring, and begin working with us at the beginning of their sophomore year. Occasionally, we will accept a sophomore as well, though usually less apply. We also have members who received EMT certification (in NY or otherwise) before arriving at HWS. HWS EMS is a student organization, so all of our leadership are also students, and they manage everything from the day to day operations to multiyear projects.
How can I get involved?
Every fall, HWS EMS accepts applications from interested students, regardless of whether they have an NY EMT-B certification. Students who have obtained a certification on their own before enrolling at Hobart or William Smith are also welcome to apply, and will go through an expedited application process. If accepted, new members will be enrolled in a NY EMT-B course at Finger Lakes Community College during the Spring semester. The class is paid for by HWS, and HWS EMS current members will work closely with the EMT students to ensure that they are both comfortable with practical skills, and up to speed on general knowledge. At the end of the course, the new members will have to pass a written exam, and practical skill test in order to obtain their certification. There is also an option to take the NREMT exam, which would allow students not native to NY transfer their certificate to their home state. Students in the pre-health professions program will also receive an internship credit for successful completion of the course.
CONTACT US
IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY CALL THE CAMPUS EMERGENCY LINE: (315) 781-3333
The best way to reach us for non emergencies is through email: EMS@hws.edu. The office of campus safety can be reached at: 315-781-3656. You can address any mail to:
HWS EMS
300 Pulteney St.
Geneva, NY
14456